Exclusive: Interview with Moses Stone. The Rapper Who Made History

Photo credit: Matt Cobuzio

Moses Haughton Jr, more commonly known as Moses Stone, is not an ordinary rapper/singer. In fact, he was a contestant on the Emmy-winning show the second season of NBC’s The Voice where he made history by being the first ever rapper and singer in the show’s history. Moreover, he partnered up with McDonald’s as the ambassador for the Summer, he performed and produced the music for their commercial “Summer & Lovin”, which later aired on National TV and Radio all over the US and was premiered on the NBA Finals for over 20.4 million viewers.

“Moses made history by being the first ever rapper and singer in The Voice’s history”

Since achieving some of his goals, and always looking to reach greater heights in his career and life, he has ventured into the business side of entertainment as CEO/Founder of his new entertainment company ARTSKY ENTERTAINMENT where he creates music, films, commercials and more, capitalizing on all of the things he has learned in his career.

“He was so passionate about it that he would stay up until 5 a.m. working on his beats and lyrics in the basement of his family’s house.”

Speaking about his past, Moses has been involved in music since he was just six when he was first introduced to rap music by his older cousin. By the age of 10, Moses was already writing his own songs. He was so passionate about it that he would stay up until 5 a.m. working on his beats and lyrics in the basement of his family’s house, and then get up for school an hour later or he would spend eight hours waiting on a New York street in the freezing cold just to get into an audition for a television show that might give him a little more exposure.

Recently, CelebMix had a chance to speak to Moses about his past, music, new single “Gone” and future plans. Check out the interview below!

You are most known for your appearance on the “The Voice” where you made history being the first ever rapper/singer on the show. What was it like? If you could go back in time would you change anything? What would you do differently?

You performed and produced music for McDonald’s commercial, which later reached millions of viewers. What does it feel like to know that your work has reached so many people’s ears? Do you think it’s important or would you much rather prefer to only have a small circle of listeners?

 It’s a blessing to be able to reach so many people around the world. I think it’s every artist’s dream to have their work heard by millions, It was a great moment and great experience for me but to be honest I was a bit resistant at first understanding that many artists and industry insiders would see this as “selling out” or diminishing your artistry/brand but after taken a moment to myself and understanding my vision of not only being a artist but an entertainer, entrepreneur and producer. It was an opportunity to step into a new lane and industry, a very lucrative one at that it was a challenge and different workflow with creating “jingles” as I’ve never created a “jingle” for a brand or anyone of the matter.  Let alone creating one for the #1 Food Chain Company in the world. When it’s all said and done my brand is attached to the best #1 Companies. 

You’ve been writing songs and producing your own music since you were 10. Has songwriting process always been the same or has is changed over the years?

Wow, you really did your research. The songwriting process for me has changed a bit when I was a kid. I used to write heavily in composition books and memorize everything then book studio time and finish my projects. Now it varies, sometimes it’s with a guitar, piano, freestyle and phone notes. For me, it’s all about the vibe, and when I hear something I love it just flows for me. That’s how my new single “Gone” came about written with a guitar and free-styling. 

For those who don’t know you, how would you describe your sound?

My sound is a blend of pop and reggae infused with singing and rapping.

Speaking about music and songwriting, you’ve got a new single “Gone”. It is coming out on July 14th. Congratulations. Describe “Gone” in three words.

Thank you, I’m excited about the record. It’s hard to describe it in 3 words but I’d say Chill, Dope & A Vibe.

But to better describe the song:

It’s a summer “break – up” anthem. It’s about a women who pretty much takes, takes, takes and more taking of your money, time & energy, living in a false reality that her love is genuine and real but it’s really focused on what you can provide for her and everything is all about her till you finally snap back into reality and you kick her ass to their curb. “Gone” has a dope blend of reggae, country and hip hop and really has an overall chill vibe. 

As you’ve already mentioned “Gone” is a breakup song where you are doing everything you can to make a girl happy but she still doesn’t appreciate it. Do “Gone” lyrics mean something to you? Have you ever had a similar experience?

The lyrics are from experiences. I’ve seen from the outside looking in as well as my small experience with one girl I’ve been with. Although I left way early before any damage was done, I’ve had friends that been in these types of relationships. Some still are. As well as overhearing other people’s problems and experiences. I think it’s good to touch on subjects from a perspective people are not used to hearing how is it from a guys perspective being used by a girl. The girls definitely let us know their perspectives on guys using them.

You’ve collaborated with Shwayze. What was it like? Do you enjoy collaborations or do you prefer recording music on your own?

Shway is dope! We have known each other for some time, we have mutual friends and I’ve worked with his old bandmate Cisco Adler back in the day on a few songs. We’ve wanted to work together but the right record just never came along fast forward to now. “Gone” was a song I created with Hero Delano 1 year ago and we never released it. As I went through my catalog of songs I revisited the record.

 “Let’s finish it and release it!”- I told Delano.

Then as I kept listening to it, I thought.

“Shway need’s to be on this, this is the record. Now we got one and it’s a smash!”

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

And finally, is there something you would like to say to CelebMix readers and your fans?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGf93Sr6iUc

Make sure you keep up to date with everything Moses Stone is up to by following him on Twitter @IamMosesStone.