Interview with 60 East: Blazing Trails from Ontario to the World
In the world of hip-hop, where street art meets soulful beats, 60 East stands as a beacon of authenticity and resilience. Born and bred off the 60 East freeway, this California-based artist has carved his name into the very pavement he once roamed. With a journey spanning from his backyard to international stages, 60 East shares his insights, challenges, and aspirations in an exclusive interview.
Alexander Davis: 60 East, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Your roots seem deeply intertwined with your identity as an artist. How has growing up around the 60 East freeway influenced your artistry?
60 East: Thank you for having me, Alexander. The 60 East freeway isn’t just a stretch of asphalt to me; it’s the backdrop of my upbringing, the canvas where my artistic journey began. Graffiti was my language, and those freeway walls were my stage. Every tag, every mural was a testament to where I came from and where I aimed to go.
Alexander Davis: Your journey has taken you far beyond those freeway walls, onto stages across the globe. Tell us about the highs and lows of touring and collaborating with hip-hop luminaries.
60 East: Touring has been a whirlwind of experiences, from the bustling streets of Europe to the heart of American hip-hop festivals. Sharing stages with icons and collaborating with my heroes like Sa-Roc and Blu has been surreal. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the connections forged and the culture shared.
Alexander Davis: Your latest release features a collaboration between two esteemed MCs, Sa-Roc and Blu. What inspired this collaboration, and what was the creative process like?
60 East: Bringing Sa-Roc and Blu together was a dream come true. They’re both artists I deeply admire, and the synergy between them was electric. It was about bridging worlds, creating something that resonated beyond borders and genres. The creative process was pure magic, fueled by passion and a shared love for the craft.
Alexander Davis: Your music exudes a message of hope, a beacon in times of uncertainty. How do you channel this optimism, especially in the face of challenges like losing your Instagram account during album production?
60 East: Hope is the heartbeat of my music, the driving force behind every lyric and melody. Losing my Instagram was a setback, no doubt, but it was also a testament to resilience. I refused to let it dim my light or derail my vision. It’s about rising above the challenges, finding strength in adversity, and moving forward with unwavering resolve.
Alexander Davis: If you could collaborate with any producer, living or passed, who would it be and why?
60 East: DJ Premier embodies the soul of hip-hop, the essence of authenticity. His beats speak volumes, each note carrying a story of its own. Collaborating with him would be a dream realized, a chance to create something timeless, something that echoes through the annals of hip-hop history.
Alexander Davis: Looking ahead, where do you envision your music taking you? What milestones do you aspire to achieve?
60 East: I see my music as a passport to uncharted territories, a vessel for exploration and expression. From touring unseen corners of the world to earning my place in rooms I’ve only dreamed of, the journey is limitless. Releasing my debut album was just the beginning; there’s a universe of possibilities waiting to be explored.
Alexander Davis: Finally, what’s next for 60 East? Any upcoming projects or collaborations on the horizon?
60 East: Most definitely. The fire within me burns brighter than ever, igniting new projects, new collaborations, and new stories to tell. Stay tuned for what’s to come; the journey is far from over.
