The Grynd Report’s exclusive interview with Ceiv! @yaboyceiv

What’s going on Ceiv? Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us where you’re from.
Nothing much, just coolin’. My name is Ceiv and I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Fl…home of them Rattlers and Seminoles. As you see I rep all that engulfs my city

What was life like growing up in your city?
It was cool. I grew up as an only child on the south side, off Ridge Rd. It honestly was like living the simple life, on some TV Land type lifestyle…if you know anything about that Nick at Night vibe then you know what i’m talking about. I grew up with a group of friends that I claim as my brothers right now today…my Pottnuz!! Growing up here was typical of life in the south I would assume. We kicked it and tried to have fun at every stop. And with the universities being here it made it that much more fun. I remember sneaking in the clubs before I was old enough to go and I was just mesmerized by the environment and even more mesmerized by the elegance, sophistication and class of the women.

What made you decide music was your passion?
My first memories of music were of my dad playing records late at night while my mom tried to put me to sleep. But once the music started playing I would run in the room just to listen…so I’ve always felt music was apart of me. But things all started for me after hearing Jam Pony and Uncle Al…some of the premiere DJ’s from down south. It got me into DJing (ponying or mic checking) and me and my “Pottnuz” started making tapes. Then I saw Juice for the first time and that made me want to actually learn to spin the records and scratch…mostly scratch though. Bought my first Technic 1200 and I was off to the races. Didn’t really learn to mix until me and my “Pottnuz” linked up with City Side Express which was a local DJ click. From there it went to trying to freestyle on the tapes but in all honesty I sounded like trash hahahahaha. I’ll be the first to let you know i’m not the freestyling type but give a minute to write something and phew!! I think my passion was cultivated thru all my experiences…just seemed like music was always around.

Growing up which artists could we catch you listening to?
How much time do we have…the list goes on and on and on especially since we started making tapes back in 7th grade. 8ball & MJG, UGK, Geto Boys, Outkast, Biggie, Pac, NWA, Jay-Z, Poison Clan, BBD, Another Bad Creation, Luke and all the other booty shake music all the was to the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Boy George, Madonna, Phil Collins, Paula Abdul…safe to say I was all over the place.

Tell us about the single you are currently pushing called ‘Middle Finger’ and where it’s available.
The song is available on all streaming platforms, i.e. Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, ect. It all started with a portion of the hook which my homeboy J Hall came up with on a song we did a while back. We never did anything with the song and I made a track I felt sounded good with the hook. I repurposed the hook, finessed it a lil and rewrote the song. From there I started working with my god-brother Freeky Neek, collaborating on my beats. It gave the song new life and now we’re off to the races. The song focuses on chasing the bag no matter what. If anyone or anything gets in the way you gotta be like fuck it and push thru. People waste too much time focusing on the opinions of others and let that hinder them from accomplishing their goals and/or getting to the cash

What are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2019?
Get more recognition by feeding people good music and meet the key players in the game…the say your net worth is only as good as your network. Luckily I already know a few people from when I did DJ.

What else can we catch you doing besides Music?
Truth be told, the music is my primary focus at the moment but once I get in position I wanna put my hands into some of everything. I have a multitude of ideas that i’m always working on and trying to perfect so that once the opportunity presents itself i’ll be all the way ready without skipping a beat.

What’s your definition of Grynd?
Grynd is having a go get it mentality, persevering thru all obstacles no matter what, who, why, when or how and continuing on your journey to your destination or goal you’ve set for yourself.

Where can we keep up with you online?
Yes, you can follow me on the gram and twitter @yaboyceiv.

Any S/O’s?
Yea, shout out to J Hall for his contribution on the hook, Neek for collaborating to bring the beat to life and really any and everyone that has helped me progress in not just music but in life.

Tampa Mystic

Learn More →