L.O.C.K.E.D Magazine: L.O.C.K.E.D Magazine Presents : Microwave

Mixing dual passions of rap and journalism, Fayetteville, N.C. artist Microwave provides a penchant for lyricism through his music. Growing up, Microwave had intentions of becoming a sports journalist and his passion for writing parlayed into music. While talent and passion has culminated into more than 25 projects, education and work has not been shirked. Microwave received his B.A. in Mass Communications from Fayetteville State University in May 2011 and currently works as a staff writer for The Free Press in Kinston and sportswriter for the Fayetteville Observer.

Microwave focuses more on providing imagery and storytelling, but can also deliver solid punchlines and is versatile enough to appeal to any demographic. As a member of Outer Limits Music Group, Microwave will continue to deliver his lyrical prowess with an original flair.

View Microwave's interview here:

How did you get your name?

At the age of 15, Microwave was playing basketball with some friends. Jonathan H. gave the nickname of Microwave with 10 different 3 point shots in a row. So he was heating it up on the court just like Vinnie Johnson from the Detroit Pistons. Microwave also credits the meaning of his name to Jessica D. of the Fayetteville Observer that mentioned he was cool on the surface, but heated it up at the right time. The final meaning that brings it all together, Microwave can also be an acronym meaning, Man In Carolina Rollin' On With Amazingly Vicious Entries.

How long have you been doing music?

Professionally since 2007

Who were your musical influences?

Big L, Lupe Fiasco, Chamillionaire, Z -Ro, and Talib Kweli

Where are you originally from?

Fayetteville, NC

Describe your music in 4 words.

Innovative, versatile, out there

How do you separate yourself form other artists?

I feel like, as an artist, I have an extensive vocabulary. I choose not to be placed in a certain box.

From my appearance with a signature vest and tie, to my ability to join different crowds of hip hop through my music. I have proven to stand out and be different with a different dimension of hip hop.

Do you plan to do anything other than music in the entertainment industry?

Yes, journalism has been a love of mine longer than rapping. My 9-5 is a full time government writer with the Kinston Free Press in Kinston, NC, a part time sports writer for the Fayetteville Observer, regular traffic on my Tumblr page, and have written for Hip Hop Vibe, along with several miscellaneous publications based in North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.

If you can could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would it be & why?

I don't compare myself to any established artists. I like to think my performance and music is a homage to my influences. A lot of my fans have compared me to Kanye West for delivery, and Slick Rick for my story telling ability.

What do you thing your listeners will get from your music?

They will enjoy the sound, although it's slightly difference from traditional hip hop, but it still a traditional hip hop vibe. I have the uncanny ability to straddle the line between mainstream an underground music.

What do you, yourself hope to get from your music?

I hope to achieve a peace of mind. Knowing that people understand me and my vision with my music, is a therapeutic feeling. I started making music because I was the kid that felt I didn't have a voice. Music is an outlet that let me be heard, and I thank my fans and new listeners from that.

What do you plan to do if you make it big?

Besides a sweet tea water fountain? That's a joke. I plan on trying to become more involved in the community. In 2009, I worked as an administrative assistant for Great Oak View Community Center, it showed me how important it is to be a positive role model for the youth. It may sound contradictory, but I want to shape young minds and show them that there is more to success than drugs, entertainment, or sports. I would use my success with journalism to speak to a comfortable lifestyle without all of the glitz and glamor, but to invest in people and society.

Any words to live by?

A few quotes that help me get through the day to day life are:"Continue to flourish" and "whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right."

- Henry Ford. This quote from Henry Ford means to me, that if you think you
cannot achieve, then you cannot. You set yourself up for success just as much as you can set yourself up for failure.