Artist Profile: money for water

money for water, a rapper native to Charlotte, North Carolina, crafts subdued, conscious tracks that serve to elevate not only his own artistic capabilities but the Charlotte rap scene as a whole.

He began writing rhymes in his journal as early as seven or eight years old, and, as time went on, he gradually realized that his hobby of writing poetically was not only something he enjoy, but something that he was exceptionally skilled at. 

For a long time, this exercise was exclusively limited to his notebook. However, by the time he was in high school, he began to focus more seriously on rap as a creative outlet. He lists his influences during this time as Earl Sweatshirt, Dash, and Wiki, staples of the alternative hip-hop scene in the 2010s.

Over time, he discovered the emotional catharsis that writing presents and tentatively began to explore accompanying his rhymes with instrumentals.

“[I love] just clearing out and clarifying how I feel for myself before other people can help or hurt or whatever they're going to do. If you can just figure out how you're feeling for yourself, know who you are, then that's a good first step for any growth or problem solving in life.”

His first project on streaming, 2022’s No Ones Trophy, displays this search for clarity in abundance. Its lyrics sway between meandering introspection and pointed drops of wisdom, consolidating into a unique and memorable body of work in the midst of this journey.

Yet, with his newest project, Traveling Light, money for Wwter has truly grown into his fullest form. The project, while employing much of the capabilities that made No Ones Trophy special, intentionally oscillates between a sort of warm and cold dynamic, balancing itself between a comforting proximity and a spatial depth, a brightness and darkness.

Like many artists, he faced the early challenge of needing to be wholly self-reliant, especially as a rap artist. However, he recognizes that this journey is part of what made Traveling Light so specially intentional.

“It's really just challenges within yourself; it's just music. It's just however you express yourself, whatever creative outlet you choose. You've just got to believe in yourself and just not put too much pressure on yourself because you only have yourself to please or let down or whatever. Then [eventually] that's when you get to collaborate with people who know stuff that you don't know. And then that's what the journey is.”

Now, money for water’s place in the rising Charlotte rap scene has been cemented. With lyrical virtuoso Mavi at the forefront, the Charlotte underground has a plethora of interesting acts in its midst, including Jah-Monte Ogbon, Lamaj, and the rap collective KILLSWITCH.

As he continues to work toward his next ventures, Money for Water looks to continue expanding his collaborations within and efforts to lift up this scene. His voice and intention are not only unique but will also be vital in the growth of a budding rap locale.