How underground rapper Sideshow became Tennessee's best kept secret.
All photos herein are courtesy of Sideshow JDGB
With impressive lyrics, ice cold flow and wisdom beyond his years, it's no wonder this Tennessee-born rapper has amassed an impressive following. Having released his latest EP Hippy Vampire Life to critical success on DatPiff (having earned 4 out of a possible 5 stars), he's definitely starting to earn his place among some of the more talented rappers in the underground scene. If you spend more than one minute talking to him, the first thing that's apparent is his relentless work ethic. When he's not producing beats, you can usually find Sideshow constantly working and releasing new tracks. Luckily we managed to snag him for an interview:
BE:HYPED: Where are you originally from?
Sideshow JDGB: I was born in Chattanooga Tennessee.
B:H: Where do you call home now?
Sideshow: I've lived everywhere haha. Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, New York for a little while, Colorado and a few more. But the last year I came back to Chattanooga because I thought it would help me get my mind right.
B:H: Do you think your time there has affected your musical development?
Sideshow: Yeah it probably has helped me add that "turnt" vibe back into what I was doing. But I've learned something from everywhere I've lived. I think that's why I have one of the most diverse sounds in the game.
B:H: Who are some local artists you collaborate with?
Sideshow: Well lately I've been working with artists like Loks aka DJ Blood, Henry Novella, Justice and a few others. There is a lot of talent in and around Chatt though. It's probably one of the biggest untapped resources in the south.
B:H: How long have you been a hip hop artist?
Sideshow: The first rhymes I ever wrote I was nine. But even back then I wanted to sing too. I still remember all those old songs and rhymes I wrote back then too haha. Maybe one day I'll find a way to use them.
B:H: If you had to try and define your style, what's would you say that would be?
Sideshow: Honestly I've never known how to answer that question. I've never been able to keep myself in one lane, or keep myself in one sub-genre. I am always trying to expand and try something new or different. That's why I love music because there's so much to invest yourself in that you couldn't get bored if you tried. I'm a east/west/southern/New England/mid-west/old school/new age rapper and singer haha.
B:H: Where would you say you draw influence from?
Sideshow: Mainly my life first and foremost. It's been a wild one and keeps getting crazier. But I am inspired by everything honestly. Others music, things I see, abstract ideas, movies, women, death. As an artist your supposed to find a way to give rhythm and passion to the things in life that make an impression on you.
B:H: Interesting. Would you say those things have impacted your development as an artist? How so?
Sideshow: For sure. I'm a firm believer in the fact you have to have had struggles, pains, losses, gains, downs, ups and problems to be a great artist. If you've never experienced anything problematic you have nothing to learn and grow from right? I've never been one to cry about anything really, I just write it down and record it.
B:H: Obviously you have talent for your craft, or else we wouldn't have reached out, haha. What would you say, in your words, differentiates you from other rappers? In other words, what makes you so special?
Sideshow: That I really live this. My music is all I have in this life. I don't know many twenty-three year old rappers that have been on a constant path of growth and exploration not only in the world but with their music since 9 years old. I think my versatility and dedication alone set me apart from almost every other artist I see nowadays.
B:H: Any upcoming releases?
Sideshow: There are quite a few projects being worked on. Some collab projects, some reunions with old friends and some major works with big name artists and producers. Just making sure everything after Hippy Vampire Life is quality music.
B:H: Any shoutouts?
Sideshow: Shout out to everyone affiliated with JDGB, anybody who's ever helped me when I was down bad and homeless, anyone I'm working with now, shout out to the UK because they show me so much love. All the fans because what's an artist with out their fans & shout out to all the haters that keep watching me anyways haha.
Sideshow JDGB: I was born in Chattanooga Tennessee.
B:H: Where do you call home now?
Sideshow: I've lived everywhere haha. Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, New York for a little while, Colorado and a few more. But the last year I came back to Chattanooga because I thought it would help me get my mind right.
B:H: Do you think your time there has affected your musical development?
Sideshow: Yeah it probably has helped me add that "turnt" vibe back into what I was doing. But I've learned something from everywhere I've lived. I think that's why I have one of the most diverse sounds in the game.
B:H: Who are some local artists you collaborate with?
Sideshow: Well lately I've been working with artists like Loks aka DJ Blood, Henry Novella, Justice and a few others. There is a lot of talent in and around Chatt though. It's probably one of the biggest untapped resources in the south.
B:H: How long have you been a hip hop artist?
Sideshow: The first rhymes I ever wrote I was nine. But even back then I wanted to sing too. I still remember all those old songs and rhymes I wrote back then too haha. Maybe one day I'll find a way to use them.
B:H: If you had to try and define your style, what's would you say that would be?
Sideshow: Honestly I've never known how to answer that question. I've never been able to keep myself in one lane, or keep myself in one sub-genre. I am always trying to expand and try something new or different. That's why I love music because there's so much to invest yourself in that you couldn't get bored if you tried. I'm a east/west/southern/New England/mid-west/old school/new age rapper and singer haha.
B:H: Where would you say you draw influence from?
Sideshow: Mainly my life first and foremost. It's been a wild one and keeps getting crazier. But I am inspired by everything honestly. Others music, things I see, abstract ideas, movies, women, death. As an artist your supposed to find a way to give rhythm and passion to the things in life that make an impression on you.
B:H: Interesting. Would you say those things have impacted your development as an artist? How so?
Sideshow: For sure. I'm a firm believer in the fact you have to have had struggles, pains, losses, gains, downs, ups and problems to be a great artist. If you've never experienced anything problematic you have nothing to learn and grow from right? I've never been one to cry about anything really, I just write it down and record it.
B:H: Obviously you have talent for your craft, or else we wouldn't have reached out, haha. What would you say, in your words, differentiates you from other rappers? In other words, what makes you so special?
Sideshow: That I really live this. My music is all I have in this life. I don't know many twenty-three year old rappers that have been on a constant path of growth and exploration not only in the world but with their music since 9 years old. I think my versatility and dedication alone set me apart from almost every other artist I see nowadays.
B:H: Any upcoming releases?
Sideshow: There are quite a few projects being worked on. Some collab projects, some reunions with old friends and some major works with big name artists and producers. Just making sure everything after Hippy Vampire Life is quality music.
B:H: Any shoutouts?
Sideshow: Shout out to everyone affiliated with JDGB, anybody who's ever helped me when I was down bad and homeless, anyone I'm working with now, shout out to the UK because they show me so much love. All the fans because what's an artist with out their fans & shout out to all the haters that keep watching me anyways haha.
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