#verseatile

  As you can see in the image above, the artist is ready to distribute his album and posters to the world. Not only does the album look amazing but it also sounds great. The songs and lyrics tell the story of his life and if you thought you learned a lot about Verseatile through the interview with us, you'll learn even more through the upcoming 14-track album. 

  After listening to the album many times, you realize he has revealed some of these songs to the world in the past but now, it's all together in one amazing album along with new songs. Every track on the album produced by his longtime producer J-Phonics and he did an amazing job with this project. 

  Verseatile of course writes all the songs and shows his amazing rap, lyrics and even his vocals through some of the tracks. He features fellow artists MC Jin and Traphik as well as some of his talented friends from church, Tim Pae and Suejin.

  Check out the album review below and be sure to support Verseatile at KOLLABORATION LA on July 26, 2013.  Be sure to listen to his half of the album already uploaded through his YouTube and his 2nd half of the album will not disappoint you. 

1. Loving You Is Wrong:  his song serves as an introduction to who Verseatile is as an artist. Verseatile raps over a sample of Luther Ingrams’ “If Loving You Is Wrong” with lyrics about his journey as a hip-hop artist. “Loving You Is Wrong” was released 11 months ago and is produced by J-Phonics who worked on Verseatile's whole album “Good Mourning.” The song is a good choice to start off the 14-track album as it gives any new listeners a perspective on who Verseatile is. (Click HERE)

2. Good Man: “Good Man” samples Raphael Saadiq’s song of the same name. Yet again, Verseatile gives more insight on his beginnings with J-Phonics, his longtime producer. 5 Months ago, Verseatile released this song to his subscribers and announced it to be on his upcoming album. He says,“This song displays honest frustrations that one may have in their current circumstances, but ultimately realizing that they don't have it so bad. Rather, they actually have it pretty good. I speak about my frustrations as an artist, where I feel like I've been paying dues, but feel like I'm not moving forward. Seeing younger up and coming artists moving ahead gets to me, but in the end, just as the hook says, I need to see how I got it good, man.”  You can feel the subtle aggression from the track which showcases Verseatile’s passion for his music. (Click HERE)

3. Tragic Hero: The song “Tragic Hero” is one of several songs on this album in which Verseatile shows more of his personal story.  The song touches on the death of his father and his grief. The emotion of the song is delivered perfectly by both the production and the guest vocals of Tim Pae.

4. Troubled Eyes: “Troubled Eyes” contains three narratives about young people who went through trouble and pain which had them doubting their faith. This is emphasized with the profound lyrics of James Blunt’s “Cry” which is sampled in this track. 

5. Ride To Oblivion: This song “Ride To Oblivion” was revealed a year ago through his YouTube channel and features rapper MC Jin.  It samples “Use Me” by Garbage. The vulnerability of the previous songs is missing on this track which makes it seem out of place from the rest of the album. (Click HERE)

6. Good Mourning: “Good Mourning” as a phrase was defined by Verseatile as “Healthy Venting.” The song touches on addiction and vices he struggled with as well as the death of his friend and his personal family struggles. The song’s production and Verseatile’s vocals create a mellow sound that lend to the therapeutic tone of the song. This song title is also his album title giving it a certain importance to the album.

7. Beautiful Interlude: Introducing J-Phonics once again though the beginning of his song then going into the rap immediately. This tracks title is literally what it is; a “Beautiful Interlude” centering the album of “Good Mourning.” (Click HERE)

8. The Rebound: “The Rebound” is a fun R&B song that lifts the mood of this album. It’s a song about being interested in someone who just ended a relationship. This song features a rap by fellow artist Traphik and was revealed 2 years ago through his official YouTube channel, garnering over 22,000 views. Verseatile says, “The perfect summer jam for the ladies... and fellas! Summer time tends to set off a lot of break ups & rebounds, so this is a joint dedicated to those who have been in a situation like it!” (Click HERE)

9. Dreamchaser: Revealed 2 years ago through his YouTube channel, this track shows Verseatile again vulnerable, but this time from heartbreak.  What he thought he saw wasn't real in his relationship but he still can't stop from running after her.  Even though he uses a relationship, he talks about chasing a dream and the hardships of trying to get the dream he wants. (Click HERE)

10. Last Call: “Last Call” features vocals by his church friend, Suejin whose vocals are perfect for the track and match his deep lyrics and voice. The lyrics tell a heartfelt story about trying to be strong and the feeling of regret and loneliness. In a recent interview with HypnoticAsia, Verseatile says that this was one of the tracks he was most excited to release as he sees “Last Call” as "quite cinematic”. 

