Photo by Lee Holmes.
Zeke Goody is a man who likes to make observations. He says he likes to pass time “living and observing life,” and one of the observations that he has made is that Norristown hip-hop artists are making some strides in the right direction.
“I think Norristown artists, including myself, have to become more consistent with content,” he muses. “And in return, we would definitely garner more attention.”
Goody should know what he is talking about because he has spent many years analyzing his own work and the work of other hip-hop artists in Norristown.
“I look at everything I can that can improve who I am and who I intend to become in this business,” he says. “There are great artists that have come before me, and I have paid attention to what they did to get where they are — I think I am starting to understand this business more and more each day.”
Goody first started releasing his music on SoundCloud and started gaining recognition with the help of DJ Sabir who promoted his songs and content on Consortium Radio.
Goody’s brand is not something that can be described in just one word. “It just isn’t that simple,’’ he says. That’s because he likes to experiment with a little bit of everything in his music.
So while he finds it easy to define himself, defining his music is a little more complex.
“I am a hip-hop artist. That’s how I define myself.”
However, when it comes to trying to give a concise explanation of his music, it’s not so easy.
“Some conscience hip-hop, lyrical, hardcore, east coast sound,” he rattles off. “That’s how I would define it, if that makes sense to you.” And it probably does to those who know the world of hip-hop and its variety of styles that different artists claim.
There is definitely a sense of loyalty among many in the hip hop music community in Norristown.
Goody’s contributions to Norristown hip hop culture is more than just his music. He believes that he has some sound advice as well for how Norristown artists can move forward and become more connected to the wider world of hip-hop outside of Norristown.
“Norristown has to make the move. We have to expand outside of our small town. There is so much potential here.”
Seeing the potential in others is why he helped to form a group called “2Raw,” which is one of the latest editions to Norristown’s hip-hop culture.
Goody believes in supporting his fellow artists. Their passion and what they do is what inspires him to continue doing what he does. It also helps to encourage him.
“It’s a mutual thing. I know a lot of artists in Norristown whose music I appreciate. I try to encourage artists in town and they stand behind me,” he says.
There is definitely a sense of loyalty among many in the hip hop music community in Norristown. While building their audience, Goody thinks it is important for “artists from town” to collectively support the performances, music shoots, music videos and album releases of other Norristown artists pursuing the business.
“I am excited for the future of our young artists who hold a lot of original talent that I believe will go far,” Goody says.
Goody’s latest effort, titled “Paint the Town” is something he plans on releasing early next year.
Goody has made the album with Norristown in mind.
“In my music I illustrate my experiences that people [who come] from where I’m from can relate to.”
Lee Holmes is a fifth-year professional studies major with minors in journalism and business law. BH878969@wcupa.edu