BeZerk here with another Underground Spotlight interview. I’ve been keeping my ear to the Chicago underground movement for a couple years now. I got a lot of love and respect for Chi-town. Another artist out of this area is creeping around, behind your ears, hypnotically putting you in his lyrical spell. Everytime I listen to Etcetera, I get lost in his music for at least an hour. Here’s a more in depth look at this up and coming artist.

Interview for: Etcetera
Real Name: Mike Cuerva
From: Joliet, IL
Rolls With: TBT (Truth B Told) and C.R.A.C.K. (Coalition for Reform and Acquisition of Continuous Knowledge)

Faygoluvers: What got you into rap?

Etcetera: It was actually a mixture of Bone Thugs, Crucial Conflict, and Twista. Soon as I heard them, I memorized everything. Right after, I wanted to do it myself.

Faygoluvers: Why did you pick the name Etcetera?

Etcetera: One of my favorite things to say was “and so on…etcetera.” I like the meaning of it all. I am everything, and thus, everything after.

Faygoluvers: How long have you been rapping?

Etcetera: 13 years. Started when I was 14 in high school, and sorta ran with it.

Faygoluvers: Who are your influences?

Etcetera: My strongest influences are Tech N9ne, MC Juice, Mos Def, Common, Eminem, Big Pun, Swollen Members (the old stuff), Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, Sage Francis, Atmosphere, and so on.

Faygoluvers: What is your favorite Faygo flavor?

Etcetera: I’ve actually only had Faygo like twice, and both times I think it was Punch.

Faygoluvers: What have you been working on?

Etcetera: Well, I jus got done with my album “Nothing is Sacred.” I am working on a few projects right now. An album with Endo from Mission: 16. Plus the C.R.A.C.K. Projects.

Faygoluvers: Who have you been working with?

Etcetera: I work with basically whoever wants to do work. As of right now, mostly C.R.A.C.K. which is a collective of about 12 artists. We banded together and became the Coalition for Reform and Acquisition of Continuous Knowledge. We are doing big things, and expect to hear much of us.

Faygoluvers: Who would you like to work with in the future?

Etcetera: I would honestly like to work with anyone who wants to work with me. I’m open to any and all collaborations.

Faygoluvers: What’s next? What do you got planned for the future?

Etcetera: Well, I’m releasing a mixtape soon followed by another solo album. Also the “Banned From Chaoz” album which is myself and Endo’s project. We’re working on Mission: 16’s album at the moment, and real soon we’ll be dropping the C.R.A.C.K. compilation album entitled “Put This In Your Pipe and Smoke It.”

Faygoluvers: When and where are your next show(s)?

Etcetera: Next show, I believe, will be on Oct. 29th, at Tiger O’Stylies in Berwyn, IL. It will be a show/costume party.

Websites:

Facebook.com/Mike.Cuevas2