Bobby Hustle continues to strive and perfect his craft

Photo courtesy of Bobby Hustle. Photo credit: Nick Morbitt.

Daily Reggae spoke with Bobby Hustle to learn more about his new music, collaborations, and touring life! Hustle has one of the smoothest voices in all of reggae today, and consistently releases good vibes filled music!

What inspires you as an artist and to keep creating new music?

I've been writing lyrics and songs since I was 12 years old. So to me creating new music is just a part of who I am. Sometimes I will go as long as a few months without recording new songs, but I'm always writing down new ideas, even if it's just one line or a simple concept or phrasing. I am inspired by everyday life, politics and current events and even my friends' and family's stories. I love to tell stories with my songs, so almost anything can end up as inspiration if seen in the right light...

What is it like working with Mikey General on your latest single, "Mountain"?

What a blessing to work with the living legend Mikey General. I've been a fan of his for 20 years. When my friend DJ Cansaman from Trinity Sound and Nice Up Radio linked us, I knew I had to get a collaboration going. Mikey said he was a fan of mine as well so the link was sealed. We exchanged emails with our vocal files. I actually wrote the chorus and sent him a demo for him to sing, and he did! The music was composed and produced by my friends from Loud City in Seattle so I knew it was a heater before it was even finished. I'm really happy how it came out!

Do you have a new band? Do you think you'll record more with the full band in sessions?

I have a new band! A solid crew of SoCal players that was put together by bassist and the band's musical director Stevie Ras. Definitely expect a lot from us, both new recordings and tours, tours, tours!

"As Good As It Seems" is one of your cross over hits that any music fan will love! I hear hints of hip hop vibes in the track. Is that something you sought out, or does it all depend on the riddim?

As an American reggae lover, it's hard not to also be influenced by other genres. AGAIS is a great example of that. Rooted in reggae, but also full of hip hop and reggaeton influences, it's one of my personal favorites. That being said, I didn't really seek out a hip hop influence there, it's just organic. I'm a lyricist first, singer second. The instrumental in AGAIS allowed me to be myself. I think that's why my flow hit really well on that one. But yeah like you suggested it kinda depends on each specific riddim I'm working with.

What can you tell us about your new music and touring in 2023?

I can tell you that, God willing, I will be active! I am fully independent and unsigned so I do all my own booking at the moment. I believe I have something unique and missing from the US scene, so the more stages I am blessed to touch, the more shows and tours will manifest. Like I said before, expect a lot from me and the crew in 2023!