Stephen Blackmon (born August 19, 1995), better known as CZN STEVE, is an American rapper, singer, table, and songwriter from Dayton, Ohio.
Where are you from?
Dayton, OH
How long have you been making music?
Two years this month. I really started taking it seriously after the first year.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
Oh boy….ummmmm 41 songs, 3 EPs and one full-length album? Yeah that sounds about right. That’s just based off of Soundcloud, though.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
So in July of last year, I lost an uncle and was on the verge of quitting music ENTIRELY. I’m talking no motivation, drive and overall was in a state of uncertainty and just had so much going on that I contemplated giving up. Ironically, this all was around the time the Chicago Bulls ‘Last Dance’ docuseries was on Netflix and I remember how fascinated I became with Dennis Rodman. Like I knew who he was of course, but didn’t know who he really was. Fast forward to a month later, I was listening to beats and came across a fun beat (one that would be for DENNIS RODMAN) and the hook came to me immediately and the rest is history. Sometimes dark moments make for even brighter bounce backs.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
That’s a good question because sometimes I wonder the SAME THING. Hahah, but seriously just hard work, a passion for music and a desire to be known, loved and respected for my craft. Music’s been in my family and has always ran through my veins so it was just a matter of motivating myself and gaining the confidence to do something with my passion. Actually, if it wasn’t for a close friend of mine wanting to make music for fun, I probably never would’ve had a reason to even make music nor take it seriously.
What do you think of the music industry in 2020?
As a fan, 2020 was a dope year for music. Despite the pandemic and racial injustice taking center stage, I feel like music brought us together despite social distancing and not being able to enjoy it to the fullest extent. As an artist, 2020 enabled me to study the industry more and experiment with vibes and work independently without added pressure. The industry is definitely evolving by the minute and I love being apart of it.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
My biggest influences off rip are Drake, Tyler, the Creator, Biggie Smalls, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, The Beatles and Justin Bieber. Oh yeah I vibe with Taylor Swift and Beyonce too.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
Two of my closest friends, so far.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
Just my energy and vibe. I love people and I’m literally me. Like, that’s it. If you see me out, I’m Stephen Blackmon AND CZN STEVE because I never switch up. What you see is what you get. In essence, every artist is honestly the same because we all are creating art and chasing something. What separates us are our stories and how we present said art to people. My story? Well just stay tuned to find out. I’m pretty weird.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Dead? XXXTentacion or Biggie Smalls. Alive? Sheeesh that’ll take forever so I’ll just say Drake and Tyler, the Creator. They’re on my collab bucket list.
What was the first album you bought?
When I got my first car, I ordered Frank Ocean’s ‘channel ORANGE’ CD and played that thing to death. I love Frank Ocean.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
Mariah Carey’s ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ or 2 Chainz’s ‘Pretty Girls Like Trap Music’.
What is your favourite saying?
Stay golden and catch vibes.
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
Exercising, meditating, larping, Naruto running, watching Anime, dancing.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
One tattoo, my late dad’s birthday on my right arm.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
It’s music. It’s vibes. It’s energy. Just stay tuned, it’s gonna be special and wavvy.
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
Keystone.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you guys at ArtistRack for this awesome opportunity! More vibes on the way.
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