Today we are proud to premiere a video from one of our #SYLR selections, The Balancing Act. The project comes from a New Orleans native by way of Charlotte, Shome. As you listen to the BK Beats production reminiscent of a time long ago, Shome tells you about the pain in his life and the not so easy road of getting to a comfortable spot in his life, economically and artistically. Not only can you hear about his fight but you get beautifully shot sequences of New Orleans in black and white to match the solemnity. We had the chance to ask him a few questions about his ethnicity (Indian) in the Rap game and his conscience choices of song writing.

In NYC, we had Das Racist and Guerilla Warfare Tactics as Middle Eastern/Asian rappers but we don’t hear many from the South. Do you feel people looking at you different when they know that you rap? Do you have many other Indian friends who are a part of the Hip-Hop culture? How do your parents feel about your career choice?

First and foremost I’d like to thank you and the good folks over at The Source for recognizing my content.

But that’s what’s up! Shout out to the homie, Heems! I think people look at you differently these days when you say you Rap, regardless of what race you are. When I meet strangers, I don’t tell them I rap. I like when people figure out on their own or through word of mouth more than anything. Ironically, I have a lot of Indian supporters that back my movement, and have been sticking with me for a few years now. I’m very grateful. Hip-Hop itself has grown and evolved into something that cannot be limited. Once my parents saw how serious and passionate I was about music at such a young age, I think they had no choice but to embrace it.

How bad was your family affected by Katrina? How much have conditions improved? Do you ever plan on leaving New Orleans?

We had some flood/storm damage to our place, but not nearly as bad as some others. I think the storm affected people mentally and spiritually more than it did physically. That was definitely a trying time for the whole city. New Orleans has definitely improved over time-the first few years were tough. My family and I actually relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2007, but I go back to New Orleans all the time. Family, friends, food, the culture of New Orleans-it’s what made me.

You rap in “Hold Me Down” about realizing that you can’t have a 9-5 and you don’t get along with recruiters? Can you tell us that story?

Lol!! Yeah man. I was interning for a company out in Charlotte at the time. The days were long, I disliked the work they had me doing, and I really just hated answering to bosses. I kept telling myself that these guys weren’t much more qualified than me, and that there’s a bigger plan for me. I had just got off work and went to go record a song with my rapper friends Jimmy Kelso & Mullah Mugzie. In short, while writing my verse, I just came to the conclusion that I wasn’t happy working a “9-5.” It might never make me happy. The final results and outcome of a solid put-together music project is way more fulfilling than an hourly wage.

What do you do when you really feel like you’re about to lose it?

I keep to myself. That’s when you learn about yourself the most. I might have a drink or 2, too.

Why did you choose to go all verse and no hook on this one?

I’m just growing as an artist I feel. I’m at this stage where all I want to do is rap and get my emotions out and not worry about structures of a song. I try not to force anything on a track that I’m not completely comfortable with. I’m slowly progressing into composing and I’m excited about the process.

If you won the lottery tomorrow what would you do with the winnings?

I don’t think anyone knows the exact things they’d do. But I’m def helping out all of my family, loved ones and close friends with anything and everything they need. I’m buying all my homies Playstation 4′s. Paying off all my debts. Probably take a few trips to places I’ve never been. And then invest, invest, invest. Oh and get a personal chef! Just a few things among others LOL.

Directed by: Anthony Supreme

Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)