24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesnt already know who you are.
Mariyo Deon: I go by the name Mariyo Deon. “Who Is” That’s a “Y” after the “I”, but before the “O”. The expanding nature of my presence is certain to gain interest from new fans and industry insiders! #WHOIS
24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?
Mariyo Deon: My passion was birthed in an instance melodically, it has always been with me. It was inherited from my musically inclined father and cultivated by his singing in the church choir. My father’s voice is anointed and I’ve seen his
passion to share that gift every opportunity he gets. I have a gift and I know it. My music is how I share it.
24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?
Mariyo Deon: Growing up in Knoxville, TN was what I made it. I was involved in a lot of activities and played sports all through school. The entertainment scene is not big there so the chances of being heard or blowing up is unfamiliar. I’m not ashamed to say I come from a small city and that makes my journey to success mean so much more. Everyone from home tells me I’m going to make it, but I don’t think they expect it.
24: What makes you Unique as an artist and different from other rappers out now?
Mariyo Deon: The main difference is that I don’t refer to myself as a rapper, but an artist. Our vision is all the same and pretty simple. Become successful in this industry with longevity. Now how the next person gets there I’m not concerned about. I often rehearse how my first interview will go after I make it. It’s been a dream forever, but is slowly becoming my reality. I have placed realistic and measureable goals. I believe it’s most important to actually reach those goals and continue to live out those dreams. Many artist make goals and have dreams, but they don’t always follow through or when it becomes tough and things seem stagnate they give up. To me, it’s important to say you can, that you will, and then do it the best you can. I’ll never settle.
24: Tell us about what you are working on.
Mariyo Deon: I recently just finished my second mixtape “ Who is Mariyo Deon vol. 2” hosted by DJ Pop Dukez in Decemeber and looking forward to the release of the follow up mixtape Who is Mariyo Deon vol. 3: The Campaign due to
drop late March. Currently, I’m just staying in the studio working on new records and continuing to work on finding my sound. In between time I’m working hard to network and land paid shows. You can surely expect new projects to drop every quarter of the year.
24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
Mariyo Deon: I’ve worked with several upcoming producers, but currently working with a producer by the name of Jon Lucas. If the opportunity approaches I’d definitely like to work with Kanye West as a producer/song writer.
24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?
Mariyo Deon: I’m more so grateful, but I don’t ever think I’ll be happy… I believe once I reach success I’ll be happy. This is all planned progress for me.
24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?
Mariyo Deon: It’s going to come down to consistently releasing good music and visuals. Stay relevant and of course… never settle.
24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?
Mariyo Deon: I feel the current state of Hip Hop is always going to be a work in progress. It will continue to be innovated upon by new up and coming artist. That’s generally speaking. The “sound” of Hip Hop is very distinct and I don’t feel it has ever been dead, just over saturated with fads being classified under it.
24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?
Mariyo Deon: Outside of music I am currently sponsoring a youth city league team and becoming more active with the youth in my community. It won’t be releasing anytime soon, but I do have everything in position to launch my clothing line entitled “Ladies Say” for women and “Charles Earl” for men. It’s going to be a very classy boutique type clothing line. That’s in my 5 year plan.
24: Where do you see yourself going in 2013 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
Mariyo Deon: Just work and be persistent. I have this year laid out already and separating myself is nothing I’m concerned about. My focus for the year is gaining more listeners and I plan to do that by not whoring myself to just any
opportunity to get on a track. I’ll only release music I feel and I believe in what I’m doing will gain interest from insiders alike as well as broaden my fan base.
24: How can fans go about contacting you?
Mariyo Deon: youtube.com/whoismariyodeon
www.twitter.com/mariyodeon
www.facebook.com/mariyodeon
24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop with this exclusive interview, do you have any lastwords for your present and future fans?
Mariyo Deon: I want to thank everybody at 24hourhiphop for giving me this opportunity. To my present fans, I love yall!!! To my future fans… #WHOIS
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