If you look up the word perseverance in the dictionary it will basically be defined as steady persistence in course of an action, a purpose, or a state despite any difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Perseverance is a trait that not everyone has fully within. The ability to fight through hard times and continue pushing forward through all situations is a characteristic that is admirable and often leads towards greater things down the road. If you ask him yourself, South Florida artist Brisco will be the first to tell you that his life hasn’t been easy and that he has been grinding for years to get to where he is now in his life.

Blessed with an undying belief in his abilities, Brisco has made great strides in his career over the past year, from collaborating with Lil’ Wayne on Tha Carter III album to the success of his own single, ‘Just Know Dat’, all the way to the much anticipated release of his upcoming album, Street Medicine.

Having lost his mother and brother at an early age, the Opa Locka native always had a reason to push for something greater in his life. Having been aligned with Poe Boy Records for the past four years, Brisco understands the importance of being connected to South Florida’s premier record label and the ultimate trust that comes along with it. Though his past may have been checkered and full of hard times, Brisco can’t help but smile when looking towards his future and what it has in store for him.

While sitting in the aforementioned Poe Boy studios, Brisco had much to say as he opened up candidly during an exclusive one on one with 24hourhiphop. In his own words, this is what Brisco had to say about his best experiences in 2008, the release of Street Medicine, his love for music, the importance of keeping his hunger as an artist, and much more…

Musically Inclined…
“I have always been into music. I ever remember my mom always made us clean up on every Sunday and we would always listen to music to pass the time. I just always had a love for music and I guess you can say that it really put the soul into me. I have always b een musically inclined. I used to sing in a choir when I was younger, like 3 or 4 years old, at the church. Losing my mother and brother at an early age really gave me a reason to push for something in my life. I’ve always known that music was going to be something very big in my life.”

Releasing Street Medicine…
“The name of my album is Street Medicine and on this record I have been able to really show people the things that I went through and all of my struggles. Music allows me to release a lot of anger. One thing I know is that when you are going through hard times you really want people to listen to you and music has given me a way to vent out to the world.”

Dealing With the Hate…
“One of the things I don’t understand about being an artist is all of the hate that you have to deal with. To just think that there are people who wake up with you on their mind in a negative way and always have something bad to say about you is kind of crazy. These people might not have ever met you or really know anything about you and for them to just try to tear you down is something I can’t really explain. All I know is that I can’t let that affect me because my bills are always due on the first and at the end of the day I have to take care of myself.”

Rich at Heart…
“Everybody around me is family. Poe Boy is like family and I trust all of these people. I’ve been with Poe Boy forever. I was with another label in the past but I moved on to Poe Boy and it was a better move for me. Through dealing with Poe Boy I have developed my artist skills and my true craft. I’ve been here in Poe Boy for the past four years and people here work hard. I’ve noticed that E-Class really puts his time in and he’ll even hand out flyers himself if he has to. He stays humble and everybody at Poe Boy is rich at heart. Even when we didn’t have money we always knew great things were coming.”

Receiving Support…
“I was born and raised in Opa Locka, Florida. Right between Liberty City and Carol City, Florida. Opa Locka was right in the middle and that’s where I was raised. I just feel that my hood has to ride with me and if they aren’t going to ride with me then they at least need to walk behind me. I have great love for my city and I hope that they can continue showing me support. Everybody can’t be a leader; some people have to be Indians. I might not have everyone’s backing, but instead of trying to tear somebody down maybe they should really listen to me to understand how I really do things.”

Protecting His Son…
“I have a five year old boy, little Brisco, and he means a lot to me. Being a parent is a little different for me because I am in the spotlight and I have to try to protect my son as best as I can from all of the bullshit that gets associated with me. I can’t let the hate that I receive go over on to him and I am just trying to protect him from the music industry.”

Living in the Moment…
“2008 has been a crazy year for me. It’s been really good though. I’ve been able to go new places and meet new people. Like I said, I was on The Carter III album, which sold over a million copies in its first week. I’m also up for a Grammy and everything is just overwhelming for me. I always wanted to be at this spot in my life, living in the moment, and I am embracing it all. I don’t turn away any fans and I don’t turn down and pictures or anything either. I do everything I can to give back to the people who have helped get me here. I’m still learning and I am still a student of the game.”

Keeping the Hunger…
“Basically I’ve learned to just hold on to that money and keep that hunger. The hunger that I have just comes from inside. I always knew that I wanted to be something and it just all came from that. I always looked up to cats that were over the top and that’s where I am at right now; trying to take things over the top. I’m definitely going after that attention and I’m willing to do the things that need to be done.”

Making Moves…
“I can’t hate people for judging me because of the position I am in because I know what it’s like to be in their shoes. I remember when I didn’t have any money and I was looking at people who were making moves and realized that I needed to get like that somehow. I can’t say that people’s criticisms bother me too much but I just can’t stay when it is devious. When people do things and say things out of spite it can really rub me the wrong way.”

From Within…
“Creating music is something that comes from within. Almost all of my music is based off of past experiences I have been through. I just have to find a way to let it out and make it rhyme. I think you just need a lot of passion to make music. I don’t really believe in creativity because creativity is something that is made up. I think you have to have it already inside of you.”

The Magic of Miami…
“Miami is the magic cit y. If you’ve ever seen Scarface, you know that is the best movie in the world and it took place in Miami. The show Miami Vice was one of the best series around and it took place right here. Miami is where it is at and we just have the perfect season for everything. New York is a place where you can be an entrepreneur, L.A. is a place where you can be a movie star, and there are other different places like Chicago as well. Miami is the place for me and I just have to give a shout out to the 305 and everybody who has helped get me here. I want to be the face of this city and you can mark it down, this is where I am going to be for the next ten years.”

My Time…
“What people don’t know about me is that I am a very God-fearing individual. I’m all good and I don’t have an evil bone in my body. I’m just here to do what I love and that is making music. It’s shocking to have this success because I always kept hearing how it was coming my way. I’ve had to do a lot to get to this point. I had to do over a hundred different features with different artists. I’ve done a lot to get better as an artist and that’s why I tell anyone that if you hear a Brisco record, you are going to be a fan instantly. I put my all into every verse. I’ve been grinding for a long time in Miami and it’s not surreal for me because this is something that I always wanted to do. I’ve just happy that this moment is finally here and this is my time.”


Questions and Comments can be sent to Chris at Trimond@aol.com