First Day Feature: Quez CODEAN reflects on life “5 Years Later”

Take yourself back with me if you will to 2011. 5 years ago the world was different in several facets than it is in the present. Some of the more obvious differences have come in technology, politics and the media but there are also plenty of changes within each one of us personally. This is something that Starkville, MS born artist Quez CoDean knows personally, so much in fact the time difference has become the theme to his anticipated project dropping September 9th.

“5 Years Later” will be a huge statement for the rapper, as he returns to music after an extended hiatus. The time spent in between projects was pivotal for Quez as he grew as a man and father, while also managing to move his life out of a very dark space. “5 years ago I was dead broke. I lost everything to my name and stepped away from the music scene”, said Quez in regard to that span. The battle back from the bottom is something Quez is familiar with, as he has always possessed a fighting spirit that is palpable. It’s one of the reasons he has managed to become one of the more prominent figures around his hometown, a topic discussed in large on his mixtape’s lead single “Connected”.

“Connected” shows Quez in rare form, speaking about his various avenues in which the artist has pull. The single spearheaded a movement of sorts throughout his city and has built quite the buzz as “5 Years Later” approaches. Evidence of the single’s anthem-like feeling can be seen just by looking at the shirts packaged to people throughout Starkville and surrounding areas. The marketing strategy worked well and sets the stage for something special come September 9th. Before the album arrives, we were able to speak with Quez for a Q&A session on the mixtape, his background, the past half decade and more.

How did you start creating music?

To make a long story short, I use to get my mom’s Dru Hill tapes. I had a small radio with a mic and somehow I learned how to record over the tapes. Got me in a lot of trouble lol. I wrote my 1st rap probably in the 3rd grade. I know for sure I had a rap book in the 4th.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?

My son for one and then I’d have to say my fans. My city, that’s what keeps my going. Every hood every where they motivate me cause everybody has a struggle but anybody that can push through that struggle.

If you had to listen to one album for the rest of your life which one would it be and why?

It would have to be Tupac “Resurrection”. The reason is because it got me through some tough situations in my life. It also taught me a lot about life that I didn’t understand, especially Dying To Live. Tupac was a genius man and it’s a message behind every song. Boosie is my modern day Tupac in my opinion.

In respect to your hometown of Starkville, there is a deep passion and pride for where you were born. What does the city mean to you?

Ahh man that city! Mane if it wasn’t for the city their wouldn’t be a Quez CoDean. A Quez Dean period. I don’t owe the city a thing they don’t owe me a thing…but I know it’s a way we all can eat. I’m going to find a way. I love the city til death .

I know how much you pride yourself on being a father. How does your son play a role in what you do as a musician?

Ahh man I might tear up behind that question man where do I begin. Before my kid came in this world I was kinda wreckless. I made up in my mind that nobody cared for me so I didn’t care either. Maaan my life was trouble, trouble, more trouble.. Till one night I prayed. Believe it or not I prayed to God and asked him to send me somebody that’ll love me regardless and that will change me for good. I didn’t actually pray for a child, but yea a couple of months later I found out he was my blessing. I always told myself that I will be a better father than mine was I owe everything to my son. He saved my life.

Do you ever consider what you say in your music with him in mind? I know a lot of artists tend to change their subject matter as they grow older as fathers.

Yea I do. As matter of a fact, half of my songs I’ve recorded he was right there with me. I try my best to rap with a conscious, but he knows the difference between Quez CODEAN and daddy.

As far as the music goes, Connected was the lead single for your album and it’s a fitting one with the love you’re shown throughout your region. Can you tell us how you came up with the idea for the song?

Yea that’s the anthem really. Being honest I was riding home from the WESTSIDE man and they showed me so much love that day. They do everyday, but that day was different and in my mind I kept saying I’m connected and respected. I’m close to a couple plugs round my way too. As soon as I got home and typed in ÇØÑÑËÇTËD type beat on YouTube. The beat popped up and the hook came instantly. I love beats like that.

And why do you think you are as “connected” as you are? Why does everyone gravitate toward you as a person?

Man it’s all love.. I’m one of the coolest guys in my city. I never bring negative energy around anyone. I got love for everybody and they have love for me. Especially in the hoods, like I’m straight in every hood. That’s where I get the most love at. I never try to fit in, I’m just me. I came from a struggle and they know that so I can’t give up. I motivate them just like they motivate me. The love is real.

The support you’ve gotten has been massive. I see you did some merchandising to help push the single. Everyone made sure they bought a shirt, how does it feel to get such support?

Man it’s love for real cause even with all that I still had haters and doubters. All the love overpowered that though. It’s good to have people close that love to see others doing good.

What details can you tell us about the rest of the project?

Everything is real. I got some more dropping after that too so stay tuned.

How do you feel it improves upon everything you’ve done before now?

Before now I was just doing it to past time. Now I feel like I can help people through things. I can motivate people. I feel like that last time I quit I really showed weakness. I got to show them how to be strong and never stop chasing dreams and goals. Even when it gets bad, a blessing is in the making. Its not about fame, never has been but I do hope to get paid behind my music. A broke man can’t feed people lol.

It’s been such a long time since you last dropped a project. What changes not as an artist, but as a man in general have you been through in that time?

I’m more business-minded now. I try to do everything right and pay for everything. I learned when you get freebies people tend to do you wrong, so the money is good. I just jumped out here without plans or anything. I taught myself to make plays not plans and it’s actually been working out for me.

I know often times an artist can be skeptical of how people will receive their art. That being said what do you think the response will be when September 9th comes around?

To be honest what people don’t know is that half of these songs are years old. I just see no reason to hold back good music, but I know they’ll be wanting more. That’s why I have something dropping right after that.

How do you want the world to remember Quez CoDean?

As the guy that never gave up. A soldier. Someone who is loyal and showed much love. One of my favorite lines if I love you is “you don’t owe me shit”. Ask around and they’ll tell you.

What do you think is the thing people know about you the least?

That I was once homeless. lived in the 228 for a min with a family that took me in. I love the Browns to death. They taught me a lot. I was just a lil hood cat, self-esteem was low. Not anymore thanks to the Browns. I had to hit licks and sell drugs to survive before then. I actually got kicked out of middle school for drugs,  not something I’m proud of, but yeah. I also come from a loooong line of depression and bipolar disorder.

What would you like to say before we wrap it up?

I love all y’all, stay up! Grind, pray and focus. Give God praise always and never give up. You will lose it all right before God blesses you so don’t quit. Most of all enjoy life and be happy. Shout out to Mississippi, go get the mixtape 5 Years Later off SPINRILLA September, 9th. Check me out on YouTube. Quez CODEAN like my fan page on Facebook, add me on snap and IG.