Have you ever heard a rapper name Marvel Alexander? If not, that’s not a problem, but you are missing out on a unique artist that’s garnering attention. Alexander came out of nowhere with the release of his critically acclaimed mixtape Don’t Die Yet through Soundcloud earlier this year, a project that breaks new ground in Hip Hop by establishing a new sound as well as tell a story (several stories actually). Marvel’s talent is supported with production and featured appearances from serious up & coming artists including D.R.A.M., Kaytranada, Michael Christmas, Louis P, and many more. Recently, AllHipHop had the opportunity to get in touch with Alexander and talk to him about the rapper’s uprising as well as the concept of Don’t Die Yet and much more.
Marvel Alexander’s music origins go back to a his high school years in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he ended up writing and recording his first song with a local rapper. He also ended up with acquiring the Frooty Loops program, which helped start his career producing beats. “I always wanted to make beats”, says Alexander, “… but I just never knew how to do or go about it”. The lack of knowledge of the program had soon change to the artist becoming an expert after a period of time.
Alexander’s music is not powered by dope beats, but also by a his skill of storytelling. This skill was established by a diverse range of musical influence from artists like Rick James to Busta Rhymes. However, none of the influences could match to Eminem’s influence on Alexander, which is one of the reasons why storytelling is such a key element in Don’t Die Yet. Using Eminem’s classic single Stan, Marvel Alexander broke down for us why the song was so special to him:
“I just love the story! it makes you feel like you were there. When you hear the scribbles on the notepads… you hear the rain, the hear the car slam. He puts you in this audio environment that makes you feel something.”
This storytelling element could be seen in several songs from deeper cuts like “Popcorn” or his latest upbeat single with Lakim “Smoke All Day”. It is also embedded within the concept his project Don’t Die Yet, project that reinforces the struggles of giving in to what not doing what you want in life. “When you give up on life and you settle on not pursuing what you want to pursue in life… I feel like you’re dying” says the rapper.
Don’t Die Yet might not in everyone’s rotation, however, there’s a good chance that many have heard something marvel Alexander has worked on, specifically in production. Before working on his project, the artist has made a name off of producing beats. One of those beats ended up being the official instrumental for ASAP Ferg’s 2013 hit “Shabba”, where he ended up acquiring additional credits along with fellow Jersey producer, Snugsworth. Although “Shabba” was Alexander’s biggest hit in the production field, he had also worked with Hodgy Beats from time-to time as well.
https://soundcloud.com/marvelalexander/lakim-marvel-alexander-smoke-all-day
As of now, Marvel Alexander has taken a backseat to production this time around to collaborate with Soulection producer, Lakim. The project is set to release sometime very soon, with “Smoke All Day” as the leading single for the project. Like many of the other unique artists he’s worked with, Alexander chose to work with Lakim based off of a long history of doing music together, as well as a close friendship before both of them moved to their home now, Los Angeles.
Alexander has also exclusively informed us that he will be releasing an album sometime this year. The album will feature mainly talents and production from himself.
With a strong history and promising future, Marvel Alexander is definitely not letting his dreams die anytime soon. Expect to see a lot more of this kid soon. Check out his latest EP Don’t Die Yet below.