Urban Vault caught up with The Bronx, New York, now living in Japan veteran emcee Wildelux to ask him some questions about his latest release 24/7 & more…

After the release of ‘Grand Champion’ back in 2013, ten years later Wildelux is back with his first single ’24/7′ off his upcoming and last solo album entitled ‘The IT Factor’.

What’s your name?

Wildelux

Where are you from?

From the Bronx.

Being born and raised in the Bronx before moving to the West Coast, and now living in Japan let us know how the Hip Hop scenes in these places differ from each other.

I’m not sure about now, but when I was coming up in the BX, the Hip Hop scene was just who we were, from everything to how we talked, walked rocked our clothes, the dances, the music, etc. It was natural Nothing forced. It was just in the air. When I moved to the west coast, it was definitely different and more diverse when it came to music. You had your spitters (backpackers), but you also had the west coast funk, gangster music, and old-school funk. It was definitely a different vibe. Now residing in Japan, you have your small pockets of listeners who rock with a little bit of everything from all over, even old-school music.

You recently released ’24/7′ the first single and video off your forthcoming album ‘The IT Factor’, can you tell us about the track and the video.

Hip Hop music is my life. I’ve been a part of this before it became the phenomenon that it is now. Therefore the title ’24/7′ is an appropriate title. I love this music and culture. I would say it shows in the music. The track was produced by me and the video was shot in Bremen, Germany back in 2019 before the pandemic struck by Lennard Schmitt.

What does the title ‘The IT Factor’ stand for and what can fans expect from the album? Features, how many tracks, producers, etc…

The title “The IT Factor” stands for what it says. Nowadays with the influx of new artists, new music, and viral music, many artists lack what IT actually takes to have longevity in this music business. Everything is instant and milking what you can off the song, for as long as you can and then they disappear and become irrelevant. That seems to be the trend now. To do this music in any capacity takes time, practice, patience, and honing your skills. The album has 14 songs and the entire album is produced by me. At this time I don”t want to reveal who is on the album, but soon the world will know. This album took me about 4 years to complete because I really wanted it to be A memorable piece of work.

‘The IT Factor’ will be available through all major digital platforms on February 28th. Will there also be a physical copies, how important is a physical release for you in 2023 anyway?

I hope to have some sought of physical products released with the project, but right now still working things out to make that happen. I think physical releases are still important, but not in the capacity as it once was, because of how people consume music/ media nowadays.

Can we expect a tour or shows from you to promote the album release?

Still working on that, but as things become more clear, I will definitely make an announcement to the people.

Your last album ‘Grand Champion’ was released back in 2013. What have you been upto over the last decade?

Between ‘Grand Champion’ and now, I’ve released a few projects, mostly collaborative projects that are available online and from Digital service providers as well.

With your musical legacy in mind, I guess fans can expect nothing but that classic boom-bap sound. How relevant is that style for you and what do you think of more modern productions?

The boom-bap is what defines me. I never veered off course when it came to this sound. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anything else. Not to say I can’t be versatile, but I have to do me. That is what this Hip Hop music and culture is about. Not doing what the next person is doing, but doing you and being comfortable in doing you. I have no problem with modern production, some of it I do like, but some of it can be a bit empty when it comes to sound and content.

What and who inspires you when making music?

Life. Living, experiencing adding, and taking things from this life that I live. That’s all.

What do you do when you don´t make music?

I’m always making music. But I would say enjoying time with the fam and nature.

Your favorite track at the moment?

24/7 ha ha ha ha ha ha! (Shameless plug)

But on my music player De La, ATCQ, Jeru anything from them dudes.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault UK and what we’re trying to do.

I really appreciate the opportunity and exposure that you guys show to an independent and upcoming artist. We need more platforms like this to keep the truly talented artist in the spotlight.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

‘The IT Factor’ will be released on February 28th on all major download and streaming platforms.

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