Exclusive Interview with BLACK SILVER

Black Silver (The Navigator), also known as Silver Synth, is an American rapper, businessman and booking agent. He is a member of the Hip Hop groups Analog Brothers, Tha Likwit Crew, 2000 Crows, Black Ice (with Ice T), and Concrete Babies and is signed to the independent record label Sterling World Records. The lead single from his eagerly awaited sixth studio album, “Forbidden Slanguage,” is “Once Upon A Rhyme.” Black Silver has produced a ton of music, both as a solo performer and in group settings. Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

BLACK SILVER: I was born in Tennessee but raised in Los Angeles California. My parents moved me to the West Coast when I was four years old.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

BLACK SILVER: I suppose the formal training was getting to grow up with Hip Hop. I’m what they call a true B Boy. I came up Beat Boxing, Dj’ing, doing graffiti, Break dancing & popping before I even picked up a microphone.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘BLACK SILVER’?

BLACK SILVER: When I came up with the name there was a very strong militant movement going on in Hip Hop with groups like Public Enemy & X Clan. I was already nick named Quick Silver for being fast running track in mid school. I just added the Black and took off the Quick.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

BLACK SILVER: My music & style has always been described as high powered and intellectual. I always get that I’m ahead of my time and that when most first here me they assume I’m from the east coast because of the lyrical content and cadences.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as HIPHOP?

BLACK SILVER:

No shame in my game, I used to write down Rakim’s lyrics and recite them as if they were my own. That’s who I wanted to be. Naturally I progressed and developed my own thing soon after and it was off to the races.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

BLACK SILVER:

I’ve never been very preachy in my music, however if I have something to say or an opinion I want to voice, I say it and move on. You won’t catch me stuck on one thing for too long ever. This is why interesting concepts and intricate wordplay are mostly what I’m know for.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

BLACK SILVER:

I’ve been blessed throughout my career having worked with so many industry A lister’s & trend setters. I mean how many people can say they have been the opening act for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, or that they are in a group with ICE T. Not many, but I can. So I’m content with my place in Hip Hop.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

BLACK SILVER:

I always have concepts and new ideas in my head prior to putting songs together. Once I get the production or the instrumentals in hand I start letting the beat tell me which direction it’s taking me creatively and then I’ll put the pen to the pad. From there I make the decisions on whether or not this particular song needs a female chorus or a Dj or any guest appearances from other MC’s etc… That’s pretty much my basic format when creating records.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

BLACK SILVER: LOL. In life, losing my Father. In music, being fed up and quitting then having the courage to pursue it again.

10. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

BLACK SILVER: I don’t give it much attention although it’s a fact that if you don’t have any haters, you’re not doing enough. So with that being said I invite all haters to come take a look at ya boy Black Silver.