Today we’d like to introduce you to Exhale TAOP.
Hi Exhale, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My interest in writing and rapping stems back to my childhood. I always loved listening to all genres of music, and I read A LOT! Reading really influenced me to want to start writing because I loved how descriptive books were and how they can create an image in your head. Another influential experience that led me to writing was a poetry circuit we had in Language Arts class when I was in middle school. A poet named Mr. Shabazz came and taught our class all about poetry, and it was pretty much a wrap after that! I began writing poetry, and as I got older, I started listening to more “throwback” hip-hop from artists that were super descriptive. For example, I would bump Tribe Called Quest, Lauryn Hill/The Fugees, Andre 3000, and TLC. All those artists and others influenced how I write today; detail-oriented and storytelling.
It took me about 10 years to actually start pursuing a music career, though I never stopped writing along the way. In the summer of 2019, I performed as a duo with my friend, The Artist Babe at multiple open mics. Towards the end of that summer, she went out of town for a few weeks, and I was left with the choice to wait for her to come back, or perform my solo music. She basically peer-pressured me into performing by myself, and well, here I am today!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One life-changing experience that affected my journey as an artist, was having my son. I had actually been planning to move to California and pursue a career in music when I found out I was pregnant. This involved a whirlwind of emotions as I was actually excited to become a mother, but I was also like “whyyyyy is this happening right now”? At this point, I have come to understand that I needed that change in my life. Having my son has grounded me, and given me a more clear mindset in how to pursue things in a more thought out and mature way. I feel that if I would’ve moved to Cali at such a young age, I may not have been mentally prepared for everything I would’ve faced. Now my son is one of my main motivations. I want him to know he can pursue anything he wants to and be successful, as long as he is dedicated and persistent.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a poet/rapper/vibe. I specialize in being a versatile artist. My music can range from slow, soft, and poetic songs; to upbeat songs about getting money and turning up with friends. I am most known for my unique name and for the rapid growth I’ve made within the NC music scene. My name of course is Exhale TAOP. People are always asking me how to pronounce TAOP and what it means. It is an acronym for “The Art Of Persuasion”, although many people pronounce it as “tay-opp”; which has actually grown on me. Exhale and The Art of Persuasion go hand in hand as far as what they mean. I feel as artists we are exhaling, and want our audience to inhale. We want them to “feel” us, and we want our music to get them caught in the vibes. That is the art of persuasion.
A lot of people I’ve met throughout my journey thus far often ask me how I get so many performance opportunities, and how I stay motivated and keep going. A lot of doors have been opening themselves for me and I feel blessed, and almost obligated to pursue this dream. I have a lyric in an unreleased song of mine called “Ways”, where I say “I ain’t doin’ this for me, I’m doin’ it for everybody out here that’s afraid to follow they dreams.” That’s what I’m all about. Showing people that if you put the work in (spread your wings), there’s nothing you can’t reach!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as any progress made towards a goal that is being pursued. Giving up is the only thing that can make you “unsuccessful”.
Contact Info:
- Email: exhale.taop@gmail.com
- Website: www.linktr.ee/exhaletaop
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/exhaletaop
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/exhaletaop
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/exhaletaop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExhaleTAOP
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cX5cVn3aIRD7HGC1pxuMx
