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| Hometown | Paterson, NJ |
| Genres | Hip_Hop, Urban |
| Band Members | H2-O |
| Achievements |
» more |
| Upcoming Shows | None |
| Contact Information: |
Artist / Band Member
H2-O music.h2o@gmail.com 973.930.4500 |
| # Years Experience Performing Live: | 10 |
| # Live Perfomances Past Six-months: | 25 |
| Market Draw: | Hip hop listeners: 0-30 |
| Venue History: | Time Square Arts Center - New York, NY SPY NIGHT CLUB - NEW YORK, NY Club Pyramid - New York, NY |
| Opener Experience: | Raekwon; Diddy; Nelly |
| Performing Rights Society: | SESAC |
| Discography: | Survivor Single—2010; A La Carte EP—2010; RESET EP—2010; The 48th Law EP—2009; Teser EP—2009 |
Money isn't my motivation... Passion is...
I know my truths... They are not pretty or easy to deal with at all, but I know my truths. I know that I have an inner drive that will not allow me to fail. I recognize that I am now, and will forever be,...
Money isn't my motivation... Passion is...
I know my truths... They are not pretty or easy to deal with at all, but I know my truths. I know that I have an inner drive that will not allow me to fail. I recognize that I am now, and will forever be, misunderstood. My perspectives are my own and are rarely shared by others.
I am a man of passion... I could care less if I ever make a dollar from music. I'm currently working my way up the ladder of success in corporate America, so I'm going to be fine regardless. I just want to share my experiences on a broad scale. I have been through so many things in my young life and I truly believe the lessons I've picked up along the way can save you and a few others from some heart ache and pain. I would never want you to go through some of the things I've gone through. On the same token, I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything in the world. They have shaped me. My experiences are the reason why I'm so different. It hurt going through them, granted, and I didn't always make the most popular decisions; but I would NEVER trade my experiences.
I'm going to share that person with you. I'm going to explain where idothisforthelove came from, and why idothisforthelove. I'm going to show you that only the genuine love, granted to me by God, could have given me the strength to persevere through the obstacles I have faced during the creation/composition of this ideal. It's music to you... It's life to me...
Photos
Videos
Photos
Videos
Urban Finals Grand Prize Winner July 2016
Reached 1st in Best of Urban chart in 2019. 1st for 1 week.
Reached 1st in Best of Urban chart in 2017. 1st for 4 weeks.
Urban Finals Grand Prize Winner July 2016
Reached 1st in Best of Urban chart in 2019. 1st for 1 week.
Reached 1st in Best of Urban chart in 2017. 1st for 4 weeks.
Reached 1st in Best of Urban chart in 2016. 1st for 1 week.
Reached 2nd in Best of Urban chart in 2017. In the top 20 for 4 weeks.
Rap and Hip-hop Winner, July 2016
Alternative Hip-Hop Winner, February 2014
Reached 12th in Best of Urban chart in 2014. In the top 20 for 2 weeks.
Reached 26th in Best of Urban chart in 2015. In the top 100 for 22 weeks.
Top 10 in Rap and Hip-hop, August 2019
Top 10 in Rap and Hip-hop, June 2016
Top 10 in Rap and Hip-hop, February 2016
Top 10 in Rap and Hip-hop, December 2015
Top 10 in Rap and Hip-hop, May 2015
Top 10 in Rap and Hip-hop, March 2015
Top 10 in Alternative Hip-Hop, April 2014
Top 10 in Alternative Hip-Hop, March 2014
Top 10 in Hip-Hop Videos, August 2013
Top 10 in Rap, July 2013
Top 10 in Alternative Hip-Hop, March 2013
Top 10 in Rap, May 2011
Top 10 in Hip-Hop Videos, March 2011
March 2010 Judging Excellence
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, September 2019
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, August 2018
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, May 2018
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, April 2018
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, January 2018
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, December 2017
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, September 2017
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, February 2017
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, May 2016
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, August 2015
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, February 2015
Top 40 in Rap and Hip-hop, January 2015
Top 40 in Hip Hop , September 2014
Top 40 in Hip Hop , August 2014
Top 40 in Alternative Hip-Hop, January 2014
Top 40 in Alternative Hip-Hop, December 2013
Top 40 in Hip-Hop Videos, November 2013
Top 40 in Alternative Hip-Hop, December 2012
Top 40 in Hip-Hop Videos, September 2011
Next To Blow by Yoraps.com
Growing up in the hood was quite memorable for H2-O. Paterson, New Jersey was an experience he wouldn't trade for the world, up until when things had dramatically changed when his parents split in...
