Casablanca the Gawd ft: Che Noir - Readings on the Wall (Single) + 10 Questions
Casablanca the Gawd is a ferocious spitter from Buffalo, New York—a city widely recognised by hip-hop enthusiasts for its contributions to the underground scene.
As he gears up for the May 9th release of “Readings on the Wall,” featuring underground standout Che Noir and produced by V Don, Cas sits down with Wordplay Magazine to share insights into his journey and the importance of grown man music.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It began for me following big bro, who has love for all genres of music, so many nights were spent listening to artists like Bob Marley, Rakim, Rick James, Quiet Riot, so I had a love for music really at an early age.
2. Who were some of your earliest influences, and what about them resonated with you the most?
Rakim and Kool G Rap’s lyricism and rhyme schemes were crazy at a time when it was rare. They were spitting knowledge and Rakim’s style. He wore outfits from New York legend Dapper Dan—he was rocking Gucci back then.
3. Rap groups like Brand Nubian and Wu-Tang Clan frequently infused their music with religious and spiritual themes. What fascinates you most about movements like the Five-Percent Nation and the Nation of Islam?
Fascinated? Not so much, since it was a part of my family’s life early on, making groups like that more relatable.
4. When do you think these themes began to fade from popularity? As someone who grew up with hip-hop, what are your thoughts on its global reach today?
They faded along with the passion of the artists, though the listeners were still there for a time. Many emcees chased the money and made more commercial songs because artists like Wu-Tang weren’t played on the radio. I think hip-hop has exceeded expectations beyond most people’s imagination, as Biggie says: “Never thought that hip-hop would take it this far.”
5. Underground hip-hop is experiencing a major resurgence. While hip-hop was born in the South Bronx and many of its biggest stars have come from the five boroughs, some fans credit Buffalo rappers as the driving force behind revitalizing the underground sound. How do you feel about this shift in recognition?
This is something I’m proud of—artists like me are being heard more because of the upstate movement in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and Syracuse. We are the culture now! As I say, New York is the home of Drill now, lol.
6. Building on your Buffalo roots, your upcoming single, “Readings on the Wall,” features Che Noir—a fellow Buffalo native and one of the leading female voices in the underground resurgence. What drew you to collaborate with her on this track, and how did you connect with the highly sought-after producer V Don?
I figured we could represent our region together, and what better way to do it than with her? She has a unique rhyme style—very confident—which is what I liked about her. She wasn’t a “shake-ass” female artist, and V Don is the illest. So, we reached out to some people who reached out to some people. Salute to my team for the connect!
7. Your Book of Niggalations series debuted in August 2019, with Vol. 2 dropping last summer. As a relatively new artist, how have you been able to cultivate relationships with such influential figures in the industry?
I just didn’t have a team to help with the business side of the industry—but now I do. With over two decades of pure love for the craft, I’m shooting straight to the top. No need to play around with your passion—THIS IS GROWN MAN MUSIC!
8. From your music to your website, everything is detailed and carefully crafted. What advice would you offer to younger hip-hop artists looking to make their mark in the rap game?
Stay down and stay focused—we’re learning as we grow. Be true to yourself, and if you have real supporters who believe in you, grow that following. Do not oversaturate yourself, your talent, or your music.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Basketball, running, and being with family—that’s the foundation of my group and our growth.
10. Can you name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water by the bottle, gelato, and a model—still working on the model, though.