Hip-hop has always been at its best when driven to the crossroads of innovation and history. In many ways it was born from the discovery of this very route. Birthed from a deep seated love and respect for older sonic landscapes. Flipped, remixed, and remade into a new story, for a new era. In this sense, Langston Bristol embodies Hip-hop. Mixing jazz, neo-soul, rnb, funk, even rock. Langston molds a rich history of sound and style into new form. I had the pleasure of catching up with Langston to explore these influences more.
Me: Goes without saying I love the new track. You and Redveil killed it. I want to start with what led up to “PSA”. What’s been your music story so far, and where do you want it to go?
Langston: I’ve been playing music since I was a little kid. Started playing drums at church at 5 my mom said ha. And then started messing with the piano at like 7 and then started making beats at like 11. Around that time I think I started doing choir at school too. Then I wrote my very first rap at like 14 and I was hooked after that. I started as just a jazz musician growing up. Then started making hip hop beats cause I grew up loving rap. So I sort of mixed the two styles. Although I dip in pop/rock influences too. All sorts of influences. But jazz heavily is in my style. My goal is to inspire people in a way that elevates them. Whether it’s through a party song that just makes them feel good or my deep and introspective songs that make them think or learn about themselves and stuff like that
Me: I love how all those influences come through in your work. Speaking of influences, what’s one artist you’d kill to work with?
Langston: I would love to collab with and open for Kendrick Lamar. My all time favorite rapper. Wow what a dream!
Me: Kendrick is a legend no doubt. With your focus on message, and jazz influences, I can see why you connect with him. We’ll pretend rooknight was a distant second haha. But all jokes aside on the indy side of things. What’s another independent artist you think more people should know of?
Langston: John Givez. Such a dope artist. He’s also a rapper/singer like me. Fire! I really dig him and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to him through DM a few times.
PS. Hope you all enjoy Langston Bristol’s tunes as much as I do. I’m going to be having Langston on soon for a live interview so make sure to follow my Insta “@imrooknight” to not miss that. Go stream PSA!
