Interview: Los Angeles Based Christian Hip-Hop Artist Brian Phillips
We connected with Los Angeles based Christian Hip-Hop artist Brian Phillips for a very dope and exclusive interview to discuss his new video “Same Size”, what he feels his biggest accomplish of 2018 has been thus far, how the trials and tribulations of his life have influenced his music and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Brian Phillips, be sure to stream his album “Letter From Within”, connect with him on his social media and check out his website.
Congratulations on your video "Same Size". Tell us about the life changing experience that motivated you to write the song.
Thank you. I think immediately after the accident, literally right after I felt a sense of awareness, I thanked God. I knew it could've been worse, and if he was finished with me, he would've taken me home. My car is just a material item; it gets me from point A to B. I don't place high value in temporary things, so once I reflected on my life flashing before my eyes, I was like man...we're all going back to the same place. We are all equal, we are all one.
Of all the songs on your album "Letters From Within", why did you select "Same Size" to make a video for? Also, how did you come up with the treatment for it?
I felt "Same Size" is one of the most heartfelt records on “Letters From Within”. I reached out to a good friend of mine over at Maiigo to discuss the concept of humanity, and what I was looking for, and we got together and shot it at Venice Beach, and downtown Los Angeles.
How would you say that the trials and triumphs of your life have influenced your music, especially as a Christian rap artist?
Just the fact of being here itself, I don't know my biological parents. Most of my songs are from dealing with abandonment, being belittled, neglected, and overcoming so many difficult seasons of life. There's been times where I've contemplating ending it all; times where I've doubted my abilities, and craft, and everything. But what I've learned most is through everything I've been through, God's been with me. He's carried me through all of my trials, and he continues to do so. Music is just an outlet where I express my gratitude, truth, and appreciation for it.
With 2018 winding down, what would you say has been your biggest musical accomplishment this year so far?
Biggest accomplishment musically, I'd probably say recording the project “Letters From Within” as a whole. It was a very beautiful experience that I was able to share with family, close friends, and loved ones.
Finish this sentence - "When someone listens to a Brian Phillips song for the first time, they..."
They say I can't believe you aren't signed already, I didn't know you rapped. You don't look like a rapper. This is SOOO good; you're going to make it. Wow. etc I just say God's blessed me with pivotal people in my life that have helped shaped me into who you see right now. Keep him first, and remain humble. The best is yet to come.
Stream and Share “Letters From Within” on Spotify
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