When you receive a direct message from someone you look up to, it can take your life in a completely new direction.
For Clyde Cyrus, that is exactly what happened. After receiving a message from Earl Sweatshirt in 2014, he began taking his hip-hop career to new heights.
You can catch an interview with the latest ALT Homegrown Spotlight Artist on ALT 99.5FM/102.3FM at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, and Sunday, May 21. You can also catch his music during the station’s Homegrown Showcase at 8 p.m. on Fridays.
An ode to mac miller
Music had always been a passion for Cyrus. Since he was in his mom’s womb, he was exposed to Wu-Tang Clan and Erykah Badu. His father was also a full-time rapper.
Being surrounded by music, it is no surprise that Cyrus wanted to become a musician himself. After getting into a little trouble after school, he released his debut single “1998,” which brought in a ton of streams. This song truly kicked off his career, bringing him opportunities to meet some of his idols such as Joey Bada$$.
When talking to Cyrus about some of his inspirations, it is clear the late Mac Miller played an important role.
“I’ve got this song called ‘Blu Eyez,’ which is loosely dedicated to him where I rap, ‘Sit back and be patient, you bouts to witness greatness from a Ritalin patient bumping a Mac Miller playlist.’ He’s the only reason I chose a name with alliteration, and that perfectly encapsulates the influence he held on my music.
“Honestly, our entire generation was inspired by Mac, from what I can tell. Just look at all the craziest hip-hop movements from the 2010s such as Odd Future, Pro Era, TDE, and Griselda who have all worked with Mac and given him credit for boosting their careers. He’s the epitome of an icon in my eyes.”
Going beyond music
Not only is Cyrus a musician, but he recently found himself getting into acting and modeling.
This year brought him a contract with Model & Talent Management, which has led him to adding a few more talents to his list of specialties.
“Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what led to me pursue acting outside of my grandma sarcastically telling me that I’m an actor,” he said. “There’s also this asteroid in the sky named ‘Actor’ that was in Aries when I was born. My grandmother is an Aries, so I saw it as a sign and applied to the same agency that signed Jonah Hill.
“After jumping through a few hoops, they accepted me into classes that include modeling as well. Music is merely one of my many talents and passions.”
Looking to inspire
Cyrus is working on an album with [bsd.u] and is hoping to have that finished this year. He talks about having tunnel vision when it comes to finishing this project.
He is deeply passionate about this album and is excited to show the world what he is capable of doing.
The first single off the album, “Move Aside,” has more than 30,000 streams on Spotify since being released March 31. While we wait to hear this new album, Cyrus has more than 20 singles and an album you can check out online.
According to his Instagram, it looks like he is taking his life into his own hands and powering through this year with passion and commitment. He is big into signs and what the universe has to say to him. Let’s hope the universe sends him all the prosperity he needs.
“The world will know my name eventually, but for now, I want everyone reading this to know that my music is meant to heal and inspire,” Cyrus said. “Therefore, if I’ve made any of your live’s better with my art, then it is already a success. Thanks for tuning in!”
