Praise. Interview
Destany Long: We are definitely going to dive into your music, but I couldn’t help but mention how multifaceted you are! Not only are you a musician, but you’re also a writer, actor, filmmaker—just an all-around creative. Which creative outlet came first for you?
Praise.: Acting definitely came first. Acting has always been such a passion of mine and it all stems from storytelling. Being a musician, filmmaker, an actor, a writer; it all comes from storytelling. It’s all about making something that makes sense. Whether it’s your feelings, your emotions or your ideas. It’s been such a beautiful journey for me to take what I was doing at 10 years old and see how it evolved. I spent a lot of time in high school in the theater, where I worked on the crew and learned about lights, sound, and the whole production. I thought, “This is cool, but I’d love to do this in film,” so I spent the next year researching. I performed in a musical during my junior year of high school, which was my first experience singing. Shortly after, COVID hit, and that’s when I started writing. I ended up writing my first movie at 16, and that was around the same time I started fucking around with music. When I started taking music seriously, I told myself it was only going to be for film. My dad would always tell me from a small child that I should rap, but I didn’t want to do that. Once I actually got into music and other genres, I was able to find my sound. Music is something that has changed my life for good, but my true passion is filmmaking.
Destany Long: I saw that you’re originally from New York before moving to Charlotte. How was it growing up in a place as creative and dynamic as New York?
Praise.: I was really young when I started working. I actually had my own national syndicated radio show in New York when I was 10 years old. My dad saw me doing shit on Instagram and Vine and that landed me the radio segment. From there, it was just on the go. From Catholic school to going up to Manhattan to work. That “hustle and bustle” from the city has always been in me. Even now when I go into a session, I pride myself on being ready and being early; that’s something my dad really implemented. My dad was a rapper and he would take me to the studio, and he’s the reason Nickelodeon got introduced to me at such a young age. I watched him really work. He’s done shit for Sprite, Budweiser, Reeses, so I would say it’s less of the city’s influence and more of my pops.
Destany Long: It feels like visuals aren't as big as they used to be, so it's cool to see artists who make music videos and short films. What’s your process for turning your songs into short films?
Praise.: I feel like it’s easier to do because it sounds so eclectic. It sounds like this shit belongs underneath something. I just take the story, or come up with a concept, and I’ll sit down with my guys and ask for their thoughts on it. When I make music, I want to know what emotions were brought out. What did I make you see? How did I make you feel? It’s all about creating something that makes you think. Music says one thing, but it’s so cohesive. I’m building a congruent film, so I don’t have to explain it all in one film. A lot of my filmmaker work has to do with sound design, shoutout AJ. AJ is a master at breaking the song down bare bones and picking out certain elements to use for the film. It’s just about being intentional and asking yourself how you can continuously make your story cohesive.
Destany Long: How do you balance giving listeners what they want with pursuing your own passions?
Praise.: You are who you are when you start. People often ask me why I haven’t dropped any music yet. I never promised to release music every month; I just wanted to be creative and build my world. I want to be an album artist, which means sometimes I'm going to have to bite the bullet. I might have to share snippets of the same songs to drill them in your head. It’s all about giving yourself a chance. Some niggas will post some shit once and then move on, but that doesn’t really give yourself any chances. Every time you post, you’re giving yourself another shot.
Destany Long: Your EP, “Poppa.” hit over a million streams on Spotify! How does it feel to have people streaming your songs and making it a trending sound on social media?
Praise.: It feels good. It feels amazing. I genuinely love the world I’ve built and the people that support me. I love that shit and I appreciate everyone. I have to continuously breathe into that project. I’m not tired of that project because it helped me get to where I am. Without “Poppa,” I don’t have the one million streams or the listeners.
Destany Long: How would you describe your sound to a new listener?
Praise.: I always describe my last EP as "the listener finally getting a chance to talk." My music offers vulnerability at the highest level—it's very specific and meaningful. If that’s your thing, I think you should listen to me!
Destany Long: What else is in the works that you are able to share?
Praise.: My new song, “Long Day” is coming and it's a bop. It’s some end-of-summer fire. My album is also coming. I’m just warming up. I’ve grown without dropping music and now I’m ready, and I’m gonna be putting out heat!