Last week, we at Epic Network helped introduce an artist born to make music and entertain the world. R.E.A.L (Rhymes Equal Actual Life) and her track “Top Of The World” became a popular one amongst us writers here, to which we had the opportunity to follow up our review of the artist from Bronx with an interview that was equally genuine and a privilege to make happen. if you haven’t seen the article yet, check it out through this link.

Checkout otherwise what R.E.A.L had to say from her back-story to her standing in the music industry now. Be sure to hopefully checkout some more interviews with artists and such in the near future here at the Epic Network!

Epic Network: Hi R.E.A.L, thanks for giving the time to reply to us. We’ve really loved your debut track and are looking forward to hearing more of you. First off, for those that have yet to hear about you, tell us a bit about yourself and your brief rise to where you’re at now.

R.E.A.L: Thank you for taking the time to recognize my talent, it is greatly appreciated. I am a female artist from the Bronx and I’ve been entertaining since a child. Although I have been doing this for many years I started taking it serious about five years ago. I released a song called “Never Really Mattered” which grabbed the attention of the underground hip hop world. I performed any and everywhere I had the opportunity to and captivated audiences all over. Once I released Top of The World and started receiving air play, everything took off from there.

Epic Network: Big and possibly obvious question you get is about your upbringing: Daughter of DJ Easy Mike and niece to Grandmaster Flash. Does that put any weight in mind on you about carrying a legacy? Do you prefer to lead a path of your own and not associate yourself too much to your family out of respect?

R.E.A.L: I honestly prefer to lead a path of my own. I commend them for their contribution to hip-hop but I have my own identity in the hip-hop community. I don’t feel any pressure to live up to what they have done. I know if there was any pressure I can definitely meet the challenge.

Epic Network: Practically growing up in a Hip Hop culture then, you wrote your first song when you were 8 called “Looney Tunes”. Can you still remember what that song was about? Cause When I was 8 I was plain and simply hyper, and in no possession at that time to write a song, I struggled to write the letter ‘a’ apparently!

R.E.A.L: I do remember writing it and I laugh about that song now. I basically took the names of the cartoon characters we would watch as children and used them to describe the events that took place around me. I’ve always been a deep thinker and I’ve been writing poetry since the first grade so it wasn’t hard for me to sit still and create the song. What made it easier was the fact that I had someone there who taught me about format and bars.

Epic Network: Were there raised eyebrows about your music ambitions? Or have your family and inspirations been all out supportive?

R.E.A.L: I was born into a family of entertainers so it was almost expected of me. Some people were apprehensive because I was and A student. They thought I could spend my time doing something more “PRODUCTIVE”.

Epic Network: Going back to your debut track “Top Of The World”, we described it as “a cliche song which shines an introduction to who ‘R.E.A.L’ is, but at the same time bringing a major uplifting song for those that instill belief.” Do you agree to that? How would you describe the song?

R.E.A.L: I can agree with that on some levels. Everyone has a story to tell and I grew up under the same conditions of most inner city youth. Therefore, the story in the song is reminiscent of many records that have already been released. Top of The World is definitely a song about my struggle in everyday but I don’t focus on that part too much. I spent more time focusing on the joy of the success of following my dreams.

Epic Network: It’s a definite hot track, one good enough to be played over the radios and to even better that: More to appreciate than a majority of what you would hear on mainstream levels. Is that a field of area you see yourself playing in? Or you prefer to handle things your way and independent?

R.E.A.L: I am a business woman first so I do understand the benefits of doing it myself. My goal is to take my company REALLIVEENT to the mainstream level. If I do have the opportunity to sign a deal that works in my favor, I cannot say that I wouldn’t consider it. Until then I am focusing on creating a strong buzz in the underground community and working my way to the TOP!

Epic Network: Being a female artist as well we’ve had quite a few discussions and thoughts here about females entering hip hop/music of any sorts and how they can go off “taking the easy route” to attract fans to their music and such. Do you have an opinion on the way Female rappers are regularly portrayed? How do you go about approaching fans regular and new about yourself and the music?

R.E.A.L: Everyone has their own lane so I can only say they do what works for them. I have to do what works for me and stay true to myself. I approach everyone who listens to my music the same exact way “WITH THE TRUTH”. That is what I have to offer. I have a gift from God and a message to deliver and I will continue to do so as long as he blesses me with this talent.

Epic Network: What is your take on the recent Hip Hop music we hear today? Who do you listen to that gets you inspired to further write and keep going?

R.E.A.L: I honestly don’t listen to much rap music, I am a R&B, soul type of person. Some of the music today is cool. When I do listen to hip-hop music I generally listen to underground artist. I think the only mainstream artist I listen to is Jay-Z because as his music grew to new heights I have done the same. I am inspired to write through real life events. If I know I am going to create new music I try not to listen to any music at all. I really don’t want my songs to influenced by other songs because I don’t want to mimic anyone.

Epic Network: What keeps you motivated? What message do you find yourself getting at to the fans and to those just hearing about you?

R.E.A.L: I am motivated by the people I surround myself with. So many individuals work very hard at achieving their around me. I try to deliver of hope, faith and joy to anyone listening to my music. My goal is to inspire any and everyone to follow their dreams. That is why I named the current project I am working on “NEVER TOO LATE”.

Epic Network: Thanks again for the interview, we can’t wait to hear what R.E.A.L has in store for the future. If you’d like to give special shout outs/thanks to whoever you wish, feel free to now.

R.E.A.L: Thank you again for the interview. I don’t want to leave anyone out so I will just thank God and everyone who supports and believe in me.

Follow R.E.A.L through Twitter@realliveent
Checkout her Facebook