If you know anything about Birmingham’s hip hop scene, you know that you aren’t going to have many conversations about dope emcees without the mention of the name Haru. With his unique style, Haru, known by many as Haruskii, has been consistently giving hip hop his own personal touch for years. Without fail, each time he releases new music, the culture in and around Birmingham is rejuvenated. It’s time again for rejuvenation.
On the eve of the release of his new single, “The Chant”, we caught up with Haru in a coffee shop in downtown Birmingham and got all the deets on where he is and where he is going!
First things first. Wondering what happened to the -skii? No, this isn’t the average hollywood, I’m-bout-to-blow-up, name change. This is about us, the fans, getting to know him a little better. “I wanted to give the listeners a more close and personal [experience]”, Haru said about the recent change in his moniker. This new song is the beginning of a more intimate journey with the Birmingham based emcee. So the name change was only natural.
On the eve of the release of his new single, “The Chant”, we caught up with Haru in a coffee shop in downtown Birmingham and got all the deets on where he is and where he is going!
First things first. Wondering what happened to the -skii? No, this isn’t the average hollywood, I’m-bout-to-blow-up, name change. This is about us, the fans, getting to know him a little better. “I wanted to give the listeners a more close and personal [experience]”, Haru said about the recent change in his moniker. This new song is the beginning of a more intimate journey with the Birmingham based emcee. So the name change was only natural.
“It’s about mixing signals”, he says about the start of the voyage of evolution he is facing. “The most powerful signal is hidden… it’s a gem.” Not just any gem, it’s a gem to be found buried in any type of music he desires. Haru says he doesn’t like being categorized as a particular type of emcee. So you can keep your expectations and definitions. Instead, you can enjoy a rare balance of what you need and what feels good… message and merriment.
On this journey, you can get ready to experience the lighter side of Haru. Like any artist, life’s happenings can consume your thoughts and bleed out into your lyrics exposing hard emotions. “I was going through something, like every artist should”, he says of what he calls his more serious and “militant” approach to creating his art. “I wanted to give people the good side… the fun side of who I am.” So get ready for the self-produced and self-written soundtrack to chill with “The Chant.”
Haru said this time around, he hung out with friends, relaxed the wordplay, and let it happen. Even if you have been along the ride with Haruskii, you are sure to enjoy the laid back sounds of a refreshed and open Haru recorded by Freeze of Bad Magics. We are even looking forward to some fresh blood on the track from a young lady by the name of J. Kim, who Haru describes as “a true creator”. Haru has come to “embody summertime” with this fun song that’s all about, our favorite, party and bullshit! Though there isn’t an official release date for a video,we can’t wait for the full experience!
On this journey, you can get ready to experience the lighter side of Haru. Like any artist, life’s happenings can consume your thoughts and bleed out into your lyrics exposing hard emotions. “I was going through something, like every artist should”, he says of what he calls his more serious and “militant” approach to creating his art. “I wanted to give people the good side… the fun side of who I am.” So get ready for the self-produced and self-written soundtrack to chill with “The Chant.”
Haru said this time around, he hung out with friends, relaxed the wordplay, and let it happen. Even if you have been along the ride with Haruskii, you are sure to enjoy the laid back sounds of a refreshed and open Haru recorded by Freeze of Bad Magics. We are even looking forward to some fresh blood on the track from a young lady by the name of J. Kim, who Haru describes as “a true creator”. Haru has come to “embody summertime” with this fun song that’s all about, our favorite, party and bullshit! Though there isn’t an official release date for a video,we can’t wait for the full experience!
But this balance and revitalization doesn’t come by doing the same old things. Sometimes you simply have to find some solitude. “I kind of had to separate myself from everyone for the sake of my creative process”, he says on perfecting the energy around creating new music. But if he were to work with someone for the next leg of his career, who would it be? After a hesitant pause and a disclaimer that he wouldn’t remember to list everyone, he revealed a few. ITP (Izzy the Producer), Baron Amato, Dez Wilson, Kenya Latrice (spoiler alert: you can look forward to a collaboration between these two real soon!), and of course, Kenny Loften were among the names he gave.
As a well-known name to the Birmingham art scene, when asked what he thinks of the hip hop community, he calls it “interesting and brewing.” He further explains how he feels most of the artists seem focused and competitive. “It needs to be that way and people need feel that burn to push them.” Who can disagree with that? But push them to where? On how music listeners accept the hip hop and independent music scene in Birmingham, Haru says that he feels the city is very accepting. But it “depends on the artist and how they engage the listeners,” he explains. But the promoters... “could be better.” So who can Haru count on for support and promotion in the city? “Definitely you and ‘The Jones Legacy’!” (I could lie and say I didn’t blush here, but who would believe me?) He also feels the love from DJ Gorgeous, DJ Breakemoff, and DJ Rasheed.
