Entertainment
Interview with Upcoming Artist Swagger Dagger
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Hi! How are you?
I’m feeling blessed
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Tell us about your background, what has gotten you to where you are today?
I was rapping for 11 yrs and counting. Since high school, I was rapping and it was the thing that made me a popular kid in high school. The thing I would say that got me here today is that I never gave up. Between 2015-2016 I was close to giving up on my music and I felt alone, I had a few friends and I was in a deep and dark emotional hole. But my passion spoke louder than demons and I’m thankful to God that I’m here today.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Where are you from?
I’m from Long Island, New York. Valley Stream (the 516).
Leonard Magazine Journalist
When did you start music?
I started rapping around 2011, so around 10 yrs.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
How did you get into music?
I was actually into music from my elementary school music teacher. She put me on to John Mayer, Beethoven, Ray Charles etc. and years later down the line rap was my main interest. And I was heavily influenced by artists like Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Future, Meek Mill and Kanye West. My elementary school music teacher, she was like a second mom to me. She taught me everything from notes, rhythm and how to record. She let my creativity run wild. Sometimes during recess I would stay inside and we would just talk and I would do special projects, or help her clean up the music room. To this day she is my inspiration.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Who inspires you the most musically?
No doubt Eminem, J. Cole, Drake, and Jay-Z just to name a few. And especially my closest friends inspire me musically and lyrically. And for this album I went to Drake’s earlier albums such as So Far Gone, Thank Me Later and Take Care. But also my inspirations vary from Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Ty Dolla Sign and Ed Sheeran.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
The thing I want people to take away is that no matter who you are, what stage in life that you’re at, what you’re going through and where you’re from, you can do anything you put your mind to. And that as long as you’re ambitious and have heart there’s nothing that can stop you. And you’re always stronger than your past. And never be discouraged and give up. You have so much going for yourself. Do whatever makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be in entertainment, you can design clothes, cook, be a doctor, be a personal trainer, literally anything that makes you happy just do it. If it costs your peace and happiness, then the price tag is irrelevant.
Leonard Magazine Journalist
Any new music coming out soon?
YES. I am currently taking small steps towards the second album “Self Progression” but for right now I have more shows, features, and more content to do and I am beyond blessed and excited for the future. And my boy Of Ethare has a new video out for his hit song “Spider in the passcode” so make sure you guys check that out. But 2022 I have a lot more surprises up my sleeve. And I can’t wait for it all.
