If you would like to find an artist in their most honest form, often times you should look no further than their debut project. From Nas and Illmatic, to Snoop Dogg and Doggystyle, it seems as though the music acts as a culmination of their complete life up until that moment. The passion exuded by an artist who has long waited to share their skill is one that is simply unmatched.
Currently in that exact situation is Boston’s own 6ixlayne. 2016 marks the year that his brand of expressive hip-hop reaches the world officially in the form of his debut project, Clean Up In Aisle 6. Throughout the 9-track collection the listener is taking on a ride with more twists-and-turns than a roller-coaster. There are upbeat moments like 3M which allows the MC to state his money-making mission. Those are combined seamlessly alongside introspective moments like Personal that manage to speak on heartbreak and lost love. The balance of tracks act as a see-saw, taking you into the soul of the self-proclaimed “contained mess” that is 6ixlayne.
As CUIA6 continues to make its mark around the internet and streets alike, we were granted a chance to get more information about its creation. In our exclusive chat with Devon “6ix” Layne, we were able to also learn about his plans for the future, inspirations and overall personality. To catch the interview in its entirety just head below.
For those who are being introduced to you could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a kid from from Boston, Mass. I’m just a laid back individual, what you would call a contained mess lol. I’m the baby in the family, you know youngest of three, but don’t get me wrong I had to get it on my own.
When did you start to develop your passion for music?
I started developing my passion for music at age 13. Around time when Dipset and G-unit was hot. Can’t forget my shorty EVE too, I respected her music.
Who are your biggest inspirations inside and outside of music? Why?
My biggest inspiration outside of my music is the support of my pops, and my deceased mentor E. Black. Musically it would be an early DMX. His work ethic with the movies and dropping multiple albums in a year, he just had the drive. Also, I would say Jeezy I listened to his music a lot.
When it comes to your sound if you had to describe it to someone who has never heard you what would you say?
I describe it as Sawse because the sound is based on my vibe, I would rather them formulate their own opinion because to me it’s just Sawse.
Going into Clean Up In Aisle 6 what was your goal concept wise?
CUIA6 was just to give the people the right me. Being on the seen for a while I’d dropped singles that people rocked with. I thought it was time to finally give them a full body of work, and gauge their interest in my sound.
Who did the artwork? It’s a simple idea but it turned out well. One of my favorite covers I’ve come across this year.
DJ Amerie & DJ Papadon collaborated on the artwork and hosted the tape. shout out to them.
Were you at all hesitant or doubtful during the creation process? I know some people are really still trying to find their sound on a debut project but you seem pretty comfortable in yours.
Of course, everybody has first project jitters. But I put in time and a meticulous thought process for the content and the sound for the project. It all had meaning and a vibe that all-in-all represented a contained mess which was a good representation of who I am.
How has the overall response been for you?
Proud. I’ve made my old listeners proud because they saw the growth, and I also gained new listeners in the process. Everyone showed love.
Your last video was for 3M, how did that one come together?
It came together by getting with M9. Basically brainstorming how I wanted to be perceived with the savy lyrics. Being able to show a broke person with a rich mentality, who’s out on a mission to really get it. I wanted them to not only hear it through my voice but see it through my eyes.
Do you have plans of shooting another for the project?
I plan on shooting “Sawse”, the second single on the project. I plan on hitting the streets real hard on this one and also look for “Personal” coming out during cuffin season when it starts to get a little Brisk out.
What is your favorite song from Clean Up On Aisle 6 and why?
My favorite is Personal because of the meaningful story behind it. Everybody can genuinely relate to it and I wanted to show how love can be humbling.
Personal is definitely a standout to me. You touch on the subject of love and the rough stages of breakup. Was this something you were dealing with personally or did you draw from another experience?
Not necessarily, it was basically me trying to give everybody something to connect to and relate to. Who can’t relate to love, whether its good or bad?
On another note, I see quite a few names in Boston starting to really emerge nationwide. Overall how do you feel about the music scene in the area
I feel like it’s about to pop. I feel like the city will start garnering a lot of attention from the labels and the city will finally get its shot.
How could it improve?
I mean, I feel like the venues can be more accessible to the artist. There aren’t many stages where you can perform to a quality audience in the city. I also feel that we as a growing music industry should start working together more. Drop the me mentality and develop a we mentality.
What’s one of the major goals in your music career you would like to attain and what steps are you taking to get there?
I really want to start producing and writing more. Potentially starting my own label and giving back what the music gave to me. Then start my acting career. You know around the way they call me young Morris Chestnut.
What other plans do you have for the remainder of the year?
Well, launching my website. Merch. More collabs. Skits. Also, potentially a tour for my smokers and drinkers.
Is there anything else you’d like to speak on before we conclude?
I just want to say thank you to you 1stDayFresh for the interview and the support of my project all the way around. Also, I want to give a shout out to my city. Shout out to them back blocks and fans worldwide. That’s some real rapper shit to say, lol, but naw shout out to the people that stayed down till they came up. CUIA6 out now on Datpiff and Soundcloud. Stay locked to the hustle we going from ratchet to classy! I’m out.
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