Escape The Facade With Prince Wiser's New EP 'Grotto'
Bronx artist Prince Wiser delivers a refreshing EP titled Grotto. Coining himself as the BoomBap Prince, this artist uses jazz-influenced instrumentals as paintbrushes to depict the bleak reality of today as he challenges the status quo by expressing his musical authenticity. Grotto is the perfect blend of truth and sonic euphoria. Collaborating with producers like Soledad Brother, Alan-T, 1st Official & INTLMC, Prince Wiser sheds light on hidden agendas, self-development, deep reflection and echoes the dire need for protection of women and children in impoverished communities.
The four-track EP is loaded with double entendre, brutal reality checks, and symphonic arrangements. Not to mention Prince Wiser’s elaborate rhymes, quick puns, and grandiose lyricism. Grotto reaffirms what many already know; change can occur when you unlearn and course correct.
MORE ABOUT PRINCE WISER
SheBuzzin caught up with Prince Wiser to gain further insight on the release. Here’s the conversation.
Q: What inspired you to release Grotto?
A: “The idea of "Grotto" and the music created around it was inspired by many things, mainly the movie "Skyfall." There was a particular scene in that movie that sparked the idea. When 007 (played by Daniel Craig) gets shot and falls off of the train into the ocean, the beach house imagery…inspired the sound for the album. I wanted this album to be sexy, rhythmic & also very telling. I didn't want to lose focus or lose sight of who I was. Bodies of water, a landmass surrounded by water, and a beautiful underground cavern were [on] my vision board for this project. My goal was to bring the listener into a world of smooth jazz, lo-fi & Hip-Hop. I wanted the music to sound sexy like the 007 imagery…and I wanted [the] free reign to be as creative as I wanted to be…”
Q: Can you describe a bit of your creative process behind this project?
A: “A lot of brainstorming, where one thought leads into the next, which leads into the next, [and] leads into the next. I had about three months to work on the project [that] I had promised to my supporters & the followers of my music. I called upon the aid of the producers: Soledad Brother, Alan-T, 1st Official & INTLMC to provide the landscape & backdrop for the project… [A]fter one song came, the others just naturally followed. By the end of the project, I felt something was missing ( a saxophone player for the jazz vibes), which I reached out to a friend who would introduce me to SaxMan Noel. He came to the studio ready, prepared, and professional and ended up playing on two records off the project: "Candice Patton" & "VEYESINE" ft. Oaklin Winthrop.”
Q: On "I'll Name This Record Later," you say the music is for the children; what message do you want them to receive from your work?
A: “First & foremost, I would like for not only the children but for ALL to understand that as black people, we have the power to create things on our own, on our terms, and we don't need major corporations not owned by us in order to get anything accomplished. We created this music & we should own it in full, from the foundation up. I want the young to understand this because it is in them that our fate as a people moving forward resides. Our progress depends entirely on them. [M]any of us have to unlearn what the previous generation... taught [and] course-correct. [M]ove the rest of black society in a direction that promotes and cultivates abundance & affluence.”
Q: How would you describe your artistic growth on this project compared to your previous releases?
A: “I would say I have grown much, not just as an artist since my last release but as a person. In doing so, it has a direct impact on my art and what I create. Every song, although different, is 100% me. I wrote it, sang it, rapped it, & rehearsed it. I did a lot of experimenting with my voice here, and I had a lot of fun creating! I wouldn't have had it come out any other way.”
Q: "Land Of Blind" is a powerful reality check. Lyrics that caught my ear were: "...your potential of being black is unlimited..." …"Be about your business on this planet again." What are some actions you think will help lead more people to remember that their potential is unlimited?
A: “In order to truly leave your mark, you have to actually believe that you have unlimited potential and that you actually can accomplish ANYTHING… & once again, [Y]ou don't need these other cultures to provide for you… You have a voice. You have power. You have to stand up for yourself and truly believe in yourself FIRST before you can get anyone else to believe in you. Don't talk about it, be about it. Remember where you come from & never forget. [T]hat will be your guiding star.”
Q: From this project, what track would you recommend all new listeners to hear?
"Land Of The Blind" for sure. I would like to think that pretty much sums up what I'm capable of and what it is exactly that I am here to do in this world. I'm here to start the conversation. I'm here to spark the thought. I'm here to shake the table.”
Grotto is Prince Wiser’s capsulated world view that reveals surface-level distractions. The Young N Proud label artist delivers a thought-provoking EP that cant be ignored.
