Who is Black Card Steve-O?
Black Card Steve-O is an artist hailing from the northside of Houston,Tx. His unique ear for music and his hands on approach separates him from many others that attempt to be in his lane. With his experience, lifestyle, and relationships Steve-O creates pivotal moments and records that will stand the test of time. Steve-O has been working behind the scenes as one of the go-to playmakers in his region for years. He has worked with everyone from Scarface to Gucci Mane. Steve-O’s Debut EP “Lead By Example” features collaborations with Yungeen Ace, Luke Whitney, OTB Fastlane, Marqus Clae, DKE Author, DeLoreon, & many more. It also has production from Bruce Bang, Lab Ox, 511, Chrisbcookin, Brodini & many others. “Lead By Example” is definitely a “no skips” project & will stamp Steve-O’s resume as a master collaborator. Some of the people that he looks up to musically include, but not limited to, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre & Babyface.
Hype: Where you from and how’d you fall in love with hip-hop?
Black Card Steve-O: I’m from the northside of Houston, Tx. I fell in love with hip-hop, well music in general, because of my family. My Mom listens to music all day long and she always introduces me to songs that she loved growing up, so thats where I got a lot of my soul from. My Dad is from New York and lived there when hip hop was becoming what it is today, he use to DJ for a rap group that had a couple deals on the table. His mom, my grandma, was a pianist that played at Carnegie Hall as a teenager, so I was around music from the beginning. I feel like there wasn’t a way for me to live life without being close to music, but hip hop was the genre that spoke to me specifically back when they had more music videos on TV than reality shows.
Hype: Who are your musical influences/inspirations?
Black Card Steve-O: My musical influences and inspirations include, but aren’t limited to Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre, J. Prince, Dj Khaled, P. Diddy, Earth, Wind & Fire, Scooter Braun, Kirk Franklin & many more, I’m just a fan of great music.
Hype: What does Houston culture look like for hip-hop?
Black Card Steve-O: I think Houston culture for hip-hop looks like influence, whether thats musically or from a lifestyle perspective. Houston has been a topic of discussion for years, because of our vibe, realness, nightlife and the artists that come out of the city. As of the younger generation we have artists like Beyonce, Travis Scott, Dj Chose, Beatking, Don Toliver, Meg the stallion and even Jas Prince found Drake, so we embrace him also. If we start mentioning the artist who came before us the list is even longer. A piece of Houston culture can be seen in many areas of the industry if you really pay attention.
Hype: You’re considered a consistent playmaker behind the scenes working with some great names in the game, what’s the biggest lessons that you’ve learned?
Black Card Steve-O: You’ve probably heard it a million times but two things that will always be true is that relationships are worth more than money, shoutout to the homie Kiotti, and that your word is all that you have. If you can build relationships and stand on your word, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
Hype: What’s your biggest motivation?
Black Card Steve-O: My biggest motivation is my family, my surroundings, and knowing that I’m blessed to do what I love for a living at a level that everyone doesn’t get to take part in.
Hype: What does it mean for you to “Lead by Example”?
Black Card Steve-O: For me to “Lead By Example” means to be able to show and prove, in todays world there are a lot of talkers and not enough doers, so instead of me telling you what my plans are and what I want to do, I’m going to simply show you. & I’m going to show you in a way that makes you know that you can accomplish the same things, without letting your excuses get in the way, because as we know execution makes the difference.
Hype: Does wisdom comes from experience?
Black Card Steve-O: In my opinion, wisdom only comes from experience, whether it’s your experience or someone elses, thats why it’s important to have relationships with people that have more experience than you.
Photo Credits: iGrind Media
Hype: How does your upcoming project Lead By Example stand with your past achievements/accomplishments in the game?
Black Card Steve-O: Lead By Example is actually my first EP that will be on all DSPs on Friday, Feb. 19th. A few years ago I released “LQQQQP$” and that did very well but it was only available via soundcloud and hard copies. Lead By Example is special because its like an audio resume for myself, that takes the listener on a journey where they can learn some game, feel some emotions, hear social commentary and still have some fun. It’s a complete body of work from the songs to the sonics that I was able to create with a few artists and producers that I like to work with. I really think the people will enjoy this project.
Hype: What separates you from the rest?
Black Card Steve-O: Honestly, I’ve been on many sides of this music industry, from being a Grammy Nominated engineer to being a Tour Manager. So I know what works musically in the studio and on the stage. My tag line on instagram is “I bridge the gap between the recording studio to the main stage” and I really do. One thing that I picked up from working with the legendary Scarface is that he always says “You gotta know what this shit suppose to sound like” and over the years I feel like I know exactly what its suppose to sound like because I am a student of the game.
Hype: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about longevity?
Black Card Steve-O: Consistency and longevity to me are the same thing. There is a saying that goes “Quitting only gets you as far as you are” and I truly believe that if you keep on keeping on, as long as you are learning and adjusting, that path will take you as far as you will let it. To have longevity you have to be motivated and focused so that life doesnt knock you off your pivot.
Hype: What artists/producer would you like to work with in the future?
Black Card Steve-O: In the future, I want to work with the next generation of artists and producers, Im not too big on names (especially when it comes to producers) I just want to work with true talent, credentials dont mean as much to me as work ethic and talent does. but of course I would still want to be able to reach out and work with bigger name artists like a Drake, 21 savage, J. Cole, or YG.
Hype: What’s next for you?
Black Card Steve-O: I would love to do artist specific projects, to showcase more of my ear & A&R skills, but one of my bigger goals is to be a respected executive in the industry.
Watch “Life of the Party” below and stay connected with Black Card Steve-O here.
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