San Diego rapper/producer The Toven presents the self-directed music video for the Bigger Vibes-produced single “Rock N Roll And Hip Hop”, which appears on The Toven’s new album LATOMC. The “Rock N Roll And Hip Hop” video comes on the heels of The Toven’s Walk Of Fame 2 album which was nominated for best Hip-Hop Album by the San Diego Music Awards.
Born Morrell Coleman, The Toven burst onto the music scene in 2020 with the independent commercial release of his debut album Bigger Vibes, including the single “41st Greatness”. The Toven followed up with Bigger Vibes Vol. II in 2020, which spawned the single “Turn Your Pain Into Champagne”. The Bigger Vibes album was also nominated for best Hip-Hop album in 2021. Both albums showcase Hip-Hop lyrics over Rock N Roll beats. The Toven had this to say about his latest single: “The song is inspired by some of my favorite artists who were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame.”
What can you tell us about the track “Rock N Roll And Hip Hop”? What was your inspiration? Thoughts behind the hook? Music video?
Well Rock N Roll And Hip-Hop literally in that order is the genre’s that first inspired me most as a kid. Rock N Roll got heavy radio play and MTV coverage first and then came Hip-Hop. Growing up in a tough environment as a documented gang member I eventually decided to get lost in the music as oppose to the streets. I have a great deal of respect for the artist and music that inspired me and most if not all of those artist were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall oF Fame in Ohio.
How has growing up in San Diego influenced your style of music?
I grew up in a Southeast San Diego neighborhood called Mount Hope right off of 41st and Market Street and what was crazy is that we live two minutes from San Diego’s first urban radio station at 42nd and Market St it was called 92.5. it was ran by California Curl pioneer Willie Morrow inside the business space of his Jerry Curl empire. As I listened to the radio every day I felt closer to the music. He actually let me and some friends tour the place in the 80’s.
What are your thoughts on the industry today and the direction it’s going?
While it is a lucrative industry I feel like it’s not the same as it was two or three decades ago and has become more violent than it’s ever been. Since the internet and social media outlets took off it seems that record company’s are seeking to either control or shut out independent artist like myself. I am however optimistic that there are some labels left out there that truly believe in breaking new talent for the world to experience that have good business intentions. Hopefully we find each other!
Who are you often compared to that’s out now. How do you distinguish yourself from those artists?
I haven’t really been compared to any artist and I believe that is because I have a vast music collection and listen to so many genre’s that I never focus on rapping like or sounding like anyone. If anything I would love to be compared to old-school artist.
What can we expect to see/hear from you in the future as far as new projects?
Right now Im hard at work on what I believe will be my best album both sonically and creatively called Life And Times Of Morrell Coleman (LTOMC). Since watching the 26th annual Grammy Awards as a kid in 1984 I have been infatuated with getting nominated and winning a Grammy so that is one of the goals I am aiming for with this project.
