TODAY’S HIP HOP: How did you get the name Aria?
ARIA: My parents gave it to me when I was born but I think my dad totally messed up on the birth certificate and made my actual first name Michael and my middle name Aria. I only found this out like 2 years ago so as far as I’m concerned by name is Aria.
THH: Tell us how “Bleu Chanel” came about?
ARIA: I was just listening to the beat and vibing. I wanted to drop something heavy on the hook and why not drop the heavy scent of Bleu Chanel in verbal form. I’m happy about it though because the song was made when I was just doing me. I’ve tried to use the “traditional” way of making music multiple times and it’s too boring for me. I just want to make what I want to make in the way I want to make it. If you also happen to enjoy it that is great.
THH: How would you describe your sound?
ARIA: Out there. My voice isn’t super deep like a lot of rappers but it also isn’t auditioning for a role in Alvin and the Chipmunks. I put a lot of weight on lyrics. More than anything probably. So a lot of my sounds vary within different songs but you can always expect them to reflect the words I’m saying in the most fitting way possible. It’s all about capturing a vibe for what I am saying.
THH: Who are you musical influences?
ARIA: The first rapper I got super into that inspired me to want to make music myself was definitely Pac (2PAC). Other than him though there are lots of others like Kanye, Em (Eminem), and Wayne (Lil’ Wayne) that I take inspiration from.
THH: What should we look out for from you?
ARIA: New, good, and fulfilling music. I started out rolling in the beginning of this year but I captured the right energy this last month. Now it’s just time to start putting it out there.
