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that can be played on radio but still give you the
sense of masculinity.
Tell me about some of the singles you’ve had
success with.
The first single I released was called “Die For
Me.” I got a big up North fan base. My first
single hit the charts and I was getting about
200 or 300 spins on radio up North. My
second single was “We From Florida” featuring
Rick Ross and Jacki-O. My third single was
“Don’t Push Me.” It featured Shahiem from Wu
Tang. I’ve been working on some big projects.
With my fourth single, I wanted it to be only
me so I can show people what I can do and
they don’t think the artists that I’m featuring
is what’s carrying me. I want to show people
that I can hold my own. My new single is
called “Paperchasin’.” I just released it. It’s
already tearing up the stations.
reacher is a common name heard in the streets of
Orlando, especially recently. After releasing several
singles, Preacher is preparing to further spread his
street gospel via his first album.
How did you make a name for yourself in Orlando
Hard work and a lot of grind. I started getting on every
show I could possibly get. I actually did a lot of shows
with just about every major artist you could think of.
I just took the money I made from my business – I
own a tattoo parlor – and started pushing myself. I’ve
featured Rick Ross and Jacki-O. I made a big dent in
Florida. I was trying to do the unity thing so I went to
every artist here that was doing something and making
a name for themselves and I collaborated with them and
let everybody know who Preacher was.
Have you tattooed any famous people
Yeah, I did the driver Grave Digger; I did Shahiem from
Wu Tang. I’ve done a lot of basketball players. A lot of
people know me from doing tattoos. That’s something
I also wanted to tie into my music career. Paul Wall
brought the gold grills to the industry so I want to bring
tattoos to the music industry.
As far as your music, what are you most known for
My energy. I believe when you hit the stage it’s about
showmanship and energy. I don’t think there’s nobody
out there that does a show the way I do a show. I bring
a lot of things to the table, a lot of energy. I think that’s
what’s missing in the industry right now.
How would you compare the music scene in your
hometown to other cities
It’s a lot more gangsta. Instead of the dirty South we
normally hear, in Orlando it’s a little bit more gangsta.
The thing I’m bringing to the table is that I’m mixing the
two – a commercial feel and gangsta – so that I got a
new genre of music. I actually have a genre of music
With radio play and your buzz, have any
major labels been seeking you out
From what I’m hearing through the grapevine, I got
four labels that are interested – Interscope, Def Jam,
Universal and Atlantic. We got a couple of people that’s
also promoting us in New York and New Jersey. We get a
lot of feedback and they was talking about they wanted
to see how much I really want it. I’m looking forward to
signing with a very big major. It’s going to have to be
somebody big, especially with my creativity.
What significance does your name have How do you
live up to it
I got the name Preacher from my father when I was
four years old. My father always told me I would be
preaching a lot of things people could learn from. A
lot of times people get my name mixed up with gospel.
It’s not that I don’t want to preach the gospel, but I
want to do God’s work in the streets. If I see somebody
doing something wrong, I tell them how they should do
it right. I tell them how important school is and there’s
other ways to make money than selling drugs. I’m an
entrepreneur myself. I’m always preaching something
positive. I’m from the street so I give them the street
perspective. It’s hard for somebody from the streets
to listen to somebody’s who’s never done it. I’ve done
everything. I’m a positive role model in the community;
I’m always giving back. I didn’t get into music just
for money, I got into it because I want to voice to the
people and make change.
Tell me about some of your plans for the future.
I’m sitting on tons of music and I realize you can make
music all day, but you got to get out here and make
something happen. I have a pre-album I’m about to
release. When a major label comes, I’m going to be a
full package for them. //
Words by Ms. Rivercity // Photo by Shang Media LLC
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