Growing up in the hood was quite memorable for H2-O. Paterson, New Jersey was an experience he wouldn't trade for the world, up until when things had dramatically changed when his parents split in...
Unsigned Hype (August 09) by The Source Magazine
H2-O earned the coveted unsigned hype column in the source magazine.
H2-O earned the coveted unsigned hype column in the source magazine.
Next To Blow by Yoraps.com
Growing up in the hood was quite memorable for H2-O. Paterson, New Jersey was an experience he wouldn't trade for the world, up until when things had dramatically changed when his parents split in 1992. Young H2-O was then forced to instantly become a man over night with responsibilities of having to work at the age of twelve in a local pizzeria, supervise the household, along with raising his sister because his mother fell ill. During this time, he sincerely admits that life got extremely rough, because in addition to the aforementioned, he still had to keep his grades up in school, and stay focused. Experiencing hardship as a child, H2-O confesses to Yo! Raps that he wouldn't have made it through without perseverance and will power, which later victoriously resulted in graduating from Duke University with a degree in psychology. The Teser vs. Reset story all began when H2-O did the Reset album first, and when it was completed the production team decided that it was much too valuable to be released as a first project from an unknown recording artist, assuming that the public wouldn't appreciate it. The ideals and views on Reset, H2-O admits are very strong, and will have one chance to make a signature statement, so the team chose to wait for the right moment. In other words, they had to give the public something that would introduce them to H2-O the artist, and ease them into the concept of Reset, and that's where Teser, the mixtape steps in. Teser was intentionally made to be taken for granted. They took many risks as far as production and content and gave it to the public for a reaction. Teser is still related to the concept of Reset, but is slightly watered down. The dual name has major significance. H2-O explains to us that one of the themes of Reset is to analyze yourself by taking a look in the mirror. Indicating that if people do that and are honest with themselves, they will often find that they must Reset an aspect of their life in order to improve the quality of it. Teser is released, and is now available on the internet. As for Reset the album, there is no official release date as of yet. We'll start by asking what was it like growing up in the hood of Paterson, New Jersey? What did you learn from your everyday experience, and how has it helped you today? Growing up in the hood was memorable, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world. I used to go to the corner store for my mother, eat McDonalds when I wasn't supposed to, and just do things that kids did. Things changed when my parents split in 1992. It's like I became a man over night. I started working at the age of twelve in a local pizzeria and took care of the house, because my mother got sick as well as raised my sister. During that time it was extremely rough, because in addition to the aforementioned, I still had to keep my grades up and stay focused. Impressively, you're a graduate of Duke University, but how will you put your degree to use in your quest to success in music? I majored in psychology, so I love interacting with the public. I use what I know about the nature of people every day of my life. I attempt to take the aspects of my life that I know people will relate to and put them in songs to create a unique connection between my fans and I. I also use the business sense from my collegiate years to speak to executives on their level, in their lingo. Ultimately it all works together, and my education has a profound impact on my music. We read in your bio that you don't hustle and steal anymore and that all you do now is stand still. One would never admit to something like that, but why did you feel it was necessary to admit that, especially in your bio? I want people to know upfront what they are getting into when you experience H2-O. I have never hustled a day in my life. Being out on the block just wasn't my thing. There was a point in my life where I had to steal to survive. I'm not proud of it, but it's the truth. I admit information like this so the public does not get an over-glamorized depiction of who I really am. I'm a real person that has gone through real troubles, and I have real problems. It is important to me that my fans relate to me and my music on a very personal level and so I decided to share some personal information. Reflecting on you as a recording artist, your mixtape, Teser, which is actually the title of your debut album Reset backwards is now completed. What inspired the dual name and when is it expected for release? Ahhh... the Teser vs. Reset story. What had happened was... [laughs] I actually made the Reset album first. When it was done, the team and I decided that it was too valuable to be released as a first project from an unknown artist. Bottom line is that the public wouldn't appreciate it. The ideals and views on Reset are very strong and we are only going to have one chance to make this statement, so we chose to wait until the right time. However, in the meanwhile we had to give the public something that would introduce them to H2-O and ease them into the concept of Reset, and that's where Teser comes in. Teser was made to be taken for granted. We took many risks as far as production and content and gave it to the public to see how they would react. It is still related to the concept of Reset, but just watered down. While we're on the subject, when is your debut album, Reset releasing? Will it have any familiar guest appearances, or is it top secret? [Laughs] We have not set a