Rapper MagicEyez brings magic beyond the eyes

For over 15 years, Magiceyez has been a force in the world of music and captivating audiences with his music.

From the cornerstones of Brooklyn, NY and Holland to the festive atmosphere of Aruba, Magiceyez is an international artist whose experiences speak through his music. His albums reflect a journey through time-the years of struggle and the moments of triumph in his personal and professional career. The melodic beats and soulful verses in each of his songs are a representation of his hard work and dedication to his craft. Magiceyez’s masterfully written lyrics are a blueprint of his life. Each word carefully chosen to illustrate his most profound memories.

Throughout the last 15 years, Magiceyez has painted a picture of his experiences through 3 albums-‘A Real Album’, his mixtape ‘No Gun Talks’, and ‘Retail Value’. Now working on his third LP, Magiceyez continues to amaze his fans with catchy beats and extraordinary lyrics.

Deep dive in MagicEyez

MagicEyez was born in Brooklyn and lived in New York City until the age of 5. After being exposed to the dangers of drugs and violence of the 1980’s, his mother moved the family to Holland. As a single mother, she struggled to keep Magiceyez from the dangers of the streets and maintain her health. When he was 9, she passed away from sickle cell anemia and was raised by his grandmother. Throughout his adolescent years, his grandmother would become a major inspiration in his writing. Growing up in Holland, Magiceyez really began to develop and nurture his music. Together with his cousins from Aruba, the group 5th Quarter was formed and they moved to New York in hopes of jumpstarting acareer in music. 5th Quarter traveled throughout New York performing at many nightclubs and other venues. The group, however, had their differences and Magiceyez pursued his solo career. Working as an independent artist and wholeheartedly believing in his talent, Magiceyez created his own label, TNM Records (The New Movement) with his business partner and long time friend, Overnight Celebrity (Night Vision, Inc). Magiceyez focused on developing his music with projects such as his mixtape, ‘No Gun Talks’, and his first album, ‘A Real Album’.

Artistically, Magiceyez says he always tries to deliver his vision through his music with different perspectives and a canning ability to see ‘outside the box’. He says his first album ‘No Gun Talks’ exemplifies this ability by displaying exceptional lyrical content without having to utilize the common trend of ‘gun talk’ and violence. In his song, ‘One Mic’, Magiceyez discusses the difficulties of being a rapper when the message in the music isn’t about promoting the negative stereotypes that are associated with Hip Hop.

Recording his first album, Magiceyez returned to Amsterdam for inspiration and to revisit memories of his childhood there. Working with artists such as Cedric, his album was able to come to life with songs like ‘Soul Child’, ‘If I Should Die Now’, and ‘Can’t Give Up’.

“A Real Album” is about the struggle of an artist trying to make music about real life experiences without being pigeon toed to make it “real street hip hop”. Instead, Magiceyez used this album to showcase music about real emotions. This album received great recognition throughout Holland and Europe. In 2012, Magiceyez released his second LP on the 20th anniversary of the passing of his mother; revealing his transition from being ‘a kid in the hood without a degree’ to a man successfully advancing in life.

Magiceyez is an international artist whose love and passion for music has expanded through cultures all over the world. He has toured and performed in Ministry, Melkweg as well as promoting his projects on the airwaves with some of the most prominent radio stations. He has been able to capture a huge following in New York City with his thought provoking rhymes, performing at many open mic shows, music competitions, and nightclubs such as the China Club, Club Duvet, and Promenade to name a few. MagicEyez and The New Movement team created talent showcases for gifted artists as a platform to display their skills in front of reputable industry representatives.

Interview

We had the opportunity to ask Magiceyez a few questions. Get to know him a little more and check out his music below:

UV: How long have you been creating and performing music?
Magiceyez: I have been producing and creating music for about 15 years. I initially started as a producer and then started writing my own material.

UV: How would you describe your music and sound, do you play any instruments?
Magiceyez: I would describe my sound as hip hop. My music for the most part has a message, though I do also create music that you could party to. It’s inspired by my personal life events as well as people I have interacted with and I am telling their story. I play the drums as an instrument.

UV: Tell the Unheard Voices readers what your passions are and who or what motivates you to continue to strive in a cut throat industry?
Magiceyez:I am passionate about making a difference in the world. I strongly believe music can heal pain as it has done for me by both listening to stories that I related to as well as writing my own struggles. It has helped me cope with many situations. The music business has shifted and it’s harder to convince people to purchase when downloading or streaming can be done for free. All of my music with the exception of my first album is available for free. I believe in building a relationship with your fan base so in the end they are supporting you as an entity or brand rather than just paying for an album from an unknown artist.

UV: What artists have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
Magiceyez:The greatest artists that influence me musically are: and in no particular order 2Pac, Jay Z, Eminem, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra. Their music transcends time and I feel would be relevant in any era. Many of their songs I could personally relate to.

UV: What do you think your greatest challenge has been as an indie artist?
Magiceyez:My greatest challenge thus far has been to balance my work life as well as music life. There are times where opportunity presents itself overseas or in another state where I am forced to essentially decide between work and if it’s financially lucrative enough to do instead of being able to have the flexibility to go at will. Some would consider my “day job” and salary a success. I believe success is being able to do what you love for a living. I like my job but I love music.

Source : Facebook

UV: How in tune are you with your fans?
Magiceyez:I am pretty in tune with my fans. I am at a stage now where I get to hang out with fans after the performance and get honest feedback. I also engage via social media and respond to every single email inquiry I get from fans.

UV: Has anyone ever given you negative feedback on your music, if so how did you react to it?
Magiceyez:I have gotten all sorts of feedback. I love to get constructive feedback even more than someone just saying it was good. Constructive in a sense that is specific so I can internalize and perfect my craft. It’s important to me to surround myself with a team who will be honest with me and give me feedback. If you don’t get that feedback you will never grow. It is crucial!

UV: To date, what has been your best performance? When was it, where was it and why is it your best performance?
Magiceyez:My best performance to date would have to be Melkweg, In Amsterdam Netherlands. I was raised in the Netherlands from age 5-15 so it almost felt like a home coming. Growing up I always wanted the opportunity to perform there. The venue had about 1300 people in attendance and when I spoke dutch to them they went wild.

UV: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Magiceyez:I see myself in 5 years growing as an artist. I want to establish my brand and collaborate with a major label backing. The kind of music that I write is growing as the general public is getting tired of the repetition of the current state of music. My music is ahead of trend and will be timely in the next 5 years.

UV: What` current projects do you have out or forthcoming projects/shows in progress?
Magiceyez: I am currently working on my 3rd solo album titled ‘A Moment in time” It will be released early 2016. The current project that we just released is my DJ’s Mixtape titled “The New Old School” They can all be found on my website MagicEyez.com. I am performing as much as possible – please also check my website for show updates.

UV: In closing, I would like you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
Magiceyez:Continue to pursue your passion. Don’t do music just for the money or what seems to be quick money. You will be shocked that the people that will support you will most likely be strangers. People tend to project their own fears on you. They want you to succeed but they are scared themselves to take chances since society generally teaches you to “play it safe”. Surround yourself with positive people who want to progress in life and want the best for you. Be teachable, and open yourself up for constructive feedback. Most importantly have fun creating and being who you are.

Follow Magiceyez on Twitter.

As apart of a partnership with Reverbnation, Unheard Voices features deserving up and coming talent that may go under-shadowed in the music industry. Each month we feature an inspiring artist showcasing their music and talent beyond the music.