24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.
I go by the name of QuESt. Not to get confused with a tribe called quest, questlove, nissan quest, questnostics, or any other quest reference you might have thought about in the last 10 seconds. I hail from the beautiful city of Miami Fl, and I’m a professional recording  artist. I’m 19, been doing music since I was 7, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into the industry and what inspired you?
Well, I’d say I’ve been making music and recording for a while. But my first encounter with the industry really came with me winning a competition with Jermaine Dupri in 2008. It was “Tag Records Survival of The Freshest” MC battle. I ended up winning out of 660 other MC’s across the US. After that, I started getting a little more heavy into the internet scene and the blog atmosphere. I submitted my songs to websites and started gaining recognition as early as last year. So I’ve really been doing this “industry run” for about a year and some change. I’ve always been inspired to have some kind of audience that’s waiting for my music to be heard. I think the Jermaine Dupri contest really opened my eyes to the fact that this could actually be something worth chasing. So if anything, that’s what really pushed me to take things further.

24: How does your sound and style differ from the rest of the up-and-coming rappers in Miami?
I’d just say my flow schemes are a lot more complex than most of the up & comers out here in Miami. I think my honesty and my versatility sets be apart as well. I think my voice stands out as well. I don’t have a usual great rapping voice. Like Phresh James & Ghostwridah who in my opinion have great rapping voices. Same for J-NICS. But when you hear my voice it can be bittersweet (laughs). I’ve learned to accept it. I actually love it for what it is. But it’s just unique, and out there. And more high pitched. I think I let people into my life into my music as often as I can, and that sets me apart from a good grip of local artists out here as well. I just try to stay true to myself as much as I can.

24: What makes QuEST unique as an artist and allows you to standout from other up-and-coming rappers?
QuESt is just… QuESt is just honest. I speak from the heart. I always speak from the heart. And you don’t get that a lot nowadays. A good majority of artists I believe are still trying to fit into a pair of shoes that just don’t fit them. And people can recognize that instantly. I’m very quiet, and humble, but when I’m rapping it’s a whole different approach to life. Which is why I love making music. Being an artist gives me the courage to be able to say things, and address issues I honestly don’t have the courage to address in real life. I’m outspoken and slightly arrogant as an artist, with elements of vulnerability. Which really comes from me as a person. I believe I speak for something higher than just personal experience. Which can drown out an audience sometimes.I try to incorporate a subliminal moral in all my personal experiences through my music. So you can be like damn…did he really go through that? And if he did that’s crazy, I know what not to do now if I’m in his shoes or if you relate to me, hopefully I can be a shed of light for you. I try to connect with the people who listen to my music as much as I possibly can, and create a loyal fan base, rather than a temporary fan base.
 
24: Recently you’ve been getting a lot exposure from independent and major websites and blogs off the strength of your single “We’re Going Down” which has been burning up the airwaves. How does it feel to be getting recognition for your hard work?
Its a great feeling. I love it. Its inspiration to work even harder and get more recognition. I love that song so much. And for people to gravitate toward it is amazing.
 
What was your inspiration for the single ”We’re Going Down” and why do you feel its being so well received by fans?
Well, “Were Going Down” is a very sad record. I call it a “beautiful sadness”. When I went into writing the record, I needed something that was going to be manipulating. Or the “Lily Allen” effect. Where your sound doesn’t match your message. “Were Going Down” is about realizing that you’re in a position where everything is going wrong, and you should be taking responsibility for your actions. But you can’t deal with the fact that you have to be responsible for yourself. So you do the complete opposite, and do everything that isn’t responsible. Partying, drinking, etc. It’s like you’re in denial. I’ve been there, too many times. The beat makes everything sound like everything is ok. Like we’re all just having a good time. It has all the elements a party song would have. The catchy sample, the tom drums, 808’s, Heavy base, snare rolls, catchy melodies, etc. But the words make it a sad and gut wrenching experience. I feel like my fans have been there before and relate to it so well. And for others, who aren’t REALLY listening, I think they just love the overall sound of it.

24: Tell us about the mixtape you’ve working on and what can the fans except from this project?
The project is called “The Reason: A Defense Mechanism”. I’ve been working on it for about I’d say 9 months now. It’s basically a body of music that captures a series of events in my life. A lead off from my last tape “Broken Headphones”. The message of the project is basically moving on with a new state of mind into a new season in your life. Which I’ve recently done. I dwell on topics that I haven’t been able to accept in my past and instead of indulging in the emotion, I learn something from it, dissect it, and move on with better understanding. It’s going to be a great body of work. I’m just taking my time perfecting it, and making sure I love everything on it before I release it. I was aiming to drop it this summer, but it may be fall or even winter. I’m not sure though.

24: Who have you been working with on the project as far as collaborations and production?
I’ve been working with my man Ice, Charlie Hilton, Thelonious, Mr.Familiar, Ace2euce, and a couple of others. I plan on doing some work with Personal soon. I also plan on working with Midus on a couple of joints, and getting some work done with Shonie, and possibly linking with Ghostwridah for something if I can.

