Sev7en Is Magic.
by Q Review Staff
In the ever changing world of rap and hip-hop, artists are coming to the table with more and more innovation and drive to flip the script and take things to the next level. Nothing could be more true of Sev7en Taylor, one of social media's most noticeable, busy and vocal rap artists. When it comes to determination and drive, Sev7en is the magic number.
Born Tre Vaughn Taylor, we've been fortunate to get to know Sev7en over the past couple of months and knew when diving into the discovery of queer rap, this was one of the most in touch independent artists to connect with. He recently released his new single 'Spaceships' with more releases planned. We caught up with him to learn more about Sev7en the artist, his music, influences and queer rap in the music industry.
Where are you currently based out of?
I'm currently in Connecticut (I lived in Brooklyn, NY for a legit month last year) I was born and raised in Connecticut. I'll be soon making a new city/ state my home.
Where does the name Sev7en come from? What is its significance?
I originally went by " T.Taylor" in the beginning of my rap career. I switched it to " Sev7en Taylor" because spiritually that's where I was at.
Seven is the number of completion in the bible. I strive for completion in my work, self, life and everything in between. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Sensitive , innovative , art.
How long have you been making music? What got you started?
I used to always write songs and perform in my mom's mirror at the house. I started to dive into rap around 2009-2010 and I begin to rap for friends. They always was like " Oh, that's dope" or " Let me hear more"
I think I just used it as a hobby at that time. I began to perfect my skills and I came out with my first song late 2014. New York rappers were trying to get at me and I built my buzz/ brand from there.
Now, I'm two mixtapes, countless features and an debut album in. I love what I do. Music is my passion and I just keep getting better and better at it. I am a fan of rap before being an artist myself. Rap is our poetry in the hood.
You've drawn influence from various eras and styles of Rap and R&B. How would you describe your current music style? Where do you draw inspiration from?
My current style is just rap in its prime. I just hear a beat and it creates the story I'll tell. I don't even really have a style but I will say I'm deeply inspired by 90's rap. I feel like that was the golden era. Rap is becoming sensitive.
Who are your musical influences? Which musical artists have you been influenced by?
Nicki, Foxy, Kim, Biggie, Jay- Z and Missy. I'm their love child (haha)
Who are you currently listening to? Who do you have on repeat?
I'm listening to my older mixtapes and albums. I also have Beyonce', Nicki, Foxy, Kim and many more on my playlist. I listen to everything. It inspires me when I create. I love creating new worlds.
What has been your most memorable live gig?
Last May when I performed the first time in NYC. I brought the house down and killed it. My second track wouldn't play, so I ended up freestyling over Nicki Minaj's " Chun-li" and I killed it. I later put that freestyle on wax. It can be found on my sound cloud under " C*** POWER". I also killed my pride bookings as well and looking forward to more.
by Q Review Staff
In the ever changing world of rap and hip-hop, artists are coming to the table with more and more innovation and drive to flip the script and take things to the next level. Nothing could be more true of Sev7en Taylor, one of social media's most noticeable, busy and vocal rap artists. When it comes to determination and drive, Sev7en is the magic number.
Born Tre Vaughn Taylor, we've been fortunate to get to know Sev7en over the past couple of months and knew when diving into the discovery of queer rap, this was one of the most in touch independent artists to connect with. He recently released his new single 'Spaceships' with more releases planned. We caught up with him to learn more about Sev7en the artist, his music, influences and queer rap in the music industry.
Where are you currently based out of?
I'm currently in Connecticut (I lived in Brooklyn, NY for a legit month last year) I was born and raised in Connecticut. I'll be soon making a new city/ state my home.
Where does the name Sev7en come from? What is its significance?
I originally went by " T.Taylor" in the beginning of my rap career. I switched it to " Sev7en Taylor" because spiritually that's where I was at.
Seven is the number of completion in the bible. I strive for completion in my work, self, life and everything in between. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Sensitive , innovative , art.
How long have you been making music? What got you started?
