Hip hop has evolved with the times. Along the way, the music genre has become associated with profane language and notoriety, which is rather unfortunate because hip hop is one of the most celebrated forms of music globally. Aiming to break free from that prejudice is Clas A. Poet, an upcoming artist who wants to bring back integrity into the “gangsta” culture.
Clas A. Poet has found a home in music for as long as he can remember. Ever since young, he found refuge in listening to music through the highs and lows of life. Music also provided an avenue for Clas A. to connect with his mother. He shared how they used to listen to Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5.
But one thing that hindered Clas A. Poet from freely pursuing his passion was his religion. As a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, he found it difficult to amplify his love for rap because the genre is seen as “worldly music” by his church. “I was very strong and committed as a kid toward the beliefs assigned to me from the religious organization that in the 5th grade, I would refuse to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag. I would even refuse to engage in the school curriculum that pertained to holidays,” said Clas A.
Clas A. Poet further expressed that he felt as if his religion prevented him from honestly expressing himself. Rather than feeling that he belonged in a community, the artist felt isolated from the rest of his peers. It wasn’t until age 12 when Clas A. became free to pursue his passion. He and his mother turned away from their church, and the journey led the artist to become the man he is today.
Clas A. Poet found his inspiration from prominent artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Tupac. At 14, he realized the depth of lyricism in rap music and the effort each artist puts in for a track. “I heard Eminem and Royce Da 5’9’s ‘Bad Meets Evil’ with the song ‘Fastlane’ catching my attention and blowing my mind forever,” said Clas A. Learning from the industry’s icons, Clas A. eventually realized how hip hop lost authenticity and values as new artists emerged into the scene.
“To be very frank, today the Hip-Hop culture is devolving drastically before our eyes. Corporate has made it too materialistic. The youth has lost sight of its roots. The characteristics of the ones before them they don’t have. I founded this movement to show, I too, am imperfect, young and blind. I’m not claiming to be woke, but I do seek insight,” said Clas A. Poet. “The youth are the ones who carry the torches. Music is supposed to be a variety of emotions, good or bad but relative to the time, and creative-not always dwelling on parties and notoriety,” he added.
As the founder of RAP Society, Clas A. Poet aims to unite people by bringing back the true spirit of hip hop saying, “we’ve compromised our values, and I want them back.” The artist is facing a challenging feat, but with his passion, style, unique concepts, and political outlook, Clas A. wants to make his mark as the leader who made the change possible. “I am very spiritual and pro-Black, but at the same time, I have a heart for what they call ‘gangsta rap,” shared the artist.
Asked who he dedicated his music to, Clas A. Poet revealed that he speaks for the underdogs and the unfortunate; people who seek empowerment to chase their dreams. He also wants to reach the poor, the youth, and the Black community who have faced prejudice. “I speak to America in hopes they can consider points of view that is not theirs. I speak to those who feel somewhat of a spiritual awakening. I speak to those who get high or drunk to cope with their pain. I speak to those that feel judged, stereotyped, manipulated, and want change and justice. I speak to the hurt, the lost, but not hopeless,” Clas A. said.
With his talent, drive, and passion for leaving a lasting impact in the music industry, the name Clas A. Poet will forever be remembered as a brave artist who disrupted the status quo for the good. Learn more about the rapper on Instagram.