11. Nostalgia: Another song off “Good Mourning” that Verseatile says he was excited to release is “Nostalgia.” You can hear his vocals on this track. “Nostalgia” is a song about reminiscing about a relationship that ended to the point of obsession.

12. Forever: "Forever" is a touching song about Verseatile’s mother and grandmother. One of the most personal songs on the album. His lyrics show what we all feel with our mothers where we don't understand why they do things that embarrass us in front of everyone when we are young and then to growing up and missing everything they did.  Approximately 1 month ago, Verseatile revealed this track to the world though his official channel. (Click HERE)

13. Letting Go: This is another song off the album that Verseatile shows off his vocals. Despite the title of the track being "Letting Go", the lyrics are actually the opposite of making sure to not let go. It’s lyrics show the expectancy of being let go and then the surprise of being loved and being held on to. This track gives hope to those listening.

14. Show is Over: With witty lyrics, he ends the album with a bang and closes the album with "Show is Over".  He even mentions Epik High’s Tablo with the lyrics "makes me feel I'm so ‘epikly’ high like Tablo".  This is definitely a great song to end the album.

Originally from Chicago, Verseatile moves to Los Angeles in pursue of his career and will now participate in the one of the biggest API showcases in America on July 26, 2013 and will be performing with a live band. With over 17,000 subscribers on YouTube, the rapper constantly shows his talent through his videos and new music releases. He has collaborated with many producers in the past such as, Smashhitta, Joey French, J-Phonics, Peez and many more.  

He's been making music for about 10 years and writes his lyrics from personal experiences like family, friends, relationships and God. He will be making his return with a new album titled "Good Mourning" as early as August 6, 2013 and has a total of 14 self-written tracks. The tracks were all procoduced by J-Phonics and has feature artists like MC Jin, Traphik as well as his good friends Tim Pae and Suejin.

In this interview, you'll get to know and understand him as an artist and where his inspiration to his music comes from. If you are already a fan of his music, you'll know more about the upcoming album you've all been waiting for. He participated in a Kickstarter project and successfully raised his goal amount of the album. 

The artist will participate in Kollaboration LA on July 26, 2013 and is expected to release his upcoming album "Good Mourning" early August. 

Check out the interview below.

HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to our readers on HypnoticAsia.

VERSEATILE: Hi, my name is Verseatile. I am a hip-hop artist and a songwriter originally from Chicago. I now reside in LA, pursuing my music career.

HYPNOTICASIA: Where does the inspiration to write your lyrics come from? Are the songs written from personal experiences?

VERSEATILE: Inspiration definitely comes from my personal experiences, whether it regards my family, God, friends, or relationships.

HYPNOTICASIA: How long have you been making music?

VERSEATILE: I have been making music for about 10 years.

HYPNOTICASIA: Why did you decide to upload your video covers and originals on YouTube?

VERSEATILE: I was told it would be good exposure, and because I would be able to do it my way.

HYPNOTICASIA: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

VERSEATILE: Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Eminem, Nas, Royce Da 5’9, Ne-Yo, and old school K-Pop. I also come from a family of classical musicians (my father’s side).

HYPNOTICASIA: How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it?

VERSEATILE: It’s soulful hip-hop with deep lyrics, where I share my story that ultimately points to a bigger story.

HYPNOTICASIA: If you could collaborate with an artist you haven’t already, who would it be and why?

VERSEATILE: I would want to collaborate with Royce Da 5’9. I almost did, too, but he was asking for too much money lol. He’s my favorite rapper of all time, and to be able to share a track with him would mean that I’m good enough to be on the same song together.