I asked Haru to tell me the one thing he wants the world to know about him, as it relates to his music? “It’s all about love and self expression.” He explained how sometimes when he steps into the booth, he just screams and lets any expression he has flow without fear of ridicule or criticism. “I care what people think, but I don’t. ... I can’t if I’m going to be true artist.” His self-defined path to success as an independent artist leads to being the first “god emcee” out of Alabama. But he admits, it takes the right steps. Oh, and of course, it requires validation from Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, or Janelle Monae… naturally.
As a well-known name to the Birmingham art scene, when asked what he thinks of the hip hop community, he calls it “interesting and brewing.” He further explains how he feels most of the artists seem focused and competitive. “It needs to be that way and people need feel that burn to push them.” Who can disagree with that? But push them to where? On how music listeners accept the hip hop and independent music scene in Birmingham, Haru says that he feels the city is very accepting. But it “depends on the artist and how they engage the listeners,” he explains. But the promoters... “could be better.” So who can Haru count on for support and promotion in the city? “Definitely you and ‘The Jones Legacy’!” (I could lie and say I didn’t blush here, but who would believe me?) He also feels the love from DJ Gorgeous, DJ Breakemoff, and DJ Rasheed.
I asked Haru to tell me the one thing he wants the world to know about him, as it relates to his music? “It’s all about love and self expression.” He explained how sometimes when he steps into the booth, he just screams and lets any expression he has flow without fear of ridicule or criticism. “I care what people think, but I don’t. ... I can’t if I’m going to be true artist.” His self-defined path to success as an independent artist leads to being the first “god emcee” out of Alabama. But he admits, it takes the right steps. Oh, and of course, it requires validation from Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, or Janelle Monae… naturally.
Haru went on to reminisce about time spent in New Orleans, where he met Janelle Monae. He painted an amazing picture of visiting the Big Easy with only $50 in his pocket and an endless supply of determination. I sat and listened to this amazing journey of open mics, meeting people, and being invited to parties and after parties. And doing it all… on a bike? “I went to at least 4 events one night on a bike. My phone was about to die, and I was in the 9th ward using GPS making my way.” These are the experiences music legends are made of. Listening to him replay how it felt made me want to hurriedly grab an autograph knowing this story would be told one day on national television in a behind-the-scenes special.
We look forward to seeing Haru hit the stage this summer. He wouldn’t give me any specifics, but he did say if he had to give me a date for a major show, it might be his favorite month, October. Yes, he has a favorite month! I didn’t know people had favorite months. But he explained how he enjoys Halloween and costumes. That fondness for costumes may just find it’s way into his show. Now there is something to get excited about.
What else did we find out about the budding rap artist? Well, ladies… he is single … “single AF”. (Insert an uncontrollable burst of laughter here in the interview.) He says right now, being single helps his current self-sustaining lifestyle. There may be a muse or source of inspiration, but no commitments. So if you’re trying to reach Haru to see what’s up, he said you can reach him at “2813308004.” (Ha!) He did mention that he likes good food and great back rubs. So if that’s you, hit him in his DMs. (For entertainment purposes only.) He also mentioned that he can do the cooking as well. He can handle the breakfast.
We look forward to seeing Haru hit the stage this summer. He wouldn’t give me any specifics, but he did say if he had to give me a date for a major show, it might be his favorite month, October. Yes, he has a favorite month! I didn’t know people had favorite months. But he explained how he enjoys Halloween and costumes. That fondness for costumes may just find it’s way into his show. Now there is something to get excited about.
What else did we find out about the budding rap artist? Well, ladies… he is single … “single AF”. (Insert an uncontrollable burst of laughter here in the interview.) He says right now, being single helps his current self-sustaining lifestyle. There may be a muse or source of inspiration, but no commitments. So if you’re trying to reach Haru to see what’s up, he said you can reach him at “2813308004.” (Ha!) He did mention that he likes good food and great back rubs. So if that’s you, hit him in his DMs. (For entertainment purposes only.) He also mentioned that he can do the cooking as well. He can handle the breakfast.
Already, we are getting more from Haru than we can say we ever have. Sharing personal experiences and desires is just a glimpse into the dynamic creator’s mind. The sheer fact that he desires to expose more for the sake of art is proof that he will continue to make great things.
“The Chant” releases tomorrow June 25, 2016. You can follow Haru on IG: @haruspit, twitter: @haruspit, and facebook: /HaruTimeTravelin for the link!
UPDATE:
LISTEN TO "The Chant" NOW!
https://soundcloud.com/haruskii/haru-the-chant-ft-jkim-prod-by-haru
Jacqui Jones
All photography by Jessica Latten for Jessica Latten photography
“The Chant” releases tomorrow June 25, 2016. You can follow Haru on IG: @haruspit, twitter: @haruspit, and facebook: /HaruTimeTravelin for the link!
UPDATE:
LISTEN TO "The Chant" NOW!
https://soundcloud.com/haruskii/haru-the-chant-ft-jkim-prod-by-haru
Jacqui Jones
All photography by Jessica Latten for Jessica Latten photography
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