KeyLine Mag August Issue | Page 14

Hawaii’s own “Common Difference” / vhee riv KeyLine: What are your future plans? Any upcoming or major ar sts you want to work with in the future? Common Difference: We have yet to make an official album, so that is one of the main goals we s ll have to work towards. We want to arrange a tour some day taking us out of Hawaii, although we want to establish Hawaii. In our plans, we hope to expand throughout the U.S. and most likely take our music interna onally. One day when we have accomplished all our goals we want to give back to our people, our "Nakas". It would be dope if we got to collab with J.Cole, Big sean, and Kendrick Lamar. KeyLine: How would you describe your sound and what set you apart from the rest of the hip hop groups? Common Difference: Our music generally speaks about our lifestyle. The sound which we developed is diverse because overall, Hawaii is diverse. There are a lot of cultural influences here in Hawaii and music is one of them. Our aim with our music is to keep a bit of our cultural upbringing, we like to be mo vated yet laid back and chill. What set us apart from many hip hop groups out there is our pairing of two male ar st and one female ar st. Also, There aren't too many polynesians that has fully established themselves in hip hop. One day, we would like to change that. KeyLine: Do you have any upcoming albums or concerts we should be on the lookout for? Common Difference: We're trying to finish our newest mixtape project "Naka 24/7" and a single to push also. We're planning on working on new music videos soon and to con nue doing performances out here in Hawaii, but of course we are definitely looking forward to branching our exposure out to the states. Vhee Riv Born on October 30, Vhee Riv is a rapper, poet, lyricist, and hip hop dancer. Vhee Riv is another contestant who won at the "Ho est in Hawaii" compei on. With the ability to play mul ple instruments ranging from the Flute, Drums, to Percussion, Vhee is very musically talented. Take a look at our brief interview with this ar st. KeyLine: Tell us where you are from and how long have you been doing music? Vhee Riv: I was born Dover Delaware, raised in Bal more, Maryland, and grew up in Kaneohe, Oahu Hawaii. KeyLine: Are there any other ar sts you want to work with in the future? Vhee Riv: I'd really like to work with Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko, Nikki Minaj and Drake. KeyLine: On a scale from 1 to 10, how do you feel about the current state of hip hop music? Vhee Riv: I'd give it a 10, however, I do