Positive ID has been freestyling since he was 8 years old. He’s now 37 and finally getting his music out there on Youtube, Jango, Soundcloud, Facebook and Reverbnation. ID is not only a rapper but a divorced and a single parent with 2 kids. 2 Boys Elijah 10 and Noah 6 that inspires him to continue with his craft. Positive ID recently performed at Toad’s Place in New Haven and was recenty featured on Spitfire Vol. 2 (Hosted by Treach of Naughty by Nature).
1. How did you come up with your name?
Positive ID is my name for couple Reasons I had previous names such as “ Father Time“, which I somewhat Followed the likes of Flavor Flav and donned a Clock of my own around my neck but it was similar to a Grandfather Clock instead. Later a Rapper came out with that name and was a one hit wonder so I figured if I were to use that name then they would assume it was that same Emcee. I tried “ Big Mack” too at one point because I am a Large man, who at the time used to have a way with the ladies ; ), because of my confidence. Positive ID, was chosen by me for 2 reasons. I try to stick with Positive subject matter,and because I am well known and being somewhat cocky, because everywhere I be, the people positively Identify me (laughs).
2. You have been rocking the mic for a while. Since the 80’s. Which era of Hiphop is your favorite and which would you say represents you as an artist?
80’s to 2000 my favorite era. Nowadays I mostly dig Underground or less known artists. Although I am a big fan of Shady Records / Aftermath. I even have a necklace with the Logo. Also I’m a huge follower of Tech Nine’s Record Label, Strange Music. I’m a diehard 2pac fan forever! He as a Rapper probably had the most influence on me.
3. On “It’s All Over” you were rapping about being from the East but feeling the West. You also rapped about NWA. Is it safe to say West Coast Hiphop was more of an influence for you, if so, why?
NWA had a huge Influence on me because I liked there raw street reporting. They seemed real and they all had a different flow and skills that meshed well together. I definetly prefer the West Coast sound to the East overall. I like G-Funk / Death Row / WC. On the East, Nas may still be my favorite of well known rappers. I also have always had an interest in one day visiting California.
4. How does it feel to be in the TOP 3 artists from your area on Reverbnation?
Amazing! End of last year, and so far in 2015, has been my biggest year for music accomplishments for me, and I am very excited and hope to climb to #1 in the near future.
5. Its not often a lot of artists let us into their personal lifes to the extent you have. You made it perfectly clear you are a divorced single parent. For starts, are you making any songs about your relationship trials and tribulations?
Probably. I have not written many rhymes in my lifetime, I usually “Freeflow“, or go off the cuff, it’s what I do and what I know. This year I am trying to put out a 5 song EP and write all except for doing one freestyle to not forget my talent and my roots. Not too sound too cocky but if I was to read a Bio I would definitely purchase mine. Because you would be surprised what I have been through and how I have changed my life for the better. Stay Tuned!
6. Is it hard being a single parent and trying to balance making music in your life?
Mos Definetly! I am a Father First! Music, I hope to one day be involved somehow, someway maybe not even in the spotlight. But if I could do anyhing with music and make enough money to survive that would be my dream. I will always do my music as a hobby even if there is no money involved or fame because It is potentially healthy for my “Life Force”.
7. Who are your top 5 favorite rappers of all time?
This is a hard one for me to answer but I will give it my best shot —
1. 2pac 2. Crooked I /Slaughterhouse 3.Logic 4.Eminem 5. Dr. Dre
8. Whats next for you, any albums, mixtapes, videos or shows on the way?
I got this same Freestyle song on a mixtape coming out at the end of the month which will be heavily distributed in the Atlanta Area. I’m hoping to spread the word. I am connecting with a C.T. DJ by the name of Audiodrone and hoping to make an EP of 4 songs, written and one freeflow, as long as I can come up with the cash needed to get it done.
9. What is your long term goal for Hiphop?
To be involved in anyway shape or form and to continue as an artist even just for fun.
10. It was great chopping it up with you and getting to know you. In closing let our readers know where to check you out, plug some links and give shout outs if you’d like.
Thanks..
Shout Outs to:
First and Foremost My Ex-Inlaws Loretta Hanson & Cheryl Bombardier for being there for me and my kids,and taking care of them for me to give me the oppurtunity to do what I do with my music.
To my friend and producer Oliver Goldsmith aka Kenny Prospect for getting that beat for the song that has got me noticed,I appreciate you.
Also a Shoutout to my biggest Fan in my music and my Life Partner Amy Sommerfeldt.
Shoutout to my Family for being there for me in my music and in my life for all needs
Shoutout to my Best Friend Dave Hornak,who has been with me through thick and thin.
Shoutout to my AXA Family ( Co-workers ) too many too name but they gave me the chance to share my gift here at work and support me 100%
Shoutout to my friend and biggest financial backer Kyle Orce,couldn’t do it without you bro.
Shoutout to my friend Joe Butler who Designs Merchandise for me as an artist and helps spread the word about me online,I appreciate you…
Last but not least a Shoutout to @ThaAdvocate for getting me the Mixtape Oppurtunity Spitfire Vol II Hosted by Treach, Produced by “ Tha Advocate “, and for the Oppurtunity for this Interview.
I hope this interview has you interested in checking me out and if so here are some links to do so below:
http://www.reverbnation.com/positiveid?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav
Twitter-@PositiveID1978
Facebook-Sean Shapiro Facebook-Positive ID Facebook-Positive ID Fan Page
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8D140A7BBE82B98F
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8D140A7BBE82B98F
http://8tracks.com/positiveid1978
http://8tracks.com/positiveid
https://soundcloud.com/positiveid19781/tracks
More to Come! I have a feeling that 2015 is my year for my music. The Future is Now!