Indie hip hop producer and artist Student 1 is following into some big footsteps like Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, the Creator. The Minneapolis resident and Ethiopian native, is making a dent in the music industry all on his own. He put his all into his new album called Truant and the result is the beginning of something special. He also collaborated with Tierra Whack on his song “Yin Yang”. Student 1 will be playing Baby’s Alright on August 4.
What drew you into hip hop?
Family members that played Eminem, DMX, 50 Cent was the beginning of learning more about hip hop. I grew up and gravitated towards Earl Sweatshirt more than Tyler, The Creator.
What are you bringing to the table that is different from today’s hip hop scene?
It’s Attitude based. There’s any sector of music that you can learn the ins and outs of it. I have reached a point not thinking of the music as super foreign. I feel like I am just trying to do everything. I’m not going to shun any type of music away even bluegrass—it may be a new approach of a new way of thinking of things. I know a couple of bluegrass of artists. I originally thought country and bluegrass was kind of boring, but now I know a few artists that are interesting.
How does your Ethiopian heritage show up in your music?
I feel like I got a lot of my melody game from what I listened to my mom listened to growing up. I didn’t understand at the time of what they were talking about. There were a lot of instruments like flute, string, and wind instruments that I can gravitate towards. A lot of that is now embedded in me.
How did you hook up with Tierra Whack on “Yin Yang”?
It was pretty random actually. It was a shot in the dark. I had a beat and a verse and maybe if I pitched the idea to her and see what she says. Her turnaround time is wicked fast. She’s a phenomenal force.
You are from Minneapolis. What’s the scene like there?
I got really attached to the hip hop scene from there. BDifferent, Demon Marcus, Kaleef. Outside of hip hop there’s a great punk scene with Grandma, Virginia’s Basement, FénixDion. For every pocket of music you’ll find something.
Tell me more about your new album, Truant.
I feel like this one is special because I put more elbow grease in it than prior albums. Everything is home grown beats. I’m also shining a light on how I was feeling mentally absent from the scene the last couple years between releases.
How’s the tour going?
It’s been fire. There has been cities where people have been actually showing up where I haven’t expected them to. I am mostly on stage for the most part. I’m usually running and walking around. If it permits I’ll jump into the pit if it seems like the right time.
