Sherif
Sherif is a hip hop artist from Virginia.
Influenced by Jay Z, Sherif started rapping at the age of 12. The rapper recently released his new single entitled “Another Life” featuring singer/songwriter/producer Luke Herbert. Produced by Herbert and Big Chris, the single represents the dark side of the Hollywood lifestyle.
The Los Angeles based-artist will be releasing new projects very soon, in collaborations with artists/producers/engineers such as alexNOIZE, Rob Fusco, Big Chris, Luke Herbert, Ammar Malik, Kat Quinn and Price.
“Another Life” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Photo: Victor Lopez
Introduce yourself. What's your story?
My dad is from Egypt and my mom is from New Orleans. I had a pretty diverse upbringing living in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, New Orleans and Virginia. Virginia is home and where I spent most of my life.
Could you tell us a little bit about your childhood? What were the things you we're passionate about?
I moved around a lot. I was always very passionate about writing. My first dream was to become a novelist back when I was 8 years old. I spent most of my free time reading books and then writing short stories. I would finish reading a book and then write a short story inspired by it. I was big on science fiction. Eventually it translated over into writing music.
What did you grow up listening to?
Mostly Hip-Hop and R + B and a bunch of oldies my parents always had playing. Jay-Z, Nas, Puff Daddy, Biggie, Mase, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Wu-Tang, Outkast, Beach Boys, The Beatles, Prince, etc.
Any record or artist that had a huge impact in your life growing up?
Jay-Z is my all time greatest influence and had a huge impact on my child hood growing up. I would say he is the single biggest reason I am making music today.
When did you start rapping?
I started rapping when I was twelve. I was mostly free-styling and writing back then but also a little recording. I made a collab mixtape with my best friend Sharif aka S.Kay on a cassette player when we were in 7th grade. I wish I still had that tape!
When did you know you had to become an artist?
I first knew back when I was around 12. It started from listening to a lot of hip-hop and always finding myself free styling over the songs. That's when I knew I had to be a participant of the culture and not just a fan.
You've just released a new single called "Another Life". What's the story behind it? Who wrote and produced it?
The song represents the dark side of the Hollywood lifestyle. Take away the glamour and step inside the underbelly. The paranoia, shadiness, inability to trust people, and the access of partying, women, drugs, etc. I see it as a cautionary tale. We have one foot inside of it and one foot out. We enjoy the lifestyle but we also recognize its negative effects. It was co-written by myself and Luke Herbert. The song is produced by Luke with co-production from Big Chris.
How was it like to work with Luke Herbert on this song? How did you meet?
Working with Luke is always a great time. We have amazing chemistry and the sessions are always a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to work creatively with someone I didn't see as a friend. Big Chris is also an amazing producer and great person to work with as well. Luke and I met in the studio at Rindge. “Another Life” is the 2nd song we made together.
What can you tell us about your song "RendezVous"?
It's the first song alexNOIZE ever produced and it's a banger. Bangers only.
Could you describe us the songwriting/production process behind this song?
It actually didn't have a hook for a while. We actually performed it live a few times before it had a proper hook when it was unreleased. We would just chant a simple placeholder chorus during shows. I eventually took the hook I had to another one of my unreleased songs and spliced it onto “Rendezvous” and it came together randomly and perfectly. Alex produced the beat back when I was still living in Virginia and he brought it over to my house one night and I went crazy when he played it for me. We instantly knew it was a hit. I also ended up scrapping the 2nd verse and re-writing it cause we thought it was too lyrical and wordy for the song and needed something more smooth to fit the vibe. It was an interesting process because I never re-write anything. I usually just write something and move on and live with it, but this song was basically Frankenstein'd together.
What do you like the most about songwriting?
The most amazing thing about songwriting is the freedom it makes you feel. One hundred percent creative freedom to express yourself truly. I like making people laugh, making people feel real human emotions, telling vivid stories and trying to be as honest as I can. That's always my main goal.
Who's helping you shape your sound and artistry?
All the amazing producers, engineers and artists I'm working with currently. Shout out to alexNOIZE, Rob Fusco, Big Chris, Luke Herbert, Ammar Malik, Kat Quinn and Price. Hamza Malik has also played a vital role in helping me shape my sound and I'm grateful for aligning paths with him.
Why do you make music? What keeps you motivated?
I make music because I need it to survive. Every time I stop making music I get depressed. When I create I feel euphoria at all times. Creation is life.
What do you like the most about Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is the greatest city on earth. I love the people, the history, the opportunity, the weather and the energy you feel from the city every day. My favorite thing about it is In N Out.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
Platinum plaques, Grammy's, world tours, and a classic album that scores a 10 from Anthony Fantano. I also want a collaboration with Jay-Z and Frank Ocean before I die.
What are you currently working on? Any upcoming project?
I'm currently working on 4 or 5 different projects at the moment. My goal is to have all of them completed in the next few months and then keep them on ice until it's time for them to be summoned into the world. Hopefully they all eventually see the light of the day. I love them all.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Taking away labels and taking away control. Allowing people to seek their true potential and not becoming robots.
What's your purpose?
To create, to bring people happiness, and to inspire.
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