ONE SON On 22 Years Of Music And Real Talk – Interview

Military vet turned artist Bobby Acres, aka ONE SON, has been keeping it real in Hip-Hop for 22 years, choosing authenticity over trends and substance over quick success. He shows you don’t have to sell out to make it. Learn more in this exclusive interview on Electro Wow.

1. Some people outside of Hip-Hop equate Rap music as being violent. What would you say to those people?

Rap Music is just a mirror of life; sometimes the truth can be ugly. When you watch the news, there’s rarely a positive story, but when rappers talk about their pain, it’s an issue.

I’ve been in those meetings where executives tell you what’s hot, and what you should talk about, or what image you should portray. This is the hidden hand that the audience doesn’t see, and I agree no one should sell out for fool’s gold, but oftentimes they think the ends justify the means, and they take the bait.

The rapper is responsible for his part, but he’s not the only one responsible.

2. Any skills from the military that help you in the music business?

Being in the military helped me be more patient and disciplined, which allowed me to not just take any deal.

After I performed at the Apollo, a label was offering me a deal, but wanted me to get all gold teeth, because at the time, grills were popular. I declined because that wasn’t an image I wanted to portray.

3. Has your approach to writing about real stuff changed over the years?

As you grow, your art should evolve with you. I take more risks nowadays because my overall view is broader.

4. What themes do your songs usually explore, and specifically, what is your new single “I’m A Man” about?

I understand you must entertain, but you can also provide substance that the listener can grab onto that can get them through hard times or motivate them to keep fighting. “I’m A Man” is just dealing with the valleys and peaks of manhood and not compromising your integrity.

5. How often do you work with other artists on your releases, and who took part in creating “I’m A Man”?

I like collaborating with artists from different genres and pushing the envelope. With the single “I’m A Man,” it was produced by DJ Ty Infamous and engineered by Douglas Rogers.

We have a production company called Upperhand Productions. It consists of me, DJ Cassanova (founder), Khalid Salaam, Douglas Rogers, DJ Ty Infamous, Big Fella, and J75. We write, produce, and engineer for various artists, and the genres range from Hip-Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, Afrobeat, Afrofusion, K-Pop, Country, and Acoustic Soul.

6. In what ways does the music video reflect your personal vision?

In the video, I incorporated friends that I consider brothers, men of honor who define what being a man is about. I also had my father in the video, who taught me how to be a man.

7. What’s been your biggest “I made it” moment in these 22 years?

It’s not even the music; it’s just watching my kids grow and develop into positive men and women in their selected fields.

8. Your wife co-wrote a book with you – how does she keep you balanced?

My wife always encourages me to push forward; she keeps everything in order. Prior to cellphones, if we were taking a family trip, she would write down random thoughts I would get while driving. When your spouse is your best friend, you’re able to endure any storm.

9. Beyond your music career, do you pursue other forms of art or different kinds of work?

Yes, I’m a professional voiceover actor. I enjoy taking scripts and bringing them to life, no matter if it’s with animation, advertisement, or video games. I embrace the challenge.

10. Where’s your sound heading next? Still discovering new things about yourself as an artist?

In these turbulent times, someone has to say something inspiring because the truth and facts are becoming a non-factor. Lies have become more entertaining and hatred more acceptable. Real artists must be that beacon of hope and shine light in the midst of darkness.

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