Words by Bryant Bowens (@arete88)
Hailing from the Southeast Side of Chicago, Stay Humble Entertainment’s very own Onis, pronounced “honest”, is declaring his Time Is Now. The local MC has been making noise as of late, delivering stellar tales about his neck of the woods on wax. The honest wordsmith is currently putting the finishing touches to his highly anticipated project entitled, The Time Is Now.
We chopped it up with the Stay Humble poet, who discusses his studio session with NYC great Cormega, his reaction to being featured in our 14 Chicago Projects We’re Anticipating list, and his plan B if the rap game doesnt cut it.
FSD: What’s been going on with you these past few months?
Onis: I’ve just been in school for architecture, and of course I’ve been making music. The architecture thing took over my life, but I’m back right now.
FSD: You’ve come a long way since your first project, On The Contrary. How have you progressed as an artist?
Onis: Basically the formatting of the music, and understanding the concept of writing songs. Right now, at this point, writing bars is nothing, so now I’m focusing on making songs. The progression on The Time Is Now joint is catching people’s ear, and I’m trying to touch somebody through my music.
FSD: How did you link up with the Stay Humble camp?
Onis: I’ve been messing with my manager Gene for a minute. I was doing music before I was even messing with Gene. I used to rap with this group name Squad Deep with a couple of my guys. I’ve probably been messing with Stay Humble for six years now.
FSD: You have witnessed a Stay Humble affiliate YP sign to a major label this year. Does that push you even harder to get to the next level?
Onis: I mean, yeah! It just shows me anything is possible. It’s all about the groundwork you lay, and how hard you are willing to go. I salute to YP, I’m definitely proud of that nigga! It ain’t nothing but motivation, so at this point that’s all I’m really focused on—getting to that next level.
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yessuh salute Onis