Sanchez aims for success

Sanchez chilling in his studio working on a song for his mixtape that is soon to come out. (Photo by Tamara Leak, April 18, 2010)

Gene Watson, 24, is an aspiring rap artist with a strong love for music and a big dream.

Gene, also known as ‘Sanchez,’ was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

He has had a love for music ever since he was a young boy. He actually began ra

pping a year ago and has been motivated to make it in the music industry ever since.

“Rap music has been a part of my life since I was a little boy,” Sanchez said. “It has played a big role in my life, getting me through a lot of things and helping me deal with certain situations in my life.”

Their are many young people that say they want to be rappers when they grow up. Along with many aspiring rap and music artists.  Little do they know, it is not an easy road to travel. It takes a lot of hardwork and dedication. Everyone has to start from somewhere in order to try to make it to the top. Sanchez is one of the many examples of an aspiring artist. 

He is currently employed at T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant and raps on the side but rapping is his ultimate goal and focus.

Some artists such as Tupac Shakur, Lupe Fiasco and Kid Cudi have inspired Sanchez.

“Their music is so tight,” Sanchez said. “I could listen to them all day. It’s not too thuggish or negative. They talk about real life stuff that I can relate to.”

Sanchez writes music mainly about his life. He tries to tell his story and tries to relate to his listeners.

“I rap about my life,” Sanchez said. “The life of somebody my age would be living because it is all a show. You have to put on a show for everybody and appeal to everybody so people will want to listen to your music.”

He stays away from the thug aspect of rapping and in life in general.

“You don’t have to be a thug,” Sanchez said. “That’s not cool, it’s good to just always be yourself whether if people accept you or not.”

Sanchez is a solo rapper but he also works with a group called ‘The Blue Angels.’ The group consists of six friends, including Sanchez. They have individual goals and goals as a group. They do it for fun and want to make it in the industry.

“I want to get famous,” Max Brady, a group member said. “I do it for fun like a hobby. I think its fun hearing yourself rap over music, it’s just something about it.”

Max and Sanchez have been friends and have been working together for a while. Max thinks Sanchez music has a special touch.

“He has been rapping for a while now,” Max said. “Every time you get to hear his music you hear something different. He changes his beats and it’s a different way he rap. Everybody gets better with time, but if you start out good the sky’s the limit.”

Not only does Sanchez have his crew of rappers on his side but he has a good support of friends, family and loved ones.

Damaris Ramos, his girlfriend of two years is very proud of how far he has co

me.

“He has come a long way from where he started,” Damaris said. “This is honestly one of the things he said he want to do and he is actually going through with it one hundred percent. He is very determined and focused.”

Although Sanchez has not been in the music business for long he has do

ne well so far and is growing.

“I feel like he is starting out and is doing pretty good,” Sharrad Hayes, his cousin said. “Everybody has to start from somewhere; he is starting from the ground up and trying to make his way to the top.”

Starting from scratch, working in a homemade studio in his apartment, having a music website and promoting his music has made a big difference in his rap

 career

. Over the past year, he has come a long way.

“I’m proud of how far he has come,” Damaris said. “To see him trying to m

a

ke it and doing whatever he has to do to get to where he wants to be.”

With a lot of competition out there in the music industry Sharrad feels as

though Sanchez is set apart from the rest.

“I think he brings a fresh air to the game,” Sharrad said. “He is a new sound,

not

w

hat most rappers sound like right now.”

 His approach to the rap game is unique and appealing to his listeners.

“I think he has a real relaxed approach to the rap industry,” Sabrina Brightful said. “I think fun is brought back to it and fading out the more violent approach and theme.”

Sanchez has a mixtape coming out soon. He has a big goal to get his music out th

ere and to be famous one day. With time and effort he plans to make that happen for himse

lf and his team.

“I just want to make it,” Sanchez said.  “I want to be successful.  I want to get my whole crew out there so we can be financially stable and set out lives straight.”

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