JK:. In one sentence, who is Muhammed Naseer Abubakar?
HYM: A young man with a lot on his mind and a lot to say.
JK.What was growing up like for you?
HYM: It was an adventure. A big challenge because we moved a lot and I had temporary friends. (laughing) I was always the new guy.
JK. Educational background
HYM: I went to three different primary schools and two secondary schools. Graduated from whitesands in 2008. Took a year off to "find myself"; then I got into the University of Sharjah with a major in english language & literature. Dropped out in January.
JK. When did you first notice your love for music?
HYM: Man...let's see, to be honest, I've always loved music. But I knew I wanted to be a musician when I started making my own versions of popular songs at that time 2000-2001.
JK.Why was your rap name at first steelz? What made you choose the name?
HYM: (laughing hard) I was unbeatable when it came to freestyle battles & I had the craziest punchlines coming out my mouth every time I kicked a freestyle.
JK: Why did you change the name to; "HYM"?
HYM: It was time to get serious and I needed a name that was gonna represent me So I picked "Nas" Because everyone called me that. But then so many producers kept telling me it was unoriginal I wasn't happy about it and I really did not want to change the name So I just decided to use the name HYM as in HIM which is a reference of some sort 90% of the people that call me hym still resort to calling me nas (laughs) quite twisted.
JK: (laughs) It was a reference to what exactly?
HYM: To "Nas" soo many people still go "who is hym?" & the answer's always "NAS" (winks)
JK:. Were your parents in full support of your musical ambition from the onset?
HYM: (laughing hard) hell no! Only a few of my siblings really took me seriously from the onset. I've been rapping for quite a while now. A decade to be exact. My mum just got the hang of me being a rapper. But my dad still wants me to do more than just music. So in other words,his support isn't as strong as my mum's.
JK:. What was it like recording for the first time?
HYM: Do you mean recording in a studio?
JK: Yes.
HYM: Oh ok. It was in davido's house. A home studio. My neighbour (his cousin) introduced us. He asked me to come through,I did. After about an hour or so, we went in on a beat he had made the day before. It was an amazing experience because I had never met him before but we worked together like we were a duo
JK:. Those who know you and have read your bios know you lacked confidence from the onset. How did you boost your confidence into what it is today?
HYM: (laughing hysterically) evidently you're one of those people. The name change did it all. Everything changed the minute I became hym. And I just kept growing from there.
JK:. Why did you drop out of the university of sharjah; Dubai for production school?
HYM: I love music. Everything about it. All I do is make music really. School just seemed like a waste of time & money. I'm a smart kid and all but my dream is not to wake up in the morning, take a bath,wear a suit & go to the office.
JK: In what way has production school helped you?
HYM: It has just made me live the saying "if you want it done your way,do it yourself". I'm not only learning audio production. Its actually the whole package. Audio/visual tv/radio production. Film making script writing. Acting. In 5 years from now, by God's grace I'll be a one man industry. (laughing hard).
JK:. You are signed to SIY Ent. atm,in what way has this relationship helped your career?
HYM: Yes I am. In so many ways. First & most important is the creative freedom. I get to make any song I want. How I want it. Even though every track goes through scrutiny. Sly Ent changed me from a rapper to an artiste.
JK:. Everybody wants to know how did you get the tiwa gig? the feature on love me love me remix. You did a good job I must say.
HYM: Why thank you! (wide grin). I loved the beat. Bayobeats remade the beat & I don't know how he got her vocals. But I felt like the song could be better. But he sent it to me & so my management got with hers and the rest is history.
JK:. Your song with davido; "dancing on me" I heard was a joke till you finished the first verse. How did the whole song come about with davido and all? How did you know this was going to be a jam?
HYM: He made the beat like a day or two before we recorded and it was supposed to be a rap song but the guy it was for,couldn't get on it and then he played the beat for me again said he had something funny but crazy He laced the hook,it was cool & I scribbled a verse,it was too. Did the 2nd one. I was sure it was a hit when he mixed & mastered it .That was last year summer.
JK:. Who or what is your inspiration?
HYM: Girrrllssssssss. I love girls.
(General laughter)
JK:. Who do you look up to in the industry?
HYM: No one really I'm in a league of my own and no one has been to where I'm going.
JK:. Who have you worked with in the industry?
HYM: Ghana or Nigeria?
JK: Generally; Both.
HYM: Oh ok. R2bees,black lip,brainy,Shem,dee money,Shank,a1 and a few more coming.
JK:.People say where your situated affects your lifestyle and totally everything about you. How does being in Ghana affect your lifestyle and career?
HYM: Man... Ghana's very different from Nigeria. Totally different But the people there are welcoming both in and out the industry & real recognize real.
JK:.How did you meet your DJ; DJ switch? What has the relationship been like?
HYM: We met about 2 years ago. He was already a fan before we met. Never knew he was a DJ until early this year February to be precise.
JK:. What's the BATS movement all about?
HYM: Ahhhhhh!!!! (exclaiming). That's my baby right there yo. (laughs) Its a movement for people who love freedom Real people Lovers of Herbs,good music fine girls and fashion. There's a clothing line & event management firm under the same name.
JK:. All belonging to you?
HYM: Together with some friends Dadeola; @dadz_bats & Otunba babafemi oriyomi. Also got people working with us
JK:. There's this stereotype out there now that everybody is a rapper and people are really frustrated. Most people don't want to listen to songs anymore. What does HYM do that makes him different from the numerous others out there?
HYM: I'm more than just a rapper. I'm a poet & an expert in mind fucking. Excuse the language. You don't have to listen to the song. But once you hear it, you will And when you do, you will know.
JK:. Being a rapper definitely comes with all its ups and downs. What have been your challenges?
HYM: *sighs* That's a whole story on its own.
JK:. Give me a little preview.
HYM: Friends that could or should have helped, didn't. making that transition from their friend that can rap to their friend who's an artiste; They just wouldn't take me seriously.
JK:. Being a rapper also comes with lots of female attention. How do you deal with it?
HYM: Like I said , I looove girls But it hardly works (covering face) I try not to lead any of them on.
JK:.Does HYM have a girlfriend?
HYM: Lol Nahh. I'm single baby.
JK:. Any advise for other upcoming artistes?
HYM: Have a plan & stick to it; Till you see change. God is the driver so sit back & trust him. But damn it pay for transport (winks)
JK:. Finally; my parting question. If you were to come back to earth as a popular Ghanian actor,who would it be and why?
HYM: (laughing hysterically) Van vicker because he gets with all the girls easily. (laughs).
INTERVIEW BY: ENITAN .O. KEHINDE.
FOLLOW ON TWITTER; @netan
FOLLOW HYM ON TWITTER; @hym_BATs
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