Atlanta’s own PRYZMS has been bubbling in the underground for the past few years. His sound mixes trap, bass, rap, and even future bass for a distinctly original and easy-to-love direction. First popping up on our radar with ‘Sovereign’ in 2019 and following it up with a collaborative EP alongside Binks the following year, we’ve been fans for a minute. Since then he’s been dropping a number of hard-hitting flips all the while stacking up originals. Today we have the pleasure of giving fans a sample of those originals with a guest mix that’s jam-packed with unreleased gems from the producer. The mix showcases his immense talent as well what’s to come.
In addition to the mix we connected with PRYZMS for inclusive interview to discuss what makes Atlanta so special, his father’s influence on his music, why you should always bring a USB with you, and much more. Catch the mix and interview below.
Tell us about the mix. What should we expect when we press play?
This mix is a lot of the new stuff I’ve been stacking up in the vault. Expect to hear the full spectrum of “PRYZMS.” It’s a wide range of music but it’s cohesive. I want to show the world what I’m capable of. You will also hear music from some of my very talented friends.
Atlanta is a hotbed for music, from rap to electronic trap and more. What do you think makes the city so special and unique?
It’s hard to find a native “ATLien” anymore, at least for me, but I think that’s what makes Atlanta unique. Especially on the electronic side. It is just a big melting pot of people from different places, backgrounds, and cultures so you get a lot of different perspectives on music. And whatever genre you like, you’ll find that here.
I read that your father was an artist in his own right, working with legends like Lionel Richie and Organized Noize. What impact did his musical career have on you?
I was exposed to so much music at an early age. We’d listen to full albums from artists like Frou Frou, N.E.R.D. , and Jay-Z, literally front to back. Even today, we share music and ideas with each other. It was his love for music that sparked the interest in me from a young age. Shoutout my Mom too, her music tastes helped my eclectic taste for music as well.
The flips are just for fun and mainly to keep things fresh while I finish up these originals. As for originals, there are way too many to count.
You’ve been dropping a lot of flips over the last few months. Can we expect some new originals in the near future?
Yes! The flips are just for fun and mainly to keep things fresh while I finish up these originals. As for originals, there are way too many to count. I’ve got a few collabs with some super talented people and I actually just wrapped up my first EP, dropping very soon!
You recently said that you’re making your best music yet. What has allowed you to level up as of late?
I would say a change in my daily routine. Also just being me. I’ve been focusing on myself a lot more and my well-being. Putting myself in positive environments, hanging out with friends, and more like-minded people. I workout almost every day, so I think it’s helped me with a better work ethic and to put 110% in everything I do. I’m always trying to improve and do better than the last time, whether it’s with music or in life.
What’s it been like working at Skrong? What’s kept you with the team over the years?
There’s nothing but love and support from the team. We’re a family. We motivate each other, we push each other to be the best, and we inspire each other. The dynamic between all of us just flows!
Always remember why you’re doing it & why you started, remember to have fun, and never force anything.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received recently?
Always remember why you’re doing it & why you started, remember to have fun, and never force anything.
Outside of your artist releases you’ve also produced tracks for YFN Kay & OJ Da Juiceman. Do you have any other exciting rap placements in the works?
Not yet, but there are a few rappers and singers I would love to work with in the future!
Do you approach producing for rappers differently than working on your own tracks?
My approach is different. When working on beats for rappers, I always start with drums and get the groove right. The melody comes last for me. There’s a lot less focus on complex leads and nuances, as that usually comes with the rapping part. It gives the artist room and space to be the focal point of the song. When it’s my own track, I always start with melodies first and go crazy on the intro to set the vibe of the song. Little nuances throughout keep things fresh and engaging since there aren’t really any vocals in my tracks.
You had a chance to play at DEF’s abandoned Boiler space. From what I’ve seen online, their events look to be one-of-a-kind. What was the experience like? Any particular moments that stand out from that night?
Every DEF event is like a massive family gathering. They are very amazing, hard-working people and it shows. That night was an amazing experience all around! I think what stood out the most is that there were no crazy visuals, just music, and the energy people brought. It was intimate and felt like I connected with the people around. You can really see people’s reactions and their expressions right in front of you. It’s crazy.
So I’m chopping it up with Sumthin Sumthin after he plays and he asks if I happen to have a USB, then invites me to do a short b2b2b for the last 20 minutes with him and Nik P.
You recently tweeted “always bring a USB bc you never know what might happen.” What’s the best example of this paying off for you?
I’ve always brought USBs with me for after-parties with friends and sometimes even just to give out some IDs. This tweet was actually about a DEF show with Sumthin Sumthin & Nik P, that happened recently. So I’m chopping it up with Sumthin Sumthin after he plays and he asks if I happen to have a USB, then invites me to do a short b2b2b for the last 20 minutes with him and Nik P. So yeah, that was dope!
Who’s on your Mount Rushmore for Atlanta artists and why?
Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Future are on mine because I grew up on them. They were bucking the trends of what was current, at that time, especially on the radio. It showed you didn’t have to follow trends, and more importantly, showed that originality goes a long way.
As for Future….Future is just Future.
What do you want most out of 2022?
If there is one thing I would like to achieve in 2022, is to be able to play shows nationwide and to share my art and vision with more people. I want to focus on myself to ensure that I am in a good space mentally and physically, so I can continue to do what I love and create the best music I possibly can.
TRACKLIST
PRYZMS – ID (GEN100) x PRYZMS – ID (HAVOC)
PRYZMS – ID (THE WAVE)
PRYZMS – ID (SYNTEX)
FROSTTOP – ASTER
PRYZMS – ID (YEET)
MOORE KISMET – FLAIR (PRYZMS FLIP) (OUT)
MR CARMACK – PAY FOR WHAT (PRYZMS FLIP) (ID)
CHRIZ JAVEY – DRILL IN PARIS
SUMTHIN SUMTHIN – ALUMINUM
PRYZMS – ID (AMORPHIC)
MUSA – BREATHE
DELIRIOUSNINJA – LET GO
PRYZMS & BINKS – WHIP IT
ELIMINA – POST-INTROSPECTION
PRYZMS & CAPSHUN – ID (MOSHPIT)
LYNY – NOXIOUS
BLACK CARL & PLAYER DAVE – PETAL
EUGENE – BUSY
PRYZMS – ID (PURPBOUNCE)
JON CASEY FT LUCCHII – SCHIZO x MIGOS – STRAIGHTENIN
PRYZMS & BINKS – ID (REALM)
SHADIENT – NOT ANYMORE (PRYZMS FLIP) (OUT)
NITEPUNK – MTV
BINKS & PRYZMS – LIMITLESS x YOUNG DRO – FDB
PRYZMS – ID (BACK2THA)
PRYZMS – ID (HIGH GROUND) x MARTIN SOLVEIG – THE NIGHT OUT
PRYZMS – ID (SOUND THE ALARM)
PRYZMS – ID (THE UNDERGROUND SOUND)
EUGENE – ERA (PRYZMS FLIP PART II)
PRYZMS – ID (PARTY WITH ME)
PRYZMS – ID (THE BUSINESS)
NIK P – DEFLECT
NIK P – DEFLECT (PRYZMS FLIP)
PRYZMS – SASHIMI SKRT VIP (SECRET VIP)
BOOMBOX CARTEL – ALAMO (WOLFIK REMIX) x BOOMBOX CARTEL & QUIX – SUPERNATURAL (PRYZMS FLIP)