definitive release date for the album yet, and I'm not at liberty to talk about any of the specifics in regards to producers, features, etc. I guess it is kind of top secret... [laughs]. I will circle back around with Yo! Raps as we move closer to releasing the project. You boldly remark that Reset is going to change the face of Hip-Hop. In what sense will it change it? Reset is more than an album; it's a concept and it's a movement. It represents the way I have been living my life since 2005. During that time things were bad, and I was losing control. I had to make some difficult choices and re-prioritize my life. When all choices were made and my priorities were straight, I recognized that my life was different, because I chose to Reset it. I changed my professional career, ended a five-year relationship, and even stopped rapping for a year to get my life straight. When I came back from my one-year hiatus, I had something new to talk about and different experiences to share. My views were drastically different, but the quality of my life had improved tremendously. This is why Reset is going to change the face of Hip-Hop. Once people, record executives, business affiliates, etc. use the ideals of Reset and apply them to their lives, we are going to be part of a brand new movement that will improve the quality of life for all those that take part in it. It's known that you don't write rhymes, you see them. If you may, give us an example of a visual rhyme. Okay, I know this sounds weird, but bare with me. Whenever I listen to music, I see colors and I hear the words that correspond with those colors. I know it sounds like I'm crazy, but I assure you that I'm not. This is how I choose the beats I rock over. I don't really care who produces the song, if it talks to me then I know it's special. Whatever the beat says, I see those words and that is ultimately what you end up listening to. Let's focus on your swagger. As far as sound, style, delivery and appearance, what makes yours so unique, and why? I rap about what I feel about over beats that talk to me. I spit my lyrics according to the feeling associated with each respective song. When I step out of the house whether I'm going to work, or the studio, I make sure that I'm giving it my best. It's seldom you will catch me slipping... [laughs]. I'm unique, because no one can be me better than me. Other artists want to be the next "such and such", but I'm the first me. Speaking on appearance, how important is physical appearance in today's music world? Do you believe that it plays a part in progression? It shouldn't be as important as it is, but yes it is important. The truth of the matter is that if you are in shape, you will sell more records. I recognize that and I stay in the gym trying to get my life right [laughs]. Out of curiosity, if you weren't a recording artist, what other occupation(s) would interest you? Currently, when I'm not recording I'm a Director of Operations for an Incentive Company. If music doesn't work out I will go back to school and get my MBA, invest in some real estate and just make music for myself. I made a decision a long time ago that with or without rap I would live the way I wanted to live. I'm thankful that I'm in a position to do so. How has the Rap/Hip-Hop game treated you thus far? Are you just passing through, or are you here to say? It's hard to answer this question without sounding bitter, but the game hasn't been the best to me, because I have something to fall back on. People see me in my suits and ties and question why I make music. I don't make sense to people, because I'm married with a decent job, and it's like they hate that they like the music. It almost feels like people don't deem me worthy enough, because they think that I have lived an easy life, so it's harder for me to break into the industry and find that one right person to believe. However, I'm here to stay whether they like it or not. One thing about all of the great artists like Biggie, Tupac, Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc. is that they were all told "no" initially, and had to fight to get their music heard, but we see how they end up. I guess the adversity is part of my fate on the road to greatness. What's your honest views on the radio playing sub-par music, and artists that make music with no purpose? Just remember you said honest... [laughs]. I think it fucking sucks! I don't blame the artists, because people have a right to express themselves however they see fit. I blame the powers that be, because they don't have the heart to say that the music is trash and demand better quality. The industry has too many followers and not enough real leaders. Unfortunately for Hip-Hop, those persons are in positions of authority so it's like the blind leading the blind. Hopefully, I will meet one of the few genuine leaders in the game and we will be able to help restore Hip-Hop to its former glory. You're well on your way to becoming a permanent fixture in music, and we anticipate all that you have going on, but what's your ultimate wish? What do you want in return from your time invested? I want to have a fan walk up to me after a show, at an autograph signing, or something like that and tell me that my music helped change his/her life for the better. I want to know that someone else was able to benefit from my mistakes and improved their quality of life. Ultimately I want to add value to Hip-Hop; both its culture and community. Where can your fans find you online? Give us some helpful links! The fans can find at the following places: www.experienceh2-o.com, www.myspace.com/trademarknexus and www.youtube.com/idothisforthelove. H2-O, thanks for stopping by Yo! Raps supports dreams. Hey, be sure to come back and visit us again. The pleasure was all mine! I appreciate Yo! Raps for taking the time to help expose my music and movement to the public. I will definitely be back. Thanks for everything! - By Inga "International" Newson
