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

Mickey Monday: For those who don’t know, I go by the name of Mickey MONDAY. I represent the “[Washington] D.C.-Maryland-Virginia” Tri-state area. More specifically: Bowie, MD.

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

Mickey Monday: I actually picked up songwriting as a hobby. I’ve always been drawn to creative writing as a youth and gravitated towards poetry, as I got older. If I could envision it, I could literally describe it to you or draw it out. A lot of people kept composition books as journals or diaries as a child; mine just happened to be filled with songs and various sketches. I was a huge Anime Junkie in my early teens and that helped broaden my spectrum of creativity. I became more interested in music production when I managed to get my hands on a loop-sequencing program called “MixMan DJ MegaMix.” A little after I got into high school [about 10th grade] I was exposed to “Fruity Loops” and dabbled in a little production while I was in the school’s music production club. A year later I mustarded up the courage to perform in front of my school audience; received numerous accolades from my peers and from then on I knew this is what I wanted.

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

Mickey Monday: Being on the East Coast during the 90’s, I vibe’d with the mainstream artist who were on the radio but I mostly listened to a lot of New York rappers. My favorites were A Tribe Called Quest & Busta Rhymes. [I actually didn’t start listening to Jay-Z, Nas & Biggie until I started high school.] You know at such a young age, you don’t fully understand the structure of lyricism but more so the atmosphere. I probably played “Electric Relaxation” A LOT. Of course Busta Rhymes provided the energy and demanded attention on the track, which was probably why I was more drawn to him. You could obviously tell he was having fun and enjoying himself. That’s what convinced me what Hip-Hop was all about. More importantly growing up in the DMV in the 90’s; listening to Go-Go was a huge thing. The most prevalent band I can remember is Rare Essence because “Overnight Scenario” was so popular. [Well that and my cousin was son to the legendary band’s drummer Quentin “Footz” Davidson; R.I.P to them both.] I mean even to this day, if you were to stand on the corner [in D.C.] and say “…3 in the morning at the Pancake House!” I’m sure someone would chime in and finish the rest of the chorus…but I’m not advising you do that. *Laughs*

24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?

Mickey Monday: What makes me unique; as an artist is that I’m not afraid to express my emotions. I feel like a lot of artists are one-dimensional. At times I often find myself being repetitive, because it’s so easy to write about lifestyles that have been personified to us. In reality I can only expand upon what I’ve witnessed and experienced as an individual and nothing more. I can’t picture myself living vicariously through someone else. Boasting about a lifestyle that you don’t live is not an organic feeling [well, to me at least.] Letting my guard down in my music enables the listener to feel more in tuned with the artist, and that’s exactly the kind of relationship I want with my fans.

24: Tell us about what you are working on.

Mickey Monday: Well I’m already working on my second mixtape. This project will be a compilation of me and other DMV based artist who are very talented but fall under the radar. I can’t release too much Intel because it’s still in its beginning stages, but I’ll release more info on my blog as I go along, you’d definitely have to tune in to that. I have small miscellaneous things like music features and graphic work. I’m more focused on providing visuals for MAVERICK. Booking gigs, and Promotion. You know…That sort of thing.

24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?

Mickey Monday: The only producer that I’ve heavily worked with was Jai Marlon (@Only1JMARLON via Twitter). He actually produced a couple of tracks for me and till this day I have a fear to record them because I really want to get in an official studio and just make history. I feel like his production deserves that much, like seriously! Producers that I would absolutely love to work with would be Just Blaze, Justice League, Sunny Norway, Kev Brown, Oddisee, Kanye West, Flying Lotus, Samiyam, Alchemist, Jake One, Lex Luger, Johnny Juliano, Cardo, Hodgey Beats, Noah “40” Shebib, The Jet Age of Tomorrow, [Donald Glover has some pretty dope beats so I’d go with] Childish Gambino… I mean really, the list could go on! It’s funny because I’ve purchased music through Johnny Juliano and Cardo but have never directly worked with them. That in it’s self would be cool to see.

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

Mickey Monday: Seeing how I’ve stepped out of the local music scene to work on my debut release; I’d have to say that I’m quite impressed with the response I’ve been receiving on my material. I guess what it really comes down to is this: As an entertainer you can never be satisfied with settling for less. I don’t mind criticism whether it’s constructive or not; I just want to make sure I’m in tune with my audience and provide the best entertainment possible.

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

Mickey Monday: It’s funny you mention that. I go by the philosophy: “If you love what you do; it doesn’t come with a price-tag.” In order to be a household name, you need to be consistent. You should cover every hot radio single every chance you get. I make sure everything is available for download. In today’s world not many people are buying CD’s but more so digital releases.

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

Mickey Monday: The current state of the Hip-Hop scene is infectious. It’s ambivalent because of what’s being portrayed within our culture. Success is a great thing and we should glamorize the positive aspects of it. Not to mention what’s being played on the radio for our youth to hear it. With so much imagery and vulgarity being accessible to a younger audience, it bothers me. I have younger relatives that are so easy to be manipulated; that they don’t quite understand the magnitude of what they’re saying but because they heard it in a song “It’s cool.” You think I like hearing little kids playing amongst their peers and hear one of them say “Bang-Bang!” or “I gotta’ choppa’ in the car?” Fortunately enough for me I’m not in the public eye so I don’t have to revise my songs, but it definitely gives you something to think about…or should at least.

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

Mickey Monday: Currently [Outside of music,] I’m working on building the foundation for my future. I’m at a crossroad because I passionate in music & visual arts but I’m also in love with Computer Networking. I have so far to go in this life, with so many opportunities in the distance. [I got bills to pay,] I can’t simply rely on my music alone. If my music picks up, then I will pursue that career path.

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?

Mickey Monday: With 2012 nearly coming to a close I could definitely see myself being more saturated in DMV area by participating in the music circuit. My main focus is expansion. I market my brand and my collective group as a movement because there are too many rappers and not enough artist or entertainers. The best possible way to stand out from your competition is to simply “Do right and kill everything.” Now that doesn’t mean be like Drake; it means to make the best critical decisions that will positively move you forward and give 110% on everything you record. It’s really that simple…also modesty is key. No one likes a person who’s manufactured or superficial; usually that means this person too, can be duplicated. I’m a person who just happens to be a songwriter. This doesn’t mean I have live a crazy lifestyle everyday to have material to provide my fans. You know what I’m saying? I have to wait in grocery lines just like you do. That will never change. Point is: the more down to earth you are the more marketable you become, because when your material becomes repetitive and stagnant, you limit yourself.

24: How can fans go about contacting you?

Mickey Monday: The easiest way fans can go about contacting me is through Twitter and Instagram: (@MCKYMNDY). I check those accounts frequently. I wouldn’t suggest email because I use that account primarily for business. You can also head up to my blog: http://blog.mckymndy.com/ and leave comments & suggestions or even ask me questions. You can “Like” my Artist Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mckymndy and If you would like to add me on Facebook it’s: Mickey Monday. Please no solicitations; send all musical inquiries to my email: MCKYMNDY@gmail.com.

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

Mickey Monday: Of course! I would like to thank 24hourhiphop.com for giving me this great opportunity. I can’t thank my fans enough [past and present] because you literally are the driving force behind my inspiration. If my music has the power to provoke and inspire… and someone gains something from it, then I’ve done my job.