HYPNOTICASIA: We heard you were competing in Kollaboration Los Angeles on July 26, 2013, why did you choose to compete this year?

VERSEATILE: I think the timing of it was just perfect. I am currently performing with a live band now (which I have never done before). My sound has matured a lot, and I have grown a lot as an artist and as a person.

HYPNOTICASIA: How do you feel competing with so many fellow artists at Kollaboration Los Angeles? Are you nervous?

VERSEATILE: I used to battle as an up and coming emcee, so the competitive edge is somewhere deep inside me. However, sharing the stage with so many talented artists is just an honor and I’m humbled by the experience so far. I always get nervous/excited right before I get on stage, but once the music cues, I get lost into the music.

HYPNOTICASIA: We also heard you were releasing a new album “Good Mourning,” how does this album differ from your previous albums?

VERSEATILE: I go a lot deeper with “Good Mourning”. The events that have happened in the past 2 years of my life caused my writing for this album to be on deeper and more intimate levels compared to my prior writings. A lot of difficult times were faced over the 2 years. I’m a lot more vulnerable on this one.

HYPNOTICASIA: When’s the expected release date of your album, “Good Mourning”?

VERSEATILE: I’ll try to have some physical copies available at Kollaboration, but the official drop date will be early August, around the 6th.

HYPNOTICASIA: Is all the music on your upcoming 14 track album written by you? Anyone help produce this new album?

VERSEATILE: Yes, I wrote the entire album. My long-time producer, J-Phonics, produced every track.

HYPNOTICASIA: How did you come up with the title of your album?

VERSEATILE: This album is therapeutic for me. The title means “healthy venting”. As I shared, the past couple years have been very, if not the most, difficult for me. I struggled with matters regarding my family, relationships, and my identity. However, the album also conveys the peace, reconciliation, and restoration that I have found through the journey as well.

HYPNOTICASIA: How did you come up with the design for the cover of the album?

VERSEATILE: I just told the designer and photographer my theme of the album. They visualized it very well.

HYPNOTICASIA: We saw that you started a Kickstarter project for your upcoming album and successfully reached your goal. Did you ever have any doubts that it wouldn’t succeed?

VERSEATILE: I was unsure of it at first, and quite skeptical about it all… But when people started to contribute immensely within the first couple days, it looked doable. 

HYPNOTICASIA: In “Good Mourning” you have features like MC Jin, Traphik and more, what was it like working with them on the tracks?

VERSEATILE: The songs with Jin and Tim (Traphik) were done awhile back, but I felt they were appropriate for this album’s theme. Jin and I pretty much did the song via online and we didn’t get to sit in the studio together, but I’m glad it worked out nicely. Tim and I got to link up through a show we did in Florida. He was kind enough to get down with the joint, and it was a pleasure working with him. The other features, Tim Pae and Suejin, are my personal friends from church. They are crazy talented, and I was honored for them to get on this project.

HYPNOTICASIA: Of the 14 tracks on your album, which are you most excited to release?  Would you say it’s your favorite?

VERSEATILE: It’s tough to say my “favorite” as they are all my creations, but I am excited for “Last Call” and “Nostalgia”. I sing a bit on “Nostalgia” and “Last Call” is quite cinematic.

HYPNOTICASIA: Has there ever been a performance you are most proud of?

VERSEATILE: The one I can think off the top of my head is a recent show in Boston. It was my first official gig with a live band. We were the main event. I haven’t done an hour-long performance before, but we finished it well.

HYPNOTICASIA: If you weren’t making music, what do you believe you’d be doing instead?

VERSEATILE: I’d be doing some form of business, ideally related to entertainment.

HYPNOTICASIA: If you can give advice to an up and coming artist, what would it be and why?

VERSEATILE: Self-awareness is so important. I think it’s more important than passion because if you don’t know what you’re good and bad at, having passion alone will not get you anywhere. Know your strengths and know the areas you need to improve and work on. Drive and passion will come that much more when you recognize the potential you have in your skills. Always be learning. Thanks for having me! God bless.