Henry Baker is still in high school, but has already started a promising career as a sought after rapper.
Recently signed to Fresh Street Records, Baker has been asked to perform at venues such as the Pemberton Music Festival and clubs around Vancouver. The success is great but Baker insists he pursues rap simply because it is fun.
"At first it was just my buddies and I playing around but I started taking rap more seriously. I started recording songs and I took it from there," Baker said.
In order to perform at the clubs, Baker must bring a parental guardian to ensure he doesn't get into trouble. After all, Baker is still underage.
Baker writes his own lyrics and spends time working on new songs every day. He realized that rapping might lead somewhere after receiving positive feedback from audiences.
"When people started telling me I was good at rapping it gave me more confidence to pursue it. I started going to the city to look for studios to record in," Baker said.
Baker currently attends the Reconnect Alternative program in downtown Squamish. He said the program allows him to study at a slower pace and receive the attention he needs. Baker's goal is to graduate next year.
"It's a good program and much slower than actual school. It's more one-on-one than having to stick up your hand and hope your teacher notices you in the crowd," Baker said.
While Baker pursues his high school diploma, he is also chasing after a dream to become a fulltime rap artist. His goal is to be successful enough to live a humble life.
"I don't want to be huge or anything. I am doing this because it is fun," Baker said. "I just want to be successful enough to be financially stable."
Baker's songs seem to resonate with listeners because he takes his inspiration from real life. Baker recently wrote a song in honour of his cousin who was stabbed to death.
"I write about real life experiences but not all of it is heavy," Baker said. " I write all types of songs like love songs. "
Baker admits that he likes to make audiences laugh with his lyrics. He often writes songs about his family just to make his aunties and cousins smile. Baker grew up in 樱桃视频and is proud of his home and people.
"The first time I ever performed I was so nervous but then I saw the crowds reaction to what I was doing. Everyone was going with the music. Seeing smiles and people laugh at your music builds your confidence," Baker said. "This is just something I love to do."
Baker's music is available online at www.myspace.com/thetriplerfamily.
