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Q1.) How did you come up with the name Xpression?
Xpression: “When I was 15 years old, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had a lot of multiple personality’s at the time. I was really into writing poetry, just starting to write my first song and the name came to me naturally as it was my way of “expressing” myself to show case my different characters and emotions with my art. “I said, expression!” That’s the perfect name for me.”
“Then I said to myself, but I don’t wanna’ spell it like the word. So, I dropped the ‘e’ and kept it as “Xpression”. Since then, I’ve never switched it, I’ve been Xpression for over 12 years now. Xpression, the MC nickname came from when I started to develop a deeper connection with hip-hop. But my name is still Xpression, but some say Xpression the MC.”
Q2.) In the music industry, it’s known for people to have depression and anxiety. Do you deal with that too? If so, what’s that journey been like and what keeps you motivated to overcome those situations?
Xpression: “Yes, I’ve struggled with depression my whole life; it’s never easy for anyone. I spent years of my life in a very dark place, especially my teenage years. My family motivates me to overcome that.”
“I have an amazing wife and a beautiful little daughter now that I fight for everyday, and the happiness and love I feel from them has been life changing for me. That emptiness I use to feel is no longer there. They give me purpose to live. I want to be here for them, be the best husband and father I can be and set a strong positive example for my daughter.”
“She looks up to me in everything I do. She wants to grow up and be a music artist just like me, I even featured her on a song off my last album I did, “The Write Path” and before my daughter came I was spiritually disconnected.”
“During those dark times, I was engaged in demonic worship and wasn’t living a life of light. Now spiritually I’ve grown and mature, I’ve asked God for forgiveness for the wrongs in my life and I’ve just been so bless. It’s been amazing for me.”
“Dwelling in the darkness and focusing on negative energy was weighing me down, it felt like a curse I couldn’t get rid of, and it felt like I would be stuck in that mindset forever. But when my daughter came, something inside me changed and my heart felt whole.”
“She was born with craniosynostosis when she was 1 years old and she had to go through major surgery involving her head at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. That was a very difficult time for me and my wife and I remember breaking down so many times, crying out to God for my little one to be okay, and praying for the doctors miracle hands to help her. It was very traumatizing but she made it through. She’s my little fighter and is my constant reminder to never lose hope and how blessed I am. That was the last time I’ve felt depression and since her recovery I’ve been on a whole different light.”
“The doctors did an amazing job on her and she healed completely from such a traumatic surgery. All she has is a scar on her head that’s cover by her hair so most people don’t even know the story. And her recovery is one of the strongest testimonies. I have because I feel like it opened my eyes to so much more. And the impact it had on me changed the way I viewed life forever.”
“She’s the reason I stay working hard, chasing my dreams, and I want to leave a platform for her to continue my legacy, if she decides to. I want to give her the world and a better life than I had. She deserves it and so much more.”
“There was a lot of times I wanted to quit music and give up everything but my wife didn’t let me. She told me I’ve invested too much time into it and have too much talent to quit. My supportive friends and family were also telling me that I was working too hard to let go of my passion. So instead of quitting I decided to work even harder and stay fully dedicated.”
Q3.) What’s your favorite song that you’ve recorded in the studio?
Xpression: “Still Need You or Every Life Matters” and my new song, “Growing Pains” is my favorite single. It depicts myself in a positive light and is the single on my next upcoming album which is going to be a very, very deep heartfelt positive project but also going to be sharing a lot of the struggles in my life.”
“Kinda’ like a continuation of “The Write Path” but an older grown up, a more mature family man viewing life from a different angle type album. The write path though has a lot of amazing legendary features on. It some of the biggest names in hip-hop history. But this new album I’m working on “The Heart Beat” is going to be very personal and it’s going to show case me more as an artist rather than the write path that show cased me as an MC.”
Q4.) What do you like to do in your spare time?
Xpression: “I spend extra time with family, making YouTube videos with my daughter, I’ve been helping her get into the limelight little-by-little, she’s going to be a star one day. I’ve been pushing my photography business, flying drones, and more.”
Q5.) I’m an artist myself, do you see yourself working on a song together with me, Christian Vind? If so, what style of beat do you picture us using, and what topic?
Xpression: “Sure, I love working with new artists, I’m always up for a good collaboration. I don’t have a preferred topic in mind but I’m always open to any new ideas. I try to be a well-rounded artist that can write about anything, so challenge me with something.”
Q6.) What’s next for Xpression?
Xpression: “The next move for Xpression is to continue on the write path, ha-ha. Everyday is a journey and I’m a step closer to where I want to be Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually. And the grind don’t stop and my ideas don’t rest.”
If you would like to follow Xpression on social media, click links below!
