[Under The Radar] Profile: Mike Classic
By Tip Hicks (@datz_trizzy)
“My father always describes things I did as classic so it always followed me through the years. It’s what my image and music represents; something I want my career, my albums/mixtapes, songs, & moments in life to be”…classic.
Musical influences:
Nas, Jay-Z, Big L
What is one of your shows like?
“Energetic, non-stop excitement, and peaceful at the same time.
Michael Williams, a 21 year old college student, is determined to make his mark in the music industry. The multi-talented artist can do it all; he sings, raps, and writes.
Classic’s recent mixtape Where Amazing Happens showcases growth and maturity from his first project. It includes 18 original tracks, with a feature from Bad Boy’s French Montana, as well as, other artists and producers. “Whole Different Lane” (featuring French Montana) opened up a huge door of support and opportunity for Mike Classic. “It’s because of that track that people became aware of who I am and what I potentially can do as an artist.” Classic was also afforded the opportunity to open for Rick Ross & the rest of MMG during the MMG Invasion Tour this year.
His Queens flow is so captivating; he keeps you hanging on his every word. He uses this same energy during his performances, “when I perform I always want to leave an imprint on people’s lives and give them something to talk about 6 months to 2 years down the road.”
Classic has an exceptional way to pick out samples he uses in his songs. “Pandora’s Box,” a crowd favorite, uses the beat to the Fugees “Ready or Not” and Lauryn Hill’s angelic voice. “Every Year Since” is a dope upbeat track that uses Jay-Z’s “On To The Next” and “Tomorrow” uses snippets from Jadakiss and Nas. He uses tracks like “The Piano Lesson” to emphasize that there is still music remaining that can stimulate listeners “mentally and make you think” and show “people that reaching a dream is possible.”
Where do you dream of performing?
“If I had to choose one place (to perform), it would be Madison Square Garden. Being from New York, we look at MSG as the main stage of what everything is about in the rap game. To be from New York & perform on one of the largest stages would be crazy.”
Future ventures you’re interested in or working on now?
“I’m currently working on my next mixtape which should see some light in October/November of this year. My team and I are also working on a tour with a couple major artists; so the future looks pretty promising.”
Website: http://www.mikeclassic.com/
Twitter: @Mike_Classic
