'5 Questions With': Marques Martin
NYC Rapper releases his new track ‘Candy’
Photography: Lou Palace
NYC-based, Maryland-born rapper and producer Marques Martin has been top of our playlists since first being introduced to him with his critically-acclaimed tracks“Dinner Date” and “Hailey”. Bursting with personality, and with what can only be described as pure artistry, Marques’ new release allows us to gaze into his world momentarily, touching on the realities of American life and issues he regularly faces. An innovate and thrilling blend of genres, “Candy” is a gorgeously brooding track, and we caught up with Marques ahead of its release today.
Words by Danielle Temeng
EQ: Hey Marques, tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into music?
I’m Marques Martin, my favourite colour is blue, and I love pasta [laughs].
M: My whole life as a kid I was always drawn to music, but I think my interest was peaked when I was in elementary school and I learned the “Grindin” beat. All the kids in my class used to swarm around me and watch me do the beat off my chest. I liked how people watched me, and tried to learn how to do the beat themselves. Inspiring people feels good. It had to be that, or when my mom convinced me to play the saxophone for the school band.
EQ: What has been your biggest motivation to succeed in this career path? Is there one thing that particularly makes you want to reach those dreams?
M: The thing that motivates me right now my mortality. As I get older I realize how mortal I am and how I’m not gonna be around forever, so I try to take this opportunity while I’m young to do everything I want while I still can. Most of us are dealt shitty cards, but we can play the game a bit and come out with a better hand.
“Probably my favourite new rapper out there.”
- Annie Mac, BBC RADIO 1
Instagram/@MarquesMartin_
EQ: You’ve been compared to fellow NY native, A$AP Rocky. Who would you compare yourself to or sight as your biggest musical influence?
M: Just a note, I don’t know who started comparing me to A$AP Rocky but it’s probably the dumbest comparison I’ve ever received. I like Rocky but I can’t imagine someone heard ‘Hailey’ and thought “this that ASAP shit.” Is there something I’m missing? [laughs]
My influences are always changing though right now my biggest influence is probably Basement Jaxx. I love their production, and their range - they’re super underrated.
EQ: I’ve seen you just curated a really great playlist called ‘RADIOSUPER‘. Could you give our Equate readers some suggestions of what they need on their lockdown playlists?
M: I like Blood Orange and I like Alali, Kenny Mason, Lou Palace
EQ: And what can we expect to see from you once life gets back to normal?
M: Expect to see me outside, eating pasta, and wearing blue.
…Same here, Marques, same here.
Spotify/Marques Martin
Stream ‘Candy’ HERE
Keep up with Marques on socials:
Instagram: @MarquesMartin_
Twitter: @MarquesMartin_