Growing up in the hood was quite memorable for H2-O. Paterson, New Jersey was an experience he wouldn't trade for the world, up until when things had dramatically changed when his parents split in 1992. Young H2-O was then forced to instantly become a man over night with responsibilities of having to work at the age of twelve in a local pizzeria, supervise the household, along with raising his sister because his mother fell ill. During this time, he sincerely admits that life got extremely rough, because in addition to the aforementioned, he still had to keep his grades up in school, and stay focused. Experiencing hardship as a child, H2-O confesses to Yo! Raps that he wouldn't have made it through without perseverance and will power, which later victoriously resulted in graduating from Duke University with a degree in psychology. The Teser vs. Reset story all began when H2-O did the Reset album first, and when it was completed the production team decided that it was much too valuable to be released as a first project from an unknown recording artist, assuming that the public wouldn't appreciate it. The ideals and views on Reset, H2-O admits are very strong, and will have one chance to make a signature statement, so the team chose to wait for the right moment. In other words, they had to give the public something that would introduce them to H2-O the artist, and ease them into the concept of Reset, and that's where Teser, the mixtape steps in. Teser was intentionally made to be taken for granted. They took many risks as far as production and content and gave it to the public for a reaction. Teser is still related to the concept of Reset, but is slightly watered down. The dual name has major significance. H2-O explains to us that one of the themes of Reset is to analyze yourself by taking a look in the mirror. Indicating that if people do that and are honest with themselves, they will often find that they must Reset an aspect of their life in order to improve the quality of it. Teser is released, and is now available on the internet. As for Reset the album, there is no official release date as of yet. We'll start by asking what was it like growing up in the hood of Paterson, New Jersey? What did you learn from your everyday experience, and how has it helped you today? Growing up in the hood was memorable, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world. I used to go to the corner store for my mother, eat McDonalds when I wasn't supposed to, and just do things that kids did. Things changed when my parents split in 1992. It's like I became a man over night. I started working at the age of twelve in a local pizzeria and took care of the house, because my mother got sick as well as raised my sister. During that time it was extremely rough, because in addition to the aforementioned, I still had to keep my grades up and stay focused. Impressively, you're a graduate of Duke University, but how will you put your degree to use in your quest to success in music? I majored in psychology, so I love interacting with the public. I use what I know about the nature of people every day of my life. I attempt to take the aspects of my life that I know people will relate to and put them in songs to create a unique connection between my fans and I. I also use the business sense from my collegiate years to speak to executives on their level, in their lingo. Ultimately it all works together, and my education has a profound impact on my music. We read in your bio that you don't hustle and steal anymore and that all you do now is stand still. One would never admit to something like that, but why did you feel it was necessary to admit that, especially in your bio? I want people to know upfront what they are getting into when you experience H2-O. I have never hustled a day in my life. Being out on the block just wasn't my thing. There was a point in my life where I had to steal to survive. I'm not proud of it, but it's the truth. I admit information like this so the public does not get an over-glamorized depiction of who I really am. I'm a real person that has gone through real troubles, and I have real problems. It is important to me that my fans relate to me and my music on a very personal level and so I decided to share some personal information. Reflecting on you as a recording artist, your mixtape, Teser, which is actually the title of your debut album Reset backwards is now completed. What inspired the dual name and when is it expected for release? Ahhh... the Teser vs. Reset story. What had happened was... [laughs] I actually made the Reset album first. When it was done, the team and I decided that it was too valuable to be released as a first project from an unknown artist. Bottom line is that the public wouldn't appreciate it. The ideals and views on Reset are very strong and we are only going to have one chance to make this statement, so we chose to wait until the right time. However, in the meanwhile we had to give the public something that would introduce them to H2-O and ease them into the concept of Reset, and that's where Teser comes in. Teser was made to be taken for granted. We took many risks as far as production and content and gave it to the public to see how they would react. It is still related to the concept of Reset, but just watered down. While we're on the subject, when is your debut album, Reset releasing? Will it have any familiar guest appearances, or is it top secret? [Laughs] We have not set a definitive release date for the album yet, and I'm not at liberty to talk about any of the specifics in regards to producers, features, etc. I guess it is kind of top secret... [laughs]. I will circle back around with Yo! Raps as we move closer to releasing the project. You boldly remark that Reset is going to change the face