Ian Chalmers is a humble dude. Based out of Rhode Island, his rap alias I.C. has gained him quite a momentum in the east coast indie hip hop scene. His latest video, “Comin’ Up,” is his crispest work yet, with scrambled egg flow and ear-clasping background vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsVqlx7BIhA
The video recently gained thousands of views on social media, with Ian promising to release more music for his growing fans in the future. His Soundcloud page is filled with singles, usually collaboration pieces with other rappers on the east side of hip hop.
His bars stay at a consistent rate of “made me think” and “let’s get a drunk,” but his storytelling and personal moments of self-reflection are what really make the Rhode Island wordsmith worth telling your friends about.
https://soundcloud.com/theycallme_ic/different-feat-cara-dirty-hairy
I met I.C. over the summer and the two of us discussed the idea of an interview. Like his music, the rapper is modest and I think his words here show just how humble he is a person as well as an artist.
HG: When did you first start out rapping?
IC: I first started out rapping in my car when I was 5 or 6 years old to Eminem back when he started really blowing up. For a while it was just that, memorizing every rapper’s song lyrics and spitting them when I was alone or in the car. Then eventually at the end of high school I started to freestyle with a few of my good friends. I wasn’t that good and I’m still working on that part (laughs). But yeah, I didn’t really get into writing raps until one day I was listening to a 2 Chainz song, “I’m Different”, and I randomly said to myself, “Hey, let’s remix this.” Since then I never looked back.
HG: What do you like about freestyling?
IC: I like how when I’m hanging with the homies and we’re jamming out kicking a freestyle it can end up anywhere. It could be a free about a struggle someone’s going through, partying, or just having fun living life. It’s all about the vibe and that can take you anywhere.
HG: Describe your perfect breakfast (in detail please).
IC: Oh man, I’d probably have to say some eggs over easy, white toast, sausage, bacon, chocolate banana pancakes with syrup, a side of strawberries, a glass of milk and a glass of OJ.
HG: How do you feel about the current state of hip hop? Any artists you like more than others?
HG: What has been your biggest struggle in life? Musically?
IC: My biggest struggle in life has been losing my brother who passed away a couple of years ago. It really made me question myself and what I was doing with my life. It made me realize that this life isn’t guaranteed and that it could be gone in the blink of an eye.
