Martell Coleman, a talented artist hailing from the Westside of Chicago, is making waves in the music industry with his raw and expressive style. At the age of 30, he is already gaining recognition for his soulful lyrics and captivating performances. In this exclusive interview, Martell shares insights into his journey as an artist, his inspirations, and his vision for the future.
Martell’s stage name is simply his real name. It holds a sentimental value as it was given to him by his father, who named him after his favorite drink, Martell. Growing up surrounded by the rich musical culture of Chicago, Martell found inspiration in R&B singers and rappers alike. He cites Drake, Bump J, Fabolous, K.CAMP, and Rakim as some of the artists who have influenced his craft.
When asked about the tools he finds indispensable for accomplishing his goals, Martell emphasizes the importance of discipline, relentlessness, and a strong work ethic. He believes that true success comes from being genuinely passionate about what you do.
As for solving common challenges, Martell adopts a solution-based mindset. He remains calm, patient, and focused on finding answers rather than dwelling on problems. His ability to manage his time effectively contributes to his productivity, allowing him to navigate the complexities of marketing, networking, and reducing overwhelm.
One of the best pieces of advice Martell received was from himself: “F.E.A.R = Face Everything And Rise.” This mantra embodies his fearless approach to challenges and encourages him to push his boundaries. However, his biggest challenge remains reaching his target audience and building a solid fanbase. Martell is determined to overcome this hurdle and connect with listeners who resonate with his unique style and message.
Martell’s music is a reflection of his life in Chicago’s Westside, described as raw, expressive, and soulful. Through his lyrics, he offers a glimpse into the realities and experiences of his community. The best compliment he has ever received about his music is that he is destined for greatness and has the potential to lead the new school of rap.
His latest release, “Martell Coleman – Wishin On A Star,” is available for streaming on all platforms, accompanied by an official music video on YouTube. Martell is excited to showcase his talent and continue to create meaningful music.
When asked about his dream collaboration, Martell expresses a desire to work with artists such as Jack Harlow, Yeat, J.Cole, Benny the Butcher, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. He admires their unique styles and believes that collaborating with them would result in a remarkable fusion of talents.
In terms of live performances, Martell envisions himself opening a show for Benny the Butcher or any artist with a cool old-school vibe. He aims to create an unforgettable concert experience where fans can enjoy themselves and create lasting memories.
Handling criticism can be challenging for any artist, but Martell’s advice is to face everything and rise. By embracing feedback and using it to fuel personal growth, he believes that criticism can be transformed into a catalyst for success.
Currently, Martell is focused on developing his craft, expanding his network, and building a strong fanbase. He immerses himself in the creative process, collaborates with fellow artists, and seeks connections that will further his career.
When asked about his thoughts on the state of Hip-Hop, Martell expresses a belief that the genre is missing a leader, and he aspires to fill that void. With his unique style and captivating performances, he aims to make a lasting impact on the industry.
If given the opportunity to change anything about the music industry, Martell would alter the current practice of record labels solely signing artists based on.
Today, we had an exclusive opportunity to sit down with the talented artist to talk about his journey, inspirations, and his latest release.
1. What is your legal name and age?
2. What is your stage name and how did you come up with it?
My stage name is “Martell Coleman” it’s my real name my dad gave it to me he said Martell was his favorite drink.
3. Where are you from?
4. Where are you now?
Westside Chicago IL
5. Who would you say inspired you the most, as an artist?
The artist that inspire me the most are R&B singers or any person gifted with the voice to sing that’s a rare gift. Rappers who inspire me I would say Drake, Bump J, Fabolous, K.CAMP, Rakim.
6. What tools do you find indispensable for accomplishing [task]?
The tools I find indispensable for accomplishing task are discipline, relentlessness, work ethic and you gotta actually be good and have a passion for what you’re doing.
7. How do you solve [common problem – productivity, scheduling, marketing, networking, reducing overwhelm]?
The way I solve common problems of productivity, scheduling marketing, networking is by always looking for a solution and not more problems. I’m a solution based thinker, I understand the importance of staying calm, patient and understanding and I always manage my time correctly.
8. What’s the best advice you ever received?
Best advice I’ve ever received was F.E.A.R = Face Everything And Rise and that advice came from myself “Martell Coleman.
9. What is still your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is reach and finding my target audience and building a solid fanbase.
10. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe the music I make as HIP HOP, raw, expressive, creative, art and a soulful experience of life in Chicago IL on the westside.
11. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your music?
Best compliment I’ve received about my music is that I’m destined for greatness and destined to lead the new school of rap.
12. What’s your latest release?
My latest release is “Martell Coleman – Wishin On A Star”. Streaming on all platforms and official video out now on YouTube.
13. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
The artist I would most likely collaborate with would be Jack Harlow, Yeat, J.Cole, Benny the butcher, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, etc etc.
14. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
If I could open a show for any artist it would be Benny the butcher or any artist that have a cool old school vibe HipHop fanbase that’s diverse and wanna enjoy themselves and get home safe to tell the story of the best concert they’ve ever been to in their entire life!
15. What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
My best advice for handling criticism is F.E.A.R = Face Everything And Rise
16. What are you focusing your time on now (e.g., recording a new record, touring the Midwest, writing, etc.)?
The things I’m focusing my time on right now is developing my craft, being around more creator’s, building my fanbase, connections and expanding my network.
17. How do you currently feel about the state of Hip-hop in general?
How I feel about the current state of HipHop is It’s missing it’s leader “Martell Coleman”.
18. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything about the industry it would be the fact that record labels don’t develop artist and only sign artist based on views.
19. If you could only listen to 3 albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
If I could only listen to 3 albums for the rest of my life it would be “Drake – Thank me later”. “The Game – Documentary”. “Drake – Take Care”.
20. What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
I want my legacy to be one of the greatest artist to ever touch a mic and be placed on rap MT. Rushmore and for my music to live on and be played forever. I want to be remembered as the artist that got millions of listeners and fans over the dark days and led them to brighter days through rhythm and poetry.
