We sat down with July Artist of the Month UrealB to talk about his music, his journey as an artist, and how Music Forward has helped him on his way.
Tell us a little about yourself and your journey towards becoming the artist you are today.
I’m UraelB (pronounced ou-Rell-Bey) born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I’m a Hip-Hop Emcee, singer, and songwriter. I grew up playing sports (basketball and football) however, music has been near and dear to me all my life. Hip-Hop specifically has been embedded in my everyday life and has shaped how I carry myself.
Your music is so fresh and innovative! How did growing up in LA influence your signature sound, and who do you credit as your musical inspirations?
The music I make is a culmination of my childhood experiences and the variety of music I was exposed to growing up. LA can be a fast-paced/ever-active place, but the people themselves are extremely laid back and move with a breezy confidence. I carry that energy with me in my effortless lyricism and calm melodies. When I switch things up, I reflect the high intensity and liveliness LA is known for as well. Artists like Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Tyler the Creator, and SchoolBoy Q embody these same qualities in their music that I grew up absorbing and eventually came to display in my own unique way.
Who do you want to reach with your music, and what message do you want to convey to them?
I will reach the people out in the world who have a love for music and love passionate messages. I will tell my stories for those who don’t know them and could benefit from connecting to my experiences; I will tell the stories of others I know who don’t know how to tell their stories or don’t have the voice to express them; and I will always provide the world with messages that speak to the heart and remind everyone that life is valuable no matter what we go through.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
So far, working with Mick Jenkins and doing a vocal performance on Dancing With The Stars have been my largest highlights. Both were significant accomplishments and opportunities to work with musical geniuses. I know the future holds more where that came from
How did you get involved with Music Forward, and what did you gain from your Music Forward experience?
I signed up for Music Forward’s Open Mic series and became acquainted with the platform via Instagram. Something I told myself in 2021 was to put myself out there and stop being afraid of success and ever since I’ve continued pushing my music and brand and becoming a part of the Music Forward network has helped me do that more than I could’ve imagined.
What’s next for you and your career? Do you have any new projects or performances?
My new project will be releasing soon! The rollout and final music touches are underway so the greatest album you’ve heard will grace your ears soon!
Finally, how does music move you?
Music is the one thing that keeps me going. Whether I’m making it or consuming it, it’s the beat that keeps my heart pumping. I’m forever grateful for Hip-Hop and music in general because it’s a universal language I can inspire people with.