Clane Matthew Brings Inspiration To Jamaican Youth
Originally from Jamaica, Clane Matthew moved to the United States in 2008. He didn’t have a lot of money growing up and would face many challenges that came along with it, but would eventually overcome them. Clane always had a love for hip hop and rap and admired Eminem's artistry and versatility in his music. Clane knew that he wanted to do something great with his music and wants to help today’s young generation by becoming a symbol and role model by providing positivity, knowledge, awareness, and peace. He wants to make a difference in this world and to be a glimpse of light that brings hope.
Clane Matthew released his single “I’m Not A Rapper” earlier this season and we can't get enough. Featuring heavy subject matter delivered in an easy-to-swallow manner, “I’m Not A Rapper” includes spectacular visuals to match. Touching on plenty that’s wrong in the world at present, the track leads with a dark beat and a heavy lyrical backbone. The vocal rhythm subsequently moves through with impact and keep things fresh and creatively interesting. Not only is the track conceptually poignant and impossible to ignore, but it introduces a lyrically thoughtful creative, a writer and performer with an articulate and socially aware approach to artistry. Though the topics are heavy, their presence within the world is too, so this representation makes sense as you ponder the ideas and the underlying concept. Clane Matthew directly references several topics but never dwells for too long on a single story. The whole thing stays focused on this blanket of awareness and thought which is the depth of “I’m Not A Rapper”.
Listen to “I’m Not A Rapper” here and check out our exclusive interview with Clane Matthews below!
Welcome back Clane Matthew! Always a pleasure to feature new music with you. Tell us all about “I’m Not a Rapper”. What does this song represent for you?
This song represents a new way of life to me. This song is meant to call out all of these so called “rappers” who speak about nothing but drugs, cars, guns and money. While our kids succumb to the negativity, their pockets get fatter and fatter; and that’s what this song is aiming to put a stop to. Nowadays the term rapper is used so loosely. Think about it, if someone were to come up to you and tell you that they’re a rapper, your first thought would be “oh no he’s one of those SoundCloud rappers” or “oh no I bet he raps about mollies and alcohol.” That’s where the title and the chorus” I’m Not A Rapper” comes in. The term serves to acknowledge viewers and listeners that I am not similar to these “rappers” and that I’m an artist looking to make change by changing the way each and everyone of us see the world around us. I do not conform to the societal stereotypes that the public has about rappers; and that’s what this song talks about. I actually didn’t think I was capable of rapping like this. I didn’t think I could rap lyrically on a sick beat and then just go hard on the second verse. This is actually my first attempt at doing a song like this, and everyone has gravitated to it very well. I even feel that this song might me my best work yet. I know you may disagree or my audience and fans may disagree but I feel that the heart, soul and vibe in this is just unique. This opens so many more doors for me, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the future.
What’s your favorite lyric that you feel has the most impact in “I’m Not a Rapper”? Why?
“Bitch, I’m Not A Rapper”. I know it seems simple but there’s such a deeper meaning to this that some people actually missed it. What made people confused was that I said that I’m Not A Rapper, but the whole song is a rap song, and I’m rapping; so they thought I was contradicting myself with the song. I made sure that I carefully set up the first verse to lead listeners into the message I wanted them to grasp, and then used the second verse as a finisher to justify why I’m Not A Rapper. Some received it quickly while others were a bit confused. The reason I liked this line is because it makes the audience sit and wonder what I meant by it. I’ve had multiple fans inbox and comment that they would like me to explain. After I told them, they were completely baffled! They have never thought something so simple, could represent something so deep and unique. Overall I loved the thinking process that the line placed on everyone. That’s why I make the songs I make: so people can think and understand through a different lens.
What’s the concept behind your music video?
The concept of the video wasn’t for the audience. The video was just for the audience to watch something while listening to the song. The video itself was inspiration for the people back home in St. Thomas, Jamaica. The reason why I filmed this video in the rural part of St. Thomas is because that’s where I’m from originally. I’m from Airy Castle, St. Thomas, Jamaica and I moved to the states when I was 9. I went back home this past week to see family and persuade the youth. I included my childhood friends and family in the video so they could be seen by the world. I want each and everyone of them to know that just because you're from a small village, in a small parish, on a small island, doesn’t mean you can’t make a big change in the world. I wanted them to see that anything is possible if they just believe in themselves and put their faith to work. My online presence on Google and Facebook pays tribute to that hard work, and I want them to know that whenever they feel like they can’t do it anymore, just type “Clane Matthew” on the web and remember that a little kid, from a little village on a little island, made big accomplishments; and if he can do that, so can they.
If you had to pick just one song in your collection to adequately describe your sound, which song would you choose and why?
Man that’s a tough one. Ummm the song that would describe my sound the most is “Platforms” from my “On the Real” EP. The song talks about the social implications of social media on its users and how it can negatively affect us. I would definitely say that song describes my sound, and if anyone was to be introduced to Clane Matthew, that’s the first song I would want them to hear.
It wasn’t long since we’ve last featured your music! How do you stay on track to create relevant content so consistently?
I honestly don’t know how I do it. I know the facts, and I know how to give it to the public; it’s just the time. I don’t have much time in my hand cause I rotate back and forth from church, work and school. I try my best to prioritize and when I see an opening I try my best to make it work. With my fans continuing to support my cause, I don’t think I’ll be stopping anytime soon.
Connect with Clane Matthew on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClaneMatthew
Instagram: www.instagram.com/clanematthew