24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are?

Queat Harris: Bonjour world, Je m’appelle Queat Harris. I’m 26 years old, representing the ‘Sipp (Mississippi) and I do this for the love of the music – besides the fact that I want to retire my parents. I’m primarily rapping now, but I have plans to grow into an artist unable to be defined by one genre as my skills and contacts progress.

24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?

Queat Harris: I’ve always had a thing for music. I wrote dozens of songs as a teen before I actually went to a professional studio and got to work with a real engineer. I was inspired by Master P, Three 6 Mafia, Pastor Troy & Playa Fly early on. It wasn’t until two years ago that I began to take my skills seriously and decided to pursue a career in music. The lack of substance and consistency from current stars was crucial in my decision to record music as well.

24: What was the Hip Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?

Queat Harris: I grew up in Tunica, MS and it wasn’t much of a hip-hop scene. A few acts from my hometown were taken seriously, but Memphis was, and still is, the Mecca of hip-hop in the Mid-South. So the Hip-Hop scene consisted of 8-Ball & MJG, Three 6 Mafia, Yo Gotti & Playa Fly pretty much. Other local artist had hit songs here & there, but they were clearly the front-runners.

24: What makes you unique as an artist and different from other rappers out now?

Queat Harris: I make ‘relatable’ music. It’s music for the common man. Rap is usually filled with stuff most listeners will only dream of or dare to do. All you need is a radio to relate to my music: no criminal background or lavish possessions necessary.

24: Tell us about what you are working on.

Queat Harris: I’m currently working on videos for my first two projects and piecing together material for a documentary. I’m also in the process of building something great called Know Good Entertainment. The label consists of myself and two others at the moment; IFly & J. Street. I’ve been assisting IFly & J. Street in getting their projects out, aside from constantly polishing my flow. I’m trying to be like Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy in one.

24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
Queat Harris: The only producer I’ve worked with so far is my friend, Termarkus ‘IFly’ Welch. In the future I’d like to work with Kanye West, Jim Jonsin, The Alchemist, MGMT & Polow Da Don to name a few.

24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?

Queat Harris: Yes indeed!! Most of the people I grew up with can’t believe I can do it. They always asked why did I wait so late to start doing music. I can’t explain the feeling I get when compliments come from complete strangers. Although I value all compliments, they just seem more genuine from strangers. I also won my first music competition last year, FOX’s Street Scenes, and was recently selected to be on the ‘Next 2 Blow: Memphis Edition’ by DJ Rocksteddy. Those two accomplishments have been vital in building my buzz as well.

24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?

Queat Harris: Take advantage of the internet!!! It’s the easiest way to spread your influence on a global level. Be original; people get turned off instantly when your style resembles someone’s they’ve already heard. Once you have their attention, be consistent because new talent is breaking through daily.

24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?

Queat Harris: I feel like Hip-Hop is headed back in the right direction. The previous decade was depressing in my opinion. At one point the rap game was drugs, money and dance songs. Nowadays you can find more substance in the lyrics and rappers are becoming more versatile.

24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?

Queat Harris: I’m a massage therapist, so when I’m not rapping I’m usually perfecting my craft and building my clientele.

24: Where do you see yourself going in 2012 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?

Queat Harris: The sky is the limit!!! I see myself continuing to make noise on the underground scene and finally getting some spins on local radio. My music speaks for itself. I feel that if I stay true to myself the recognition I deserve will come in due time.

24: How can fans go about contacting you?

Queat Harris: Facebook: Queat Harris
Twitter: @QueatHarris
Email: queatharris@gmail.com
Website: KnowGoodEnt.com

24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

Queat Harris: Expect greatness…Know Good