Allcapskiel’s new album, Speed Demon, explores the theme of moving too fast and loving too hard, reflecting his personal experiences and relationships. The rapper explains that rather than employing specific techniques, he aims to make music that he truly feels and wants the listener to join in on that experience.
The album’s narrative reflects his philosophy, with songs like “No Mercy” emphasizing the importance of hard work and not taking the easy route. “Secrets to the Grave” highlights the lack of trust in others and looking out for one’s own interests. Allcapskiel pushes the boundaries of his creativity by seeking unique flows and experimenting with different beats, as seen in tracks like “End of the Night” and “LOL.”
The rap artist believes in addressing the lack of black-to-black support in the business and hopes to contribute to the discussion through his music. While hip hop remains influential, he also explores pop music, influenced by his background. If given the opportunity, he would create a soundtrack for the women’s suffrage movement, aiming to shift the narrative and celebrate women’s achievements and struggles.
Check out the complete interview below.
How did you conceptualize Speed Demon’s theme musically and lyrically? What techniques did you employ to capture the essence of different emotional states?
Life is full of ups and downs and when I was putting this album together I was in a down swing. I took a look at my life and relationships with people and objects and realized that I move too fast and love too hard to my own detriment most of the time.
When I’m making music I wouldn’t say that I employ techniques as that sounds very technical and mathy to me. Anything I make I truly feel as I am making it, and I want the listener to join in on that experience.
How does your personal philosophy specifically manifest in the songs and overall narrative of Speed Demon?
For instance there are songs like “No Mercy†in which the first words are “Grind like me I’m Diligent.†I personally cannot respect people that get bad results by taking the easy route and then act confused and rinse and repeat.
Also there is “Secrets to the Grave†in which I’m stating that you really can’t trust anyone in this life to truly look out for your best interests as it pertains to you, NOT them.
The storyline of this album is how I truly feel about this part of our overall lives that we are living.
As an artist who values versatility, how did you push the boundaries of your creativity in Speed Demon? Can you share any experimental elements that you incorporated into the album?
I always try to find different/unique flows and words when I’m making music and that stayed true for Speed Demon. Instrumentals like ‘End of the Night’ and ‘LOL’ are a couple beats I made that sound different from the rest of the album. ‘Pick Up’ is the only Calypso type song but once again, when I’m making music I am feeling it. I believe that music is not internally produced. I believe every song is already made, it just needs to be accessed. So unless I sit down with something very specific in mind that I am setting out to make, I am just a conduit.
Each track on Speed Demon offers a unique perspective. Can you discuss one specific song from the record and how it approaches themes in a way that challenges common perceptions and invites listeners to engage with it?
“Credit Crash†is an upbeat song on the album that actually is a letter and a farewell to anyone who thought my time to be cheap. “Yesterday’s prices are not today’s prices.†As we grow in life that is a thought that should be kept forefront because we are always getting better.
Hip hop has always been known for its ability to reflect the socio-political climate. In your opinion, what are some of the pressing social issues that are yet to be addressed effectively? How do you see yourself contributing to those discussions through your music?
I believe it is starting to be addressed, but it needs to be a little bit more. The lack of black to black support. Mainly business wise. We spend so much money outside of our community and will pay top dollar too, but let it be someone that looks like us, nickel and dime technique.
We often hear about the influence of hip hop on other genres. But if you had the opportunity to explore a completely different style, which one would you choose? How do you think your background would influence your approach?
I actually want to get into pop music and have made a couple pop songs and have one out on all platforms that is pop influenced called “Best in the West.â€
As an artist, you have a platform to share your voice and experiences. If you could create a soundtrack to a significant historical event or era, which one would it be and why?
I would say the women’s suffrage movement, because we have a lot of songs by male artists that degrade or bring down women and that time period was monumental for Americans as a whole. I believe the switch up to having a whole song praising women and all that they have done and gone through would be heard and received well as long as it is timed correctly.
Listen to Speed Demon below:
