Talent comes in many different forms: at Bishop Blanchet there is endless amount of talent roaming around in the halls. This month we are focusing on one artist in particular, the one… the only… Ej Velasquez.

When did you first get started with rapping? (How old were you, what year, etc.)

I started sophomore year when I was 15.

What interests you most about the genre of rap?

I guess what I enjoy the most about rap as a genre is the freedom that comes with it. It allows you the opportunity to directly say what you’re feeling or thinking without much difficulty.

Do you write your own music/songs?

Of course, keeping my lyrics 100% original and mine has always been one of my top priorities.

When you rap what is the feeling you get? Do you feel at peace and happy?

It completely depends on the kind of beat or song I’m rapping on. If it’s a laid back beat I’ll usually feel peaceful whereas on a darker beat I may even feel sad or frustrated. Like I said, it depends on the mood of the song and also on whatever the lyrics are saying.

Whose your favorite rapper?

I stared at this question for 10 minutes and couldn’t come up with any one rapper. I guess some of my favorites would be Tupac, Biggie, Mos Def, Kendrick, Drake and obviously a lil Gucci Mane.

Do you see yourself seriously continuing rap after high school? Or will it be more of a hobby.

I mean if I could I definitely would. Rapping is something I would actually consider one of my passions and if I could follow it that would be awesome. However, I realize that’s not always the most successful path to follow so I’m keeping my options open in regards to what I’d like to do with my life.