Strong A.R.M. is one emcee that would certainly qualify as one of Brooklyn’s finest. Recently, I had the honor of reviewing his latest single Slow Down Strong and learn about his innovative style. Strong A.R.M. comes in the name of the true school while still brandishing enough swag in bars and persona to keep Millenials captivated. His skills are impeccable as he adds quite a bit of nostalgia to everything he does. I think you will find a lot of wisdom in his life perspective and music.
Warlock Asylum: Before we begin, I would like to thank you for taking the time outside of your busy schedule to answer a few questions. I really enjoyed what you have contributed to the music world. However, for some of our readers who may not be familiar with your work, please introduce yourself. Who is Strong A.R.M.?
Strong A.R.M.: Thank you!!!! I am glad to be here!!!!! Well to answer your question, Strong A.R.M. is a dude born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. And Hip Hop has been my WHOLE life!!!!
Warlock Asylum: What inspired you to get involved with rap music and what is the origin of your name Strong A.R.M.?
Strong A.R.M. : Once I heard Rappers Delight at a young age, it was a WRAP as far as my involvement with the Hip Hop culture. My mom bought me that record, so I guess I have her to thank!!!! Before Hip Hop, I felt like I had no kind of identity what so ever, and when it came to certain things, I would always get passed over. Once I started rapping though, people started to recognize me a little bit more, haters included!!!! LOL…. as time went on, Hip Hop gave me my walk, my talk, my style, and basically my whole self-esteem came from being a part of the Hip Hop culture. When I was in a Hip Hop group I used to beatbox, and my name was THE HUMAN A.M.P. (All Around Music Percussionist) BOXX. When I left the group I was going through names and a friend of mine said that I should call myself Strong A.R.M. (A.R.M. = A REAL MC)!!!! And it stuck with me!!!!! Some of the other names that didn’t make the cut were D.A.T.A. and DJ Alejandro (LOL).
Warlock Asylum: Can you tell us a little bit about the label you are affiliated with Survival Crew Records, The Survival Crew, and your involvement?
Strong A.R.M. : I am an artist on Survival Crew Records, and I met Warren J. over 20 YEARS AGO!!!! I met him through a friend of ours named Tony. I sent him a demo tape, he liked what I heard, and we have been The Survival Crew ever since!!!!!
Warlock Asylum: One thing that I like about your flow is that it is mathematical and seems to be sort of a “generation-mender” between true school lovers and hip-hop millennials. Is this something that came naturally or planned?
Strong A.R.M. : Naturally because my flow is dictated by the track that I am dealing with at that time. Sometimes I might have a flow for a track, and the flow does not match. So I let the music tell me how I should flow on it, and then after that, everything else falls into place.
Warlock Asylum: Can you share with us some of the emcees and musical acts that have inspired your growth as an artist?
Strong A.R.M . : Run-DMC, LL Cool J., Kool G Rap, M.O.P., Xzibit, Busta Rhymes, and a whole bunch of artists from the 90’s!!!! Also, an artist in the 80’s like M.C. Mitch Skee, Schooly D., Ultramagnetic M.C.’s, Stetsasonic, Eric B. & Rakim, and Big Daddy Kane just to name a few!!!!!
Warlock Asylum: What are some of the topics that you feel most comfortable writing about?
Strong A.R.M. : My surroundings, and the stuff that is happening around me, and trying to be the best at what I do!!!!
Warlock Asylum: One brilliant aspect of your presentation as a rap artist is your fusion of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) into your musical landscape. Certainly, EDM is one of the biggest markets in music today, so as a business move this is certainly an innovation. It’s interesting because in rap history, it seems like Brooklynites such as Chubb Rock and the Jungle Brothers made striving in this regard but never as part of their marketing. Can you share with us how EDM found its way into your musical landscape and what role do you see it having in your future?
Strong A.R.M. : I am going to let my man Warren J. answer this question because that whole thing is his brainchild (LOL) So Warren J. take it away….Thanks, Strong A.R.M.!!!! Well, Hip Hop is a form of 2 music genres. They are “Disco” also known as “dance music” (SALUTE to D.J.’s Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Kool D.J. Red Alert ) and “Reggae” (BIG UP to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Issacs). Since these elements makeup Hip Hop it is a NATURAL transition into doing E.D.M. (Electronic Dance Music) when you have the right combinations in place. You see, not only is Strong A.R.M. a dope emcee, he is also a D.J.!!!! So he understands cadence in music!!!!! And when you are taking from something that comes from the ORIGINAL root, it has NO CHOICE but to work.
Warlock Asylum: What can rap fans expect to hear from Strong A.R.M. in the future? Any final thoughts?
Strong A.R.M. : At the end of the day, the fans are going to get hard-hitting rhymes, and dope beats!!!! Survival Crew Records is re-issuing my album “STRONGULATION” on its 20th year anniversary in 2020 with some NEW tracks added, and also along with that, we will be “STRONGULATION 2” (Da EDM Remixes)!!!! I want to thank you, and all my fans around the world!!!!! Thank you all for going on this journey with me. Hopefully, I will see you all very soon. Until then, check out my E.P. on these digital music platforms:
APPLE MUSIC : https://music.apple.com/us/album/slow-down-strong-thats-gangsta-ep/1458160896
TIDAL : https://store.tidal.com/us/album/106804176
SPOTIFY : https://open.spotify.com/album/3KqvTliEDynx9iyp6XdFla
DEEZER : https://www.deezer.com/us/album/92038592?utm_source=deezer&utm_content=album-50691102&utm_term=1891105426_1520100059&utm_medium=web
Social Network Links.
www.youtube.com/survivalcrewrecords
www.soundcloud.com/survivalcrewrecords
www.facebook.com/survivalcrewrecords
www.twitter.com/survivalcrew
www.instagram.com/DJStrongarm
