An Interview with Syracuse-based Rapper Apache Chief
Aaron Lamb, also known as hip-hop rapper Apache Chief, has been called one of “Upstate New York’s finest”- and not just for his overwhelming charm and self-assured attitude. Apache Chief is known as one of the finest rappers looking to break out in Upstate New York. Getting his foot in the door as a booking agent for acts in the Syracuse area and larger national acts, Lamb took a revolutionary approach to having a musical career by first learning the ins and outs of the business world. I had the chance to talk with Lamb about the future and success of his career as Apache Chief and the path he took the get there.
The Free George: How did you first get into rapping?
Apache Chief: I’ve been rapping for a long time, since I was a kid. I wasn’t taking it that seriously but then my friend Matty C started making beats and was like, “You should rap over these so people know I’m making beats and it will be just for fun.” So I rapped over them and they came out really well. We kept them, and when people heard it they