What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Unconventional Loui AKA Louis Davis, Jr., and I’m from Berkeley, CA.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
When I was initially yearning to hear something different—something to make me think harder—the things I was hearing didn’t necessarily resonate with the way I wanted to hear them. I wanted a new-school fashion that glorifies intellectuality, striving for greatness and growth, and beauty in essence. At the same time, I wanted a trap old soul vibe with a cadence and tone beyond the stars.
I realized I was the only one who could create that sound, and it was going to be much harder than the usual Louis Vuitton path. So, I became Unconventional Loui. I’m the only one with my name.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
You can define my musical journey as a low-fi intellectual trap lover boy with a cypher-type melodic vibe. My journey has a purpose: to succeed with humility, where taking an “L” never means a loss but always means a lesson. The path I’m on is a long walk, but I’m in love with all the things you love and shed light on the things you don’t.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
When I create music, I not only write the entire record myself but also produce it myself—everything is in-house. My most interesting recent experience was putting my 9- and 3-year-old sons on the mic. I realized they are much more talented than I’ve ever been, and I’m a beyond-proud father.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Every element of life is beautiful—from beginning to end. Mine will be extended because of the beautiful music I put into this world. Beauty should be recognized regularly because it is infinite.
Force your mind to be different, say things differently, research a better way to explain, and please, by all means, stay Unconventional Loui. Everyone has a little Unconventional Loui inside of them. Be strong. Never give up. Push it through just to push harder. And when you think you’ve pushed your all… push a little more.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
I’ve always paid for everything. Nothing was ever given to me as a handout. All of my music and everything I do is created in my free time—my only time—which is also consumed by all the other things in my life.
I have two wonderful boys. I’m a football, lacrosse, and basketball coach. I’m a personal trainer. I’m one of the most highly decorated salesmen, setting records at my 9-to-5, and I’m finishing my master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management.
Despite my busy life, I always manage to give my half, even when others can’t match me. I often ask myself why others don’t work as hard or want success as badly as I do. My response: I am a boat afloat in a body of water. The only time a ship sinks is when it lets in too much water. Keep floating, soldier. My big break is only around the corner.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Rexx Life Raj, Busta Rhymes, and Kendrick Lamar—lyrical geniuses who incorporate power.
Faraji Wright (Rexx Life Raj) and I grew up together from elementary through high school. That dude is a superstar. I’ve looked up to his work since we freestyled on the team bus heading to football games.
Busta Rhymes is crazy raw. The power in his cadence mixed with conscious rap is incredible. The joint he did with Kendrick Lamar called “Look Over Your Shoulder” is one of my all-time favorites. They completely murdered that track. Anything those guys touch is 5-star elegance.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Some place… somewhere far from here. 2025 is my year.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Making more people great. I feature many artists because I believe you’re only as strong as your weakest link. I thrive on making people better—it’s all about growth.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
I just shot a video with RedFox Productions called “Get The Bag.” You’ll find it on YouTube, and the song is streaming on all platforms.
I recently dropped:
- An EP called “Blood, Sweat, and No Fear”
- An album called “Verbal Vanguard” with KingLung
- A single called “Polish Your Mind”
I’m about to release another album called “SOAPBOYZ” (SOAP = Share Opportunities Amongst People), a hip-hop duo project with G.Rob Jamz since 2016.
I drop singles every 1-2 weeks—lately, it’s been weekly. Thanks for putting “Polish Your Mind” in your blog placements, Folded Waffle!
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Instagram: @unconventional.loui
