We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Toussant and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from California LA . My upbringing is in music. My sister is Michel’le from Death Row Records, My cousin on my grandmother side is James Brown, so music CD has always been apart of my life, I grew up singing in the church choir like most, leading me to doing my own thing in music. Although I’m still trying to find my particular sound in music the journey has been real interesting and fun.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well I’m old school, and honestly I never want to change that. I appreciate what the new school brings to the table, but I’m also a firm believer in what makes the individual artist is what makes them. I come from the era of greats like Tupac, NWA, Run DMC and many more, and I feel like the greats such as KRS 1, that who you are is just who you are, and once you find your niche and can build great music from that, you don’t need gimmicks or promotions to make a name for yourself , your art will speak for itself. That being said, my upbringing in God and life is just who I am hence Covenant Muzic being our label, and promoting good positive
Music is our vibe, I’m a product of the streets like most, but everything about the streets isn’t just about drugs, crime, and the wrong elements, there’s a lot of positivity and real righteous struggle there as well, that shouldn’t always be looked over for evil, and fun, there’s also fun in doing the right things as well.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Pittsburgh is a total different element than California, here it’s about community and support on levels that I never really experienced living in the big city, that being said. The Porch is a great place to eat and drink, it’s in Pittsburgh, as far as spots to see an kick it, honestly this state has a variety of different places to be, it just depends on what you’re feeling at the moment. Culture downtown Pittsburgh at the Andy Warhol museum will give you a great glimpse of art culture, as well where we live now Beaver Falls offers a variety of walking trails, and a glimpse into the past, New Brighton offers a series of homes, and spots where slaves use to hide and migrate to various cities and states that surround us, a very interesting learning experience for the African American culture that would like to learn more truth of the days of slavery, and our culture being freed, and the transition into modern times.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Me just growing up watching Music greats like Dr Dre begin his journey and career, my sister really showed and inspired me that folks like me can actually make it in the music business. My favorites are, Ice Cube, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Tyler the Creator and too many others to mention. Although I was born in the west coast I’ve always been inspired by the east coast and their culture of reality and paying homage to the respect of what the east has created with music. I’m inspired by hip hop, but the avant garde of Benjamin Clementine, and the alternative indie of artis like Jon Batiste has always inspired as well. In general I just love music, and when it’s done right I can’t help but get lost in what it brings to life, the artistry, the creativity and the total process of what it takes to make good music, I know that I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m confident that one day I will also be able to contribute a great song to the billboard roster.
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