Inspired #347 - Albi X
Following the success of his previous single ‘Bibamba’, Congolese-German Hip-Hop artist Albi X, is backwith his new track ‘Lélé’ - which sees him mixing the high energy of hip-hop beats with a lyrical language fusion of Lingala, French and English. He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
I listen to a lot of music. I get my inspiration from a lot of new international rap, trap & drill stuff but I as well listen to afrobeat and even jazz. If you just pull your inspiration from one genre you will never create something own and unique - and that’s what I want to achieve!
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
No, not really. I’m into comedy shows. I like positive vibes that make me escape from reality and just give me a good time. But that hasn’t necessarily influenced my music.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
CGN! Cologne, Germany - my hometown. It always inspires me to keep going! When I switched to rapping in my Lingala, my mother language, most people said that it won’t work. Nobody will listen to it - but guess what: it turned out different. Instead of just getting heard in my neighborhood I get messages from fans from all around the world that feel my vibe.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
All my loved ones! My mother shaped the way I listen to music and from my friends, I get the inspiration for the way I use different languages. Hanging with my crew keeps my style always evolving.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
My main inspiration is my goals - I am a big dreamer. I think big. To me “sky is the limit” is not just a phrase. My vision of me being an artist. I also love the pay homage to my roots - that’s why I always pull inspiration from old-school Congolese music. Even if it’s just a word or a song title that inspires me to write a new song.
How would you like to inspire people?
I inspire people by never giving up! Against all odds, I am who I am and keep real. For me no matter where you are from, no matter what you look like you can make it if you believe in yourself! Everybody is unique. Everybody deserves to shine. Everybody is a star!
