M.Whise discusses his place in Chicago's rap underground, the current state of the rap scene, and battle rap vs. song making in his exclusive Q+A.

By: GroovNuke

Enter the Shogun: M.Whise chops it up with GroovNuke in this Q+A interview.

For just as long as I've been hip to the Chicago rap scene, M.Whise has been in the rotation of artists I was familiar with. His rumbling delivery, and hard punch lines is something that will surely catch your eye.

Over time, I've seen him gain direction with his music, and even got to catch one of his performances live. Recently, me and Whise got in touch for a solid interview, where we disscussed his place in the rap scene in the city and much more.

GroovNuke: How did you get the rap name M.Whise?
Whise: "My rap name is an extension of my real name actually. I went through a few stage names before I decided I wanted to be myself,
Therefore Matthew Whisenton became Matt Whise. Ultimately, M.Whise  (Hate being called Matthew)."

GroovNuke: How old are you?
M.Whise: 26. My birthday just passed in March.

GroovNuke: Do you consider yourself an underground veteran or a legend?
M.Whise: I’ve been called a veteran and a legend of some sorts but never really accepted by the Chicago underground I’m respected though. I guess it’s up for debate but I have been doing this a long time I won’t believe it till I’m better off.

GroovNuke: Describe your song making process?
M.Whise: I let the beat carry me to wherever it wanna go I tend to stay in pockets of rhythm a lot which enhances my replay value. Far as lyrics sometimes I wanna show my rap ability, sometimes I wanna express myself. Both come out in a form of truth n pain...or arrogance as they call it i say confidence lol.

GroovNuke: Do you write or freestyle in the booth?
M.Whise: I do both depending on how I feel. I’ve even written in the booth piece by piece. Whatever the vibe calls for I’m notorious for 15min verses lol.

GroovNuke: What is the name of your rap group, and what makes you all stand out?
M.Whise: The group I’m actually in is known as Slumpgang777 led by Sage the 64th Wonder. I’m the newest member as of last year and it’s a major honor cause I been a fan since they kinda began never thought I’d call them homies. We stand out cause we do all forms of art from audio to visual.
Imagine all the best rappers, painters and visual artists under one umbrella pushing the cause from different directions. We stand out heavy.

GroovNuke: Is the Chicago rap scene on the rise or decline?
M.Whise: Depends on who you ask really. My opinion we at a standstill due to it being so much talent in the city and everybody thinking they are the one who is deserving of the spotlight. Nobody wants to share it so I try my best to encourage and show love to artists in the city. We all we got.

GroovNuke: Do you trust Chicago platforms and gatekeepers?
M.Whise: No I do not trust much of anyone. The gatekeepers are just scared of being replaced so they won’t acknowledge that’s the city for you but we make due. Moves were never made making excuses.

GroovNuke: Do you feel as if you can thrive in another city as well as Chicago?
M.Whise: All my attention is barely in the city they see a big guy in a mask with a friendly demeanor but a scary presence in music and they be confused. People outside of here really find my work interesting though, so maybe I could. But I love my city when no one else does.

GroovNuke: When hard times hit your artistry, how do you respond?
M.Whise: I internalize a lot of the hard times for inspiration cause a lot of my music is pain based and I draw off a lot of that emotional trauma and hardship. So I guess you can say I use it when times get hard.

GroovNuke: What is your favorite track that you've created?
M.Whise: 'Last Words of Tetsuo prod. EON BLAQ'. First time I ever spoke about the pain I was going through instead of rapping about how cool I am.
Showed me I was more than a rapper but an artist.

GroovNuke: Who's your rap inspirations?
M.Whise: I’m inspired by genres more than a particular artist. (Hip-hop, R&B, Rock, Electronica, punk). Flatbush Zombies my fav rappers though.

GroovNuke: Battle rap or actual song making?
M.Whise: Honestly battle rap is fun, keeps my lyrics sharp and delivery on point..but song writing is my life and I love making music people feel.

GroovNuke: When can we expect the next project from M.Whise?
M.Whise: I’m actually working on it, but trying to find the direction and approach I wanna take. Not to mention I’m pushing my group and my homie Rucci Veil be on the look out for Rucci x Shogun EP.

Groovnuke: Where do you see yourself in five years?
M.Whise: In another country live streaming video games while a song I wrote or made is making noise that the world can hear...I don't care if it’s me, if I can spark the plug that push us forward I’m all for it.

GroovNuke: Do you have plans on making a billboard hit?
M.Whise: Most definitely I honestly just wanna write the song even if ion see my name just want something to do with it I will be satisfied.

GroovNuke: Some artists you want to work with across the city?
M.Whise: I’m known by at least 70% of the Chicago scene known and unknown artists..I’ve tried to work with many but it’s always some reason why not...if I had to choose, Law the Dragon cause his lyrical ability is soooo fire and I think we would kill a song. Ausar for sure we were supposed to work way back but that’s my fault I think I’m too dark for bro style though lol. 100Flex off back, he's best in the city hands down. Lil Blessin as well, he's fire. I’ve already worked with producer gold haze so maybe one day we set that up.

GroovNuke: Harold's or Uncle Remus?
M.Whise: I’m from the southside c'mon now..lol Harold's for sure. Uncle Remus is good though.

GroovNuke: Who's your NBA GOAT?
M.Whise: Everybody wanna be like Mike. Definitely Michael Jordan.

GroovNuke: What can be expected from M.Whise for the remainder of 2019?
M.Whise:  They're going to keep seeing me like they have already, just on a larger scale. My consistency carried me this far been on stage since the start of the year every month. Hopefully it continues.