With their latest project 'Wake Up From The Rooftop' available now, rising hip-hop duo Giggity have now shared one of the release's standout offerings 'Hard'.
With its nods to the bold and vibrant sound of the New York rap scene, 'Hard' is a smooth yet pulsing joint from the pair. Filled with bouncing beats, catchy hooks, and metaphor-filled verses, this new gem will have your head nodding from start to finish.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to discuss their origins and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
John Pizza: My mom is an organist and always played at church and at home. But growing up I was in the Raleigh Boychoir for many years, so to me it's the the voice. Words put to music are my loves.
Charlie Smarts: The Drums. My mom was in a R&B band when I was younger and my uncle Skeeter played the drums... The rhythms is what makes me feel something. I played the toms in Marching Band in High School. I got rhythms.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
JP: My friends here in Brooklyn. Without the dope beatmakers and songwriters around me, my lyrics would still be floating aimlessly in my sketchbook. DustyFingerz is a great friend and producer who is also great at bringing people from all backgrounds together. He has an eye for talent and makes music prolifically.
CS: The NC Hip Hop scene has been an inspiration. They let me know some of the heights this music can be taken to. I was in a band with Rapsody, worked with 9th Wonder, got songs with Phonte, my crew met J Cole and he rocked our t shirt in a couple photos. Just an environment of collaboration with dope artist helped me hone my craft.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
JP: I didn't grow up listening to popular music. My parents only played classical stuff at home and in the car. But then I discovered Busta Rhymes, who was not only a great rapper/musician, but a wild ass performer. His aeshetic, wearing a boa, all in your face, fish eye, woo-ha --- it spoke to the weirdo in me.
CS: Teenage years were awesome. I went to college at 17 and really dove into some of my favourites. RZA, Biggie, DMX, Andre 3000, Radiohead, Cake, James Brown, Boyz II Men, Mary J Blige, Eminem... I listened to radio as a child. Once I could get MP3s I would just search for my favourites and soak it in.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
JP: Lauryn Hill rapping on "Ready or Not" by the Fugees. Her words are simple but the stories she tells with them are the truth. I had a best of Nina Simone CD that I wore out. Nina Simone was (and is) an untouchable alien warrior goddess with so much power it's humbling.
CS: Music is my life. Has been since I can remember. My mom sang on tour, I sang in the church choir. In college I smoked tons of weed and rapped a lot. I'm just living my life and music is a part of that.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
JP: I dig Quelle Chris as a producer and rapper. He makes cool animations too. I admire Cavalier. Lately I've been wrapping my mind and ears around 645AR. I'm always excited by the new, challenging, and different.
CS: Brent Faiyaz, Amine, Conway The Machine, Jenevieve, Faith Evans.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
JP: All of them. My approach to writing is to always start with an idea that's close to the heart and then hyperbolise on it. It's a way to be theatrical and truthful at the same time. That way I can talk about stuff that's pretty raw, but layer it up with some slick jokes. It's like poetic armour and keeps me from feeling so vulnerable.
CS: Bunches... but I don't restrict myself to reality. Whatever comes in my brain I allow the opportunity to come out.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
JP: I am blessed to be the kind of artist that works in a lot of mediums so my career is an ongoing chain of random events. And I'm always surprised by that. Performing music at parties, has led to making performances in underground comedy venues, has led to acting on HBO, has led to making art for Tracy Morgan's show on TBS, has led to upcoming work for Netflix.. It trips me out how shit just unfolds.
CS: I did a show in Charlotte and a lady wanted me to sign her cleavage. That was nice.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
JP: I. Love. To. Draw. And if I do say so myself, I'm pretty good at it. I love comics so next Im gonna combine graphic novels with rap music.
CS: Movies. I always want to watch something new and feel a new story. Paul Newman is one of dem goats.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
JP: I can only be an artist. Being a musician is just part of the whole idea of being an artmaker. No other choice.
CS: I had the opportunity to become a textile chemist but decided to quit college.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
JP: Put out personal work that when others hear it or see it they want to hire you to help them out. And then be selective. But always keep it truthful.
CS: Do what you love. Love what you do. Believe in yourself. Find a team that feels the same. Don't be Afraid to fail... or succeed. THERE ARE NO RULES. Make your own path.
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Giggity's new single 'Hard' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.