Hip-Hop

#GetSOM via @djspins

Recently I got the chance to chop it up with SANTA SALLET to get to know the upcoming DMV recording artist and speak on what he has going on currently.

DJ SPINS: What is your Stage Name? Please tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

Santa Sallet: My name is Santa Sallet and I was born a champion in Roseau, Dominica. I currently rep the DMV. I love cartoons and I excelled at poetry at a young. One day I came home and I saw Busta Rhymes’ video Gimme Some More and the rest is history.

DJ: Who and/or what inspires you to create?

SS: I see rap kind of like martial arts. I enjoy the sport of rapping and I want to continue sharpening my sword and my skills. The way I can do that is to rap with the best. To do that, I need to be part of the best of them.

DJ: How would you describe your sound?

SS: Classic. I bring a lot of classic 90s rap sounds with a modern flair. My rap style is really a child of New York/East Coast rap.

DJ: What is your creative process like?

SS: I am always freestyle. I am forever freestyling. I will hear a beat that’s so dope once it comes on that I can’t stop freestyling to it. The only way I can stop is to conquer the beat by writing a song to it. Then I can find peace once more.

DJ: What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

SS: Busta Rhymes, obviously, but also Schoolboy Q, ASAP Mob, Tyler the Creator, Dave East, Maxo Kream, Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar, and the legends like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z.

DJ: If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?

SS: Schoolboy Q or Tyler the Creator right now would be dope.

DJ: What is one message you would give to your supporters?

SS: Think and grow rich. What you think, say and do is what you will become.

DJ: What is the most useless talent you have?

SS: Juggling and completing Rubik’s Cubes really fast are pretty useless talents.

DJ: What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

SS: The same thing I do every day. Try to take over the world. Being a rapper is just the start. I am an entrepreneur and rapping is just one of my business ventures. So I guess I’d still be making money.

DJ: Who are some artists you admire and why?

SS: I admire Kanye West. He was one of the first artists known for both their production and ability to rap. I wanted to emulate that and produce my own rap albums. In addition to Kanye West, I also admire other billionaire rappers such as Jay-Z and Dr Dre (Not quite…but you get the idea). I too would like to be a billionaire rapper. Finally, I admire Will Smith. What an amazing career. He’s also one of my early rap influences. He has a phenomenal career as a CLEAN rapper and actor. I too would like to rapper/actor.

DJ: What is the best advice you’ve been given?

SS: Be original. I was lucky enough met DJ Jazzy Jeff for the release of his album “The Magnificent” during a family vacation in Cape Town, South Africa. I bought his record and lined up for a signature. When I got to the front I asked him if you had one piece of advice for an aspiring rapper, what would it be? He thought about it and replied, “Just be original. No matter what you do or what anybody says just be original. Be yourself. Be original.” As a huge Fresh Prince fan, I remember being SUPER nervous at the time and like walking away when he started talking, but he stopped me because he really wanted to make sure I heard what he was saying. I now approach my rap career with these words in mind.

DJ: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

SS: I wish it was easier to use other people works to create derivative works. Like I get its copyrighted and you need to be compensated. I don’t get why you are allowed to say no. Let’s make sampling easier. I guess you could disagree with the message your music is being used for, but that’s art. I think it’s meant to be free to grow and evolve. They say you have two deaths: The first is when you die. The second is the last time someone says your name. I want to live forever, baby. Use my music.

DJ: What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

SS: I want to go on tour. I will be dropping my official mixtape early next year. Be on the lookout for Plutography. I want everybody to hear it. I plan to rap all over the world.

DJ: What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

SS: You can find me on everything @SantaSallet. You will find me hanging out on Instagram the most. If you want to get in touch head over to my website at www.SantaSallet.com and fill out the contact form. Otherwise, don’t be weird and just drop me a message on any of my socials.