Earlier this week, Hood Critic Magazine got a chance to interview a rapper by the name of Eastend Clips. Eastend is not just your average everyday rapper, but he’s an up and coming battle rapper based out of the Toronto area.
In addition, we found that Eastend had a few interesting traits that he shared with us during the interview. Check it out and see what they were…
HCM. How did you come by your stage name?
Eastend Clips. Since I was a kid living in Toronto Scarborough, everyone had a nickname growing up. Mine was Clips, in graffiti it’s what I wrote, being a tattoo artist is what they called me, and what I went by when I use to make music. Til this day people who grew up with me still call me that.
Years later, I got back into music and making beats. But the thing is, every hood or urban environment has someone name clips. It’s soo common. Someone told me “I even know a guy name clips in the westend!” I told him “well nah, this is eastend clips”. I thought about it, liked it, and ran with it.
In Toronto, most people from different areas hate where I’m from exactly. Malvern, Scarborough. That’s really the east end. I find it dope that my name represents, and also irritates and offend certain people.
HCM. How long have you been battling/rapping and what made you start?
Eastend Clips. I love the adrenaline rush. It’s almost like chasing a high, it feels risk-taking and that’s the stuff that keeps me going. Getting a thrill while I am getting business done. Battle rap is my aggressive way of getting what I want.
December 9th 2017 was my first battle. So I’m fairly new at this, Just like my first battle, I never feel nervous. I get a very itchy, eager feeling inside instead. I felt like these people owe me something that’s suppose to be mine. I just have to kill and get it.
HCM. What makes you different from other battle rappers?
Eastend Clips. I do battle raps for the whole world to watch and understand. Easy to get, unpredictable and make people laugh hard. For old people, kids, non battle rap fans etc.
HCM. Who would you battle if you could choose anyone? Why?
Eastend Clips. I did not expect you to ask that, I’m still new and hungry to the scene. When that question is asked, I usually tell people anyone. That wont last long, because these older guys in the game are telling me to know my worth.
There is a handful of people who want that smoke with me. But there is this ex-beast mode champion name Doumz! with a very good reputation. He went 10-0 before he lost his title. I respect him a lot, no doubt, No personal hate.
The Champion right now is ‘Lev Corso’ from New Jersey. I’ve been told I’m too new to get a title shot. Battling Doumz would be my way of showing others, when it comes to championships, I can hang. Everyone knows I’m calling him out.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as a battle rapper, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Eastend Clips. Being Asian in battle rap can be challenging in many ways haha. And I guess being misunderstood mostly. My loved ones aren’t too sure about it being my future, and other rappers can get envious and bias. there were a fair amount of times they tried to bash my image and reputation. But I understand it’s all part of the game.
Other than that, Kind of Effortless. The things I went through in life helped me prepare for it. Its like I don’t even push myself anymore, it feels more like I’m chasing something, addicted to it. It is why I don’t really care if people like me or not. I do this for the thrill and to kill. I’m fighting for a better future.
HCM. Tell us about your upcoming rap battle and how do you prepare for them?
Eastend Clips. Me and my opponent are betting in $1000 each . In an event called OctoBAR fest hosted by Beastmode Battles. Located in downtown Toronto’s Kensington Market on Oct 13th , Against a rapper name Liks from Cambridge, Ontario. He is a close friend of King Of The Dot vet Bartone. Which I battled as well but lost, this was around the time I was still starting out. I lost $500. You can see it all on YouTube.
Few events later He introduced everyone to Liks by having him as a partner for a 2 vs. 2 battle. A Jamaican guy who works as a chef. No experience in battling, only making music and performing on stage. So, It started off as us both putting up $500. There are closed groups on Facebook where most battle rappers are and where matches are organized.
Everyone seen us talking wreck-less back and forth. I guess he felt a way so he made a video saying he wants to raise the price. “Put your money where your mouth is” I did not respond back, I just released a flyer, leaving no room for him to change hes mind.
HCM. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Eastend Clips. I would like to thank WittySmitty News and Kriss Cain of beast mode for giving me a chance. Before all of this, no one was. It was pretty hard.
My people: Toronto High Rollers Club, SRK crew, Cynik Ink tattoos , and my loved ones for showing me A LOT of support and encouragement.
Social Media Links:
Instagram: @eastend.clips
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