Bri: For those who may not know, tell us a little about yourself?

Maurice: My name is Maurice Lydell, a 21 year old artist from Fredericksburg, VA. Born in Kingsbay, Ga, on a naval base. Army Reservist.

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Bri: When was it that you decided you wanted to be an artist, and why?
Maurice: I’ve been writing music since I was 9, but 1 year ago is when I decided to get serious with it after dealing with issues of life, finances, and losing a few loved ones. There are too many dance songs, too many party tracks, and not enough about problems we face day to day as a society.
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Bri: Given only one word, how would you describe your sound?
Maurice: Edgy, but thought provoking at the same time. It can make you dance, but can also make you sit back and think.
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Bri: Who are some of your biggest influences in the industry and why do you look up to them?
Maurice: Hearing a verse from Canibus is what made me write a rhyme. But J.Cole Andre 3000, Nas, Biggie, and Jadakiss.
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Bri: Is there anything you have coming up anytime soon that we all should be on the look out for? Projects, visuals, etc?
Maurice: Yes. I have a mixtape coming out in February titled “Black America” in honor of Black History Month. It will go over topics such as police brutality, the prison system, drugs in America, politics, and many other problems in today’s society. I will be performing at Club Infusion on December 16th, so make sure you pop out.
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Bri: A year from now, where would you like to see yourself?
Maurice: A better fan base, a bigger buzz surrounding myself than last year.
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Bri: What’s your motivation behind it all?
Maurice: Just trying to give a voice to the people that aren’t being heard.
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Bri: Lastly, what are your last words for our readers?
Maurice: Keep pushing, cause we will overcome everything thrown at us. - Bri

Maurice Lydell: The Connection You Need May Be A Few Degrees Away

“Always be ready to spit for anyone because this guy may know a guy that knows a guy that knows Jay-Z. Word of mouth can go a long way.”

Check out the interview with Maurice Lydell exclusively on Skilly Magazine Online.

Skilly: Tell us where this all began. What is your history in the music scene?
Maurice Lydell: I wrote my first rap when I was nine. Nothing too serious, just a little inspiration from hearing music on the radio. Fast forward a few years, around my eighth grade/freshman year of high school. I began diving in to the history of hip hop. KRS-One, Rakim, Biggie, Nas, just to name a few. And that’s how we got here.

What are the best ways to promote yourself as an artist? Any tips you can give us?
Social media. Push your music. Open mics. If your friend is having a party at a local night club, ask to perform. Don’t be afraid to travel either. Always be ready to spit for anyone because this guy may know a guy that knows a guy that knows Jay-Z. Word of mouth can go a long way.

What do you ultimately want to become in your career?
The best to ever do it. I wanna sell the most records, I wanna reach the most people without having to change my music.

What is the hardest thing about being in the music business?
Knowing what moves to make and not make. Knowing where to perform and where not to.

What is it like in your city? What is the music scene like, and how is it like living there overall?
Interesting. Music is rising here. We’re still slept on though. Fredericksburg, VA, it’s small but it’s home.

What are some of advice you can give and share to other artists who are still trying to come up?
Believe in yourself. I rapped for years and never told anyone. I’d like to believe that was all in God’s plan. Trust the process.

What is the best thing that’s ever happened in your career?
I’ll be performing at SXSW in March. Great opportunity since I just came on the scene. I plan to make the most of it.

What is your inspiration?
The average person, the 9 to 5er. I rap for everyday people. I wanna give a voice to the people who don’t feel like they have one. I won’t stop until that happens.

Do you feel anyone can be successful now in today’s world of music?
No. You have to be willing to put in the work. A lot of people make music but don’t make the effort to get themselves noticed. If you put everything into it, anything is possible.

Where can we find you on social media?
I have a project coming out February 1st called Black America in honor of Black History Month. I decided to do this to raise awareness of the challenges African-Americans face day-to-day.

Instagram: @Lydell19
Twitter: @KeepitontheLO_
Facebook: Maurice Lydell - Skilly Online

New Ep Black America by Maurice Lydell @MauriceLydell
Posted by Magassia Promotions on February 18, 2017 at 10:48amView Blog

Originally from Kingsbay, GA, Maurice Lydell was born 7/29/1995. Influenced by the old-school music his parents played, he started writing lyrics when he was 9 years old. He played with it periodically throughout his childhood and young adulthood until September 2016. It was here where he put his all into it. Now 21 years old, he believes God held him back for a reason. It was here where he started to pay attention to the world he lived in. And he has hit the ground running. Maurice Lydell was on the critically acclaimed "Rejectz show" in early October. Being only a month in, he had already gained notoriety from a freestyle video he posted on Facebook. He blazed through the classic Mobb Deep record "Quiet Storm" and the classic "Dead Wrong" by Biggie Smalls. Fast forward to 2017, and he has a very busy year ahead of him. Having already done numerous shows, he was invited to an exclusive cypher in Philadelphia hosted by Love & Hip Hop's own DJ Self. He is set to Drop a project titled "Black America in February, that tells the story of African American struggles in this country. He is also scheduled to headline the SXSFLEX tour in mid-March 2017 - once again with an exclusive itinerary. Maurice Lydell just recently connected with FRN Music Group and is in current talks for a management deal. - Magassia