The Story Behind The Music
Every generation witnesses the emergence of an artist that stands out. “Who?” from Newport News is undoubtedly one of this era’s trailblazers. Carving a niche for himself with impactful rap concepts, “Who?” delivers with copious amounts of soul, wit, and depth. Like legends before him—Pharrell, Kanye West, and Missy Elliott—he draws from the rich tapestry of rap’s most creative forces.
Born in the historically-rich Newport News, Virginia, “Who?” is a rapper, producer, and artist. His life paints a vivid picture, influenced by his split-family upbringing. His father, a detective, and his older brother, from the streets, exposed him to multiple realities that shaped his music and personality.
A Fusion of Influences His musical palette was broadened early on by the contrasting tastes within his household. While his mother adored Spanish music and his father jammed to old-school rap, it was his brother’s preference for Jay-Z, Eminem, and Nas that truly caught his ear. This rich mixture of influences led him to explore his own favorites such as N.E.R.D., Pharrell, and Missy Elliott.
His initiation into music came from his battle rapper brother, culminating in his 2009 track, “Rockstar Life.” From distributing CDs at the local mall to rebranding his image in 2018, “Who?” has consistently evolved. His discography, filled with hits like “KAYLA,” “EMOTIONS,” and “Not Us,” has garnered significant attention, even catching the eyes of rap legends like Missy Elliott and Pusha-T. Listen to his latest tracks on his Spotify and get a peek into his life on Instagram.
God, Virginia, and Pharrell: “Who?”s Triad of Influence
The spiritual backbone of “Who?” from Newport News is undoubtedly his faith in God. He emphasizes that God is the answer and wishes to convey beauty in failure. Beyond spirituality, his roots in Virginia and inspiration from Pharrell have significantly shaped his sound, placing him sonically alongside giants like Kanye, Tyler, and J. Cole.
What’s Next for “Who?”
While he has achieved much, “Who?” isn’t resting on his laurels. He aims to hit the road and provide an immersive experience for his fans. And, of course, there’s the promise of more music—every Friday, to be exact. As he puts it, it’s not about mimicking others or chasing the machine, but staying true to oneself. For “Who?”, music isn’t just a hobby—it’s therapy and purpose.
In conclusion, “Who?” is more than just a name. He’s a message, a movement, and a testament to the fact that with passion, authenticity, and dedication, one can carve a niche even in a saturated industry.