24: The overall feel on your mixtapes are similar to that of an EP or an album with a lot of soulful records and samples. Why did you go that route as opposed to the usual jacking-for-beats/freestyle format on most mixtapes?
Um I think original music just keeps you more in the loop. And you dont waste made lyrics. I think with anything I do, I try to be as careful as I possibly can and make the best music I can. I try to take my music very serious. my craft very serious as well. This is my life, so I try to treat it that way. How would I treat my life?
 
Was it conscious decision not to have a lot of features on your mixtapes?
Not really…honestly I just feel like features can’t be forced. Features should serve as a purpose. Like they should fit. Not like hey, I’m doing a song with such and such for the kudos. If I’m doing a song, I don’t want to just slap somebody on there for relevant factors or for anything else of that matter but the fact that the artist bring something more to the table. When I do collab I find myself doing collabs with singers & vocalist more than actual rappers (laughs), Just because I love melody.
 
24: When you put a mixtape or EP up for free download, does it bother you at all that you’re giving out the music for free or do you look at that as something that you have to do at this point in your career?
It’s just being smart. If you look at today’s game, especially Hip-Hop, not even top selling artists are going platinum anymore. So if you’re an up and coming artist trying to sell your music out the gate without an efficient audience to cater to, you’re going to be disappointed. Because number one, nobody outside of your immediate circle of supporters are going to buy it, and number two it would be a waste of time and effort. You’re better off investing in putting out free music and building your following until you’re at a point in which you can actually distribute and sell your music to people who are willing to buy it. So I feel like that I’m doing for right now.

 24: Are you happy with the feedback you’ve been getting from the songs you’ve released so far?
I am. I’m glad people are gravitating towards it.

24: What’s a recording session like for you? Do you write all your raps or do you do a bit of freestyling?
A recording session is usually planned out honestly. I spend alot of time writing outside the studio. I write in the studio when I have to, but I cant just sleep in a studio and write. I have to be immersed in life. Everything has to be inspiring. Beautiful days, new experiences. I’ll spend like…maybe 4 weeks writing one song, and then spen 2 days straight in the studio getting it right, and making sure I do it well. I freestyle melodies mostly. Only time I freestyle lyrics is when I have clever rhyme schemes. And I usually store them in the back of my mind until its time to bring em out.

24: Your new mixtape The Reason is coming out later this year. You did this one on your own, like every other project. Are you the most efficient self-contained artist in the game today?
(LAUGHS) I probably am. Nah but I mean I’m used to it, until circumstance change. But I mean it’s not just me alone. I have help coming from everywhere. From God, my family, my producers, my film directors, my photographers, my GFX designer. So I mean, I’m just trying to do what I can right now.
 
24: How would you describe the changes from when you entered the game in to now?
I’d say the biggest change would just have to be labels not being as important and vital as they used to be.

24: Do you enjoy the social networking aspect of the game or do you look at it like it’s something you have to do?
Honestly I look at it as something I have to do. I mean its dope with some individuals, but for the most part its tiring. You find yourself running into the same people, with the same agendas, and the same dreams. Its gets annoying and time consuming. You have to deal with ego’s, unprofessionalism, horrible suggestions, etc. But it’s something you have to do. You’ll be a huge disadvantage without it.
 
24: Hearing the music that’s out now, do you relate more to newer artists because you haven’t been completely jaded by bad business of the major labels?
Not really, I mean not every new artist is signing the same song I’m singing, or thinking the same thing I’m thinking.
 
24: In today’s free download age, what do you need that you don’t have to make yourself a household name?
I still have a lot of building to do. A lot of character building. I want to broaden my image, and hopefully further my financial support to be able to not have to do a major part of what I’m doing right now. I believe once those things are taken care of, I still have a lot of work and effort to put in before I become a household name. I have albums to do, concerts to headline, Grammys to achieve, hours of studio time to put in, hit singles to make, dedicated fans to capture. I have my work cut out for me, but I’m ready to attack.
 
24: Who’s the last new artist you’ve felt?
I’d have to say….J.Cole.
 
24: How are you going to separate yourself from the other new artists out there today
By being myself. Nothing more and nothing less.
 
24: How do you feel about the current state of music in general?
Music in my opinion is in a great stage. I think artists are able to control a larger portion of their music and be more creative. Labels are allowing artists to control more of their sound and its letting artists get a chance to showcase their versatile styles. I think now theres something for everybody. And if you want to do music you can just hop in and start doing it. Which definitely wasnt the case 10 years ago.
 
24: What are you currently working on? 
I’m currently working on my project called “The Reason: A Defense Mechanism”. I’m about 65% done so far, and I’m still working. Hopefully I can put it out sometime soon, but I’m not saying anything until I feel I’m satisfied with everything, and have a great product in my hands to share to the world.
 
24: How would the fans go about contacting you?
They can all visit my website www.YesIamQuESt.com for more information on me
 
24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
Thank you all for your support, I appreciate it all.