Who is Hanani?
Arlington, Tx based R&B artist Hanani is best known for his melodic fusion of singing and rapping. With a unique tone and soulful lyrics, he draws influence from artists like John Mayer, Kanye West as well as bands such as The Fugees and Coldplay.
His most recent project, an EP entitled Waiting premiered #26 on Apple Music’s Top 100 R&B Chart and has gathered over 100,000 listens. His songs have also garnered the support of Jadakiss and The Game.
Hanani is a model for the youth, leaning on individuality and talking through life’s ups and downs, in a truthful yet inviting way. His dynamic voice and ability to story tell continue to inspire a new generation of listeners.
Hype: Where you from and when did you fall in love with music?
Hanani: I’m from Arlington, Texas and I really fell in love with music really early in my life. My mom would play music around that house from a variety of genres; it could be Earth Wind and Fire one day or Fela Kuti the next. Once I realized that certain songs could transport me to a specific place, time or feeling I was hooked.
Hype: Who are your musical inspirations/influences?
Hanani: My musical inspiration come from a variety of different styles. From Norah Jones, Kanye west, John Mayer, Coldplay, Frank Ocean and Jay Z. Their sound and approach inspires a lot of what I do.
Hype: What is the music culture for Arlington, Texas?
Hanani: The music culture is very eclectic. There are different types of artists which is amazing to see the growth and different styles. It motivates me for my chance to shine because I know it’s coming soon.
Hype: How’d you first get started creating music?
Hanani: I first started making music, when I was in college. I was going to it from time to time because I had a lot of things going on and needed a way to express how I was feeling. I had a friend from the hometown send me a beat and told me just rap on it and I did. I let him here after and he said, it was good and to keep doing it so I kept going and here we are today.
Hype: You recently released a single “The Come Up”from your latest EP, Waiting, do you feel that once you reach success is it hard to go back to live average after being exposed to the finer things?
Hanani: I don’t feel like it’s hard to live an average life for anyone as long as you have the right people around you to stay grounded. Though the life I want to live is not average, I want to do monumental things and help others. I know that as long as I remain grounded with the people that I started with, that won’t be a problem.
Hype: What does success look like to you?
Hanani: Honestly, success to me is the people around me not having to worry about anything. I want to create in multiple ways whether it’s music, fashion or books and that provide me enough for my family to live without worry, that is true success.
Hype: How do you want to be remembered and what does legacy mean to you?
Hanani: I want to be remembered as somebody who challenged others. May have not been perfect but was able to admit their faults and learn from his mistakes. I want to be remembered for being somebody who gave it 100 percent and never gave up on their dreams.
Hype: Which artists/producers would you like to work with this year?
Hanani: I would love to do a full album or mix tape with producer, SuperMiles or Kris Minor. I would love to work with JID, Amine, Polo G or Lil Durk. I feel like their sounds despite being different from mine could mesh well and make a hit.
Hype: What are you Waiting for?
Hanani: I am not waiting for anything anymore, only actively pursuing my dreams. When I released my EP, the theme was “Waiting” because that was the state I was in but the time for waiting is over.
Hype: What’s next for you?
Hanani: Next for me is getting my music to the masses, world domination. I just released a single titled “Bounce” (go get that) and I might release an EP later this year.
Watch “The Come Up” below and stay connected with Hanani here.
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