Born and raised in Washington, D.C. is full-of-depth rap artist Finesse. Growing up, Finesse was raised in a period where rap was centered around a moving melody and impactful lyricism. Naturally, her style adheres to the same quality that she always knew, and her sound is characteristic of the early 00's production era with a bit of a contemporary blitz.
The latest song offering from Finesse includes her reflective and goosebump-delivering single, "Turnpike." The song contains a fast-paced flow from Finesse herself so prepare to have your musical senses on high alert. The beautifully-constructed production messes around with new-age sonics, underground rhythms, and the best of lo-fi melodies. One can imagine the result is quite hypnotizing, but the real pull comes from Finesse and her ability to naturally integrate her compelling presence with every lyric she delivers.
"Turnpike" conveys an array of vulnerabilities from Finesse. She gives listeners a clear-cut idea of her mental state and the complex whirlwind of emotions that pierce her light. Listening in closely, your heartstrings may be forcefully pulled, as you can't help but feel for the spot that Finesse is in. She puts a real spotlight on mental health and the reality between its interplay with success. Without giving away anymore, we highly suggest "Turnpike" for the rap-loving music listeners that can appreciate a genuine storyline.
Finesse was explorative and perceptive in "Turnpike." She gave the listening community a real good look into her elaborate mind, all while entertaining with harmonistic melodies. We're simply left in anticipation of what's to come.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Finesse! Congratulations on releasing your single, "Turnpike." The lyrics of your song possess such honesty and raw exploration into your mental mindset. Was it difficult to show so much of yourself within the song?
It wasn't difficult at all to express myself and my thoughts when I wrote "Turnpike". As an artist, you have to be vulnerable at times to the fans who listen to your music because they too can relate to your songs. I can't put on a facade and write about certain topics that everybody else raps about because it's not who I am as a person. I have to give you my experiences, my trials, and tribulations from what I have been through in life so you can understand why a certain song has these topics and messages in it.
What would you say was the real point at which you had the inspiration to create "Turnpike?" Were there any moments throughout the writing and recording process that you felt overwhelmed due to the nature of the song and its lyricism?
We've all have had moments where we are driving and our mind just wanders off into deep thoughts. The beat for one has that late-night cruising feel to it I had to dig deep with writing the lyrics. For myself being diagnosed with PTSD back in 2011 after being in the service for 6 years every day was a struggle. So I had to take myself back at that moment when I was so stuck in my head writing the lyrics from start to finish was a task in itself. I didn't want to use any fancy effects just raw vocals and I changed the pitch of my vocal on the hook to bring out the darker side of me. It was a song made for anybody who feels like theirs no way out and sometimes you have to go on an excursion to figure out your next move.
Can you explain what your favorite part of creating "Turnpike" was?
My favorite part of creating "Turnpike" was the wordplay. Being about to structure the lyrics as if I am having a conversation with you that you can relate to. My goal was to have the listeners play it again after hearing it the first time. The total writing time was maybe an hour since I already had the words in my head putting them down on paper and mapping out how I wanted it to sound was key. The cadence of how I recorded was to rap at a semi-fast pace but to slow down and extend certain words or phrases to match the beat.
What drives your artistry? How is "Turnpike" reflective of the artist you are today?
What drives my artistry is the era I grew up mainly 80s and 90s when lyrics meant everything to a song. I know that rap music itself has branched off into your trap, mumble and drill subcategories and that is mainly what is driving this generation of listeners. "Turnpike" is just a vibe that people like to hear because they miss that sound of music the "old school" as some have said. I am not who I am as a lyricist without the ones before me who have helped make a way for rap to be what it is and that's longevity.
What's next for you?
I am going to be starting on my third album "Da Way It Was" coming out in 2022 and this album will be a reflection of who I am as an artist.