I used to always write songs and perform in my mom's mirror at the house. I started to dive into rap around 2009-2010 and I begin to rap for friends. They always was like " Oh, that's dope" or " Let me hear more"
I think I just used it as a hobby at that time. I began to perfect my skills and I came out with my first song late 2014. New York rappers were trying to get at me and I built my buzz/ brand from there.
Now, I'm two mixtapes, countless features and an debut album in. I love what I do. Music is my passion and I just keep getting better and better at it. I am a fan of rap before being an artist myself. Rap is our poetry in the hood.
You've drawn influence from various eras and styles of Rap and R&B. How would you describe your current music style? Where do you draw inspiration from?
My current style is just rap in its prime. I just hear a beat and it creates the story I'll tell. I don't even really have a style but I will say I'm deeply inspired by 90's rap. I feel like that was the golden era. Rap is becoming sensitive.
Who are your musical influences? Which musical artists have you been influenced by?
Nicki, Foxy, Kim, Biggie, Jay- Z and Missy. I'm their love child (haha)
Who are you currently listening to? Who do you have on repeat?
I'm listening to my older mixtapes and albums. I also have Beyonce', Nicki, Foxy, Kim and many more on my playlist. I listen to everything. It inspires me when I create. I love creating new worlds.
What has been your most memorable live gig?
Last May when I performed the first time in NYC. I brought the house down and killed it. My second track wouldn't play, so I ended up freestyling over Nicki Minaj's " Chun-li" and I killed it. I later put that freestyle on wax. It can be found on my sound cloud under " C*** POWER". I also killed my pride bookings as well and looking forward to more.
You've recently released your new single 'Spaceships'. How has the reception been?
AMAZINGGGGGGGG. Hearing people rap their fave parts makes my heart smile. I just feel like it's my time and I'm gonna keep creating classic shit. Thankful for everyone playing my music. Also it's a warm up single, it's not the official single. We will get into some thangs soooon.
What was the inspiration for 'Spaceships'? What was the process you took for its creation?
I legit was walking to an old job and I started rapping the hook. Then I sat in my room and wrote the first and second verse. Then when I was laying it down, I freestyled the entire third verse. The process wasn't long at all.
The queer rap and hip hop community really seems to be exploding. There are more and more talented voices are emerging. Is there a strong sense of community and support among artists?
Yes. I remember when I first started out there was only a few narratives happening. Now I see so much new talent and people that are even inspired by me. I welcome the newcomers with open arms and love. I didn't get a warm welcome but that helped mold me. I came in talking my shit and I'll leave talking my shit. I'm gonna open doors and make sure we are continuing the narrative of different voices. Much love to all my fellow creatives out there. Keep soaring.
How do you think LGBTQ rap and hip hop artists are viewed in the music industry?
They see us as a gimmick. If we aren't only selling sex and A-B-C rhymes they don't see it. Dudes that spit like me and actually flow have so much shit to break down. There's a door open for many out rappers to co-exist mainstream and I'm walking my sexy ass in that door. It's the same thing with rappers that are women. If hyper-masculine cultures can't control you then they try to destroy you. We have to keep pushing the narrative. We are here and we exist. Also so many greats died not living in their truth because of losing money or endorsements due to their sexuality. We are very much privileged and we must understand that. Do not take this for granted.
As an LGBTQ artist what do you find most challenging with your music?
Being heard without attaching my personal life to it. I'm not my sexuality. I'm not not a sexual thing nor do I constantly talk about sex. I rap just like the dudes ya'll bump. I just have different taste and flow. Weird is good.
What’s next for you? What does the next 2 years look like?
Bigger platforms, sophomore album and success in & out my personal life. Maybe engaged... who knows? lol.
What’s something on your music career “bucket” list?
Attend a few award shows and win. Head line major shows/ venues and meet everyone all over that support my music.
If you were going to collaborate with another artist, who is on your dream list?
Too many to name ( haha) I'd love to colab with Nicki. I think we would make some crazy ass dope music. I'm down with vibes and if the vibes is right. I'm there. I'm mysterious.
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
I'm finishing up my fourth " Let That Black Man Cry." novel, working on new projects and enjoying my personal life. I love reading and watching interesting things. That's how my raps are inspired.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
Paris or Tokyo. I just love the culture there. I just love to travel in general.
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know about you?
I honestly appreciate everyone taking the time to listen to me. Thank you for celebrating me in these spaces. Thank you just for sharing me with friends. I'm gonna give ya'll everything this year. So please stay tuned. Jimmie gonna make this summer HOT.
Interested in hearing more about and from Sev7en? You're in luck as he will be joining us on the Q Review Podcast in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime follow Sev7en online on Instagram and Twitter @Sev7enTaylor and check out Spaceships and the rest of their music on Spotify.
AMAZINGGGGGGGG. Hearing people rap their fave parts makes my heart smile. I just feel like it's my time and I'm gonna keep creating classic shit. Thankful for everyone playing my music. Also it's a warm up single, it's not the official single. We will get into some thangs soooon.
What was the inspiration for 'Spaceships'? What was the process you took for its creation?
I legit was walking to an old job and I started rapping the hook. Then I sat in my room and wrote the first and second verse. Then when I was laying it down, I freestyled the entire third verse. The process wasn't long at all.
The queer rap and hip hop community really seems to be exploding. There are more and more talented voices are emerging. Is there a strong sense of community and support among artists?
Yes. I remember when I first started out there was only a few narratives happening. Now I see so much new talent and people that are even inspired by me. I welcome the newcomers with open arms and love. I didn't get a warm welcome but that helped mold me. I came in talking my shit and I'll leave talking my shit. I'm gonna open doors and make sure we are continuing the narrative of different voices. Much love to all my fellow creatives out there. Keep soaring.
How do you think LGBTQ rap and hip hop artists are viewed in the music industry?
They see us as a gimmick. If we aren't only selling sex and A-B-C rhymes they don't see it. Dudes that spit like me and actually flow have so much shit to break down. There's a door open for many out rappers to co-exist mainstream and I'm walking my sexy ass in that door. It's the same thing with rappers that are women. If hyper-masculine cultures can't control you then they try to destroy you. We have to keep pushing the narrative. We are here and we exist. Also so many greats died not living in their truth because of losing money or endorsements due to their sexuality. We are very much privileged and we must understand that. Do not take this for granted.
As an LGBTQ artist what do you find most challenging with your music?
Being heard without attaching my personal life to it. I'm not my sexuality. I'm not not a sexual thing nor do I constantly talk about sex. I rap just like the dudes ya'll bump. I just have different taste and flow. Weird is good.
What’s next for you? What does the next 2 years look like?
Bigger platforms, sophomore album and success in & out my personal life. Maybe engaged... who knows? lol.
What’s something on your music career “bucket” list?
Attend a few award shows and win. Head line major shows/ venues and meet everyone all over that support my music.
If you were going to collaborate with another artist, who is on your dream list?
Too many to name ( haha) I'd love to colab with Nicki. I think we would make some crazy ass dope music. I'm down with vibes and if the vibes is right. I'm there. I'm mysterious.
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
I'm finishing up my fourth " Let That Black Man Cry." novel, working on new projects and enjoying my personal life. I love reading and watching interesting things. That's how my raps are inspired.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
Paris or Tokyo. I just love the culture there. I just love to travel in general.
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know about you?
I honestly appreciate everyone taking the time to listen to me. Thank you for celebrating me in these spaces. Thank you just for sharing me with friends. I'm gonna give ya'll everything this year. So please stay tuned. Jimmie gonna make this summer HOT.
Interested in hearing more about and from Sev7en? You're in luck as he will be joining us on the Q Review Podcast in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime follow Sev7en online on Instagram and Twitter @Sev7enTaylor and check out Spaceships and the rest of their music on Spotify.