of Hip-Hop. In what sense will it change it? Reset is more than an album; it's a concept and it's a movement. It represents the way I have been living my life since 2005. During that time things were bad, and I was losing control. I had to make some difficult choices and re-prioritize my life. When all choices were made and my priorities were straight, I recognized that my life was different, because I chose to Reset it. I changed my professional career, ended a five-year relationship, and even stopped rapping for a year to get my life straight. When I came back from my one-year hiatus, I had something new to talk about and different experiences to share. My views were drastically different, but the quality of my life had improved tremendously. This is why Reset is going to change the face of Hip-Hop. Once people, record executives, business affiliates, etc. use the ideals of Reset and apply them to their lives, we are going to be part of a brand new movement that will improve the quality of life for all those that take part in it. It's known that you don't write rhymes, you see them. If you may, give us an example of a visual rhyme. Okay, I know this sounds weird, but bare with me. Whenever I listen to music, I see colors and I hear the words that correspond with those colors. I know it sounds like I'm crazy, but I assure you that I'm not. This is how I choose the beats I rock over. I don't really care who produces the song, if it talks to me then I know it's special. Whatever the beat says, I see those words and that is ultimately what you end up listening to. Let's focus on your swagger. As far as sound, style, delivery and appearance, what makes yours so unique, and why? I rap about what I feel about over beats that talk to me. I spit my lyrics according to the feeling associated with each respective song. When I step out of the house whether I'm going to work, or the studio, I make sure that I'm giving it my best. It's seldom you will catch me slipping... [laughs]. I'm unique, because no one can be me better than me. Other artists want to be the next "such and such", but I'm the first me. Speaking on appearance, how important is physical appearance in today's music world? Do you believe that it plays a part in progression? It shouldn't be as important as it is, but yes it is important. The truth of the matter is that if you are in shape, you will sell more records. I recognize that and I stay in the gym trying to get my life right [laughs]. Out of curiosity, if you weren't a recording artist, what other occupation(s) would interest you? Currently, when I'm not recording I'm a Director of Operations for an Incentive Company. If music doesn't work out I will go back to school and get my MBA, invest in some real estate and just make music for myself. I made a decision a long time ago that with or without rap I would live the way I wanted to live. I'm thankful that I'm in a position to do so. How has the Rap/Hip-Hop game treated you thus far? Are you just passing through, or are you here to say? It's hard to answer this question without sounding bitter, but the game hasn't been the best to me, because I have something to fall back on. People see me in my suits and ties and question why I make music. I don't make sense to people, because I'm married with a decent job, and it's like they hate that they like the music. It almost feels like people don't deem me worthy enough, because they think that I have lived an easy life, so it's harder for me to break into the industry and find that one right person to believe. However, I'm here to stay whether they like it or not. One thing about all of the great artists like Biggie, Tupac, Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc. is that they were all told "no" initially, and had to fight to get their music heard, but we see how they end up. I guess the adversity is part of my fate on the road to greatness. What's your honest views on the radio playing sub-par music, and artists that make music with no purpose? Just remember you said honest... [laughs]. I think it fucking sucks! I don't blame the artists, because people have a right to express themselves however they see fit. I blame the powers that be, because they don't have the heart to say that the music is trash and demand better quality. The industry has too many followers and not enough real leaders. Unfortunately for Hip-Hop, those persons are in positions of authority so it's like the blind leading the blind. Hopefully, I will meet one of the few genuine leaders in the game and we will be able to help restore Hip-Hop to its former glory. You're well on your way to becoming a permanent fixture in music, and we anticipate all that you have going on, but what's your ultimate wish? What do you want in return from your time invested? I want to have a fan walk up to me after a show, at an autograph signing, or something like that and tell me that my music helped change his/her life for the better. I want to know that someone else was able to benefit from my mistakes and improved their quality of life. Ultimately I want to add value to Hip-Hop; both its culture and community. Where can your fans find you online? Give us some helpful links! The fans can find at the following places: www.experienceh2-o.com, www.myspace.com/trademarknexus and www.youtube.com/idothisforthelove. H2-O, thanks for stopping by Yo! Raps supports dreams. Hey, be sure to come back and visit us again. The pleasure was all mine! I appreciate Yo! Raps for taking the time to help expose my music and movement to the public. I will definitely be back. Thanks for everything! - By Inga "International" Newson
Unsigned Hype (August 09) by The Source Magazine
H2-O earned the coveted unsigned hype column in the source magazine.
H2-O earned the coveted unsigned hype column in the source magazine.
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