Photography by Tom Grut.
If you follow Mo Muse on social media, you may have noticed that he went quiet and things got cleared out. This can be seen as a build-up tactic for a release but this was not that, it was personal time. “I had a few personal issues to work through, including taking some accountability for some of my actions privately. You know I really do hold myself to a high standard, but a lot of times when you do that you almost paradoxically forget about yourself. I went away, got my mental health right, and really had to ask myself some difficult questions. I’ve come out of it more sure than I’ve ever been, and an understanding that music will be something I do for the rest of my life. It’s so important though, to take time out for yourself as an artist.”
In the past, fans of Mo Muse have come to expect selfless music that always leaves listeners with a thought, best described metaphorically as message-in-the-bottle-rap. When we first heard his music, it was the release of the ‘First Generation LP’. “Everythings changed. I almost don’t recognise 2019 because so much has happened since then. My first project was completely selfless and it was a lot bigger than me. I feel it was an important story I had to tell. I’m a much more talented and well-rounded artist now, and with that comes diversity in music. So expect that with my upcoming releases.”
However, on ‘Between The Lines’, Muse has completely abandoned this approach. Not to be mistaken with an absence of humility, but establishing surety and that he is here to stay. “At the end of the day forget all the other bullshit in the background, the real question is, can you rap? I want people to listen to Between The Lines and realise there’s levels to this. And if you believe at any moment in my career that I’m undeserving of my spot, then outrap me for it”
Mo Muse has come in hard on his latest release ‘Between The Lines’. It was almost like ‘Pesos’ was a bit of an I’m still making music and have bars and this track is the LETS FUCKING GO! “I will not be denied. Look, gloves are off now, I’m here. I’m in the league, I’m coming for top stop and this song is easily one of the more important of my releases because you can definitely see a shift in energy. Let’s not forget, this is hip-hop.”
As much as he is back on social media now, has released ‘Pesos’ and has dropped this new single. But in saying that, we are also back in lockdown and that is not always an ideal release time for artists “Well taking that break, I didn’t rush to go back to social media etc. So I really put in A LOT of work in during a short period of time. So by the time Lockdown came around I had already had my next 6 weeks planned. But it’s not the same I feel. I really wish the outside was open while I was dropping lol. Lockdown isn’t ideal, music is expressive, however it doesn’t mean we should stop. Music has saved a lot of lives during Lockdown.”
The video was shot by Tom Grut and was done with a Green Screen. Sometimes it isn’t easy delivering a video that doesn’t look too fake but is still impactful in the way it drives the emotion behind his words through. But they did it and it works. “This was very intentional. I mean we could have location scouted till our legs fell off and also made sure no areas were used in other local music videos lol. So we asked ourselves, how can we film a music video with no limitations? Green screen. We developed the idea further and I’m always amazed at what Tom (and the rest of the crew, for PESOS) are able to do with green fabric and a couple cameras. I think this might be a more consistent visual theme for the rest of this project.
Speaking of the rest of this project, Mo Muse is not slowing down and still has more to come. “I’m not going anywhere, as a matter of fact expect more releases more frequently. Oh and don’t forget I’m with BLKCITY and we are working! That little hiatus you noticed was the first and only of its kind. Expect a project at the end of the year.”
