Virtually every Hip Hop singer worth their mettle (Akon, Ty Dolla $ign, Post Malone to name a few) have drawn Nate Dogg comparisons to their craft.
Enter 2021 HipHopDX Rising Star and West Coast hookman-for-hire Blxst, whose Rap&B sensibilities have transcended past his hometown of Los Angeles this year.
While speaking with Complex, Blxst discussed how the late “Regulate” singer’s impact has intersected with his career and how he manages the comparisons.
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The topic was also a point of contention that inspired the opening lyrics for Blxst’s No Love Lost (Deluxe) additional track “Pressure,” for he revved up the track with, “Ayy, I ain’t heard one bad Blxst song/’Gevity gon’ last long/He the new Nate Dogg, He the West backbone.”
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“I’m ‘me,” that’s Nate Dogg – no disrespect to [Nate Dogg’s] legacy, of course,” Blxst explained. “That’s a good comparison but I just want people to accept my growth, my flaws and all.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Blxst credited the writing and tutelage of Eric Bellinger with being his first taste of professionalism within the music industry. His fellow Cali-bred artist emerged as a force within R&B last decade penning hits for Justin Bieber, Teyana Taylor, Trey Songz, and of course, Chris Brown and not only showed his protégé the ropes – but how to tie the knot as well.
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“[Writing with Eric Bellinger] was like a shift that I actually felt in my career, like being in the room with him and him actually embracing me and him actually giving me a feature; we shot a video – it felt like I was accepted at that moment!” Blxst excitedly recalled.
“What I took from Eric Bellinger is just his work ethic,” Blxst continued. “He don’t stop; he continuously creating … continuously working with different artists. I try to apply that – don’t be so self-centered, network with other artists.”
Said work ethic is still going strong as Eric Bellinger linked with potential Kanye West collaborator to release his latest single “Only Fan” in preparation of his next full-length project.
These days, fans in the Los Angeles area will likely hear Blxst’s music blasting on their radio but they can also catch his vocals influencing their drive in a different manner.
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Apple Maps recently enlisted the Red Bull Records’ artist to be the voice of Los Angeles cultural hotspots such as Slauson Super Mall and the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area through a customized Guide to Los Angeles available on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
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Blxst is 1 of 10 HipHopDX Rising Stars killing the game in 2021. Check out more information about them all on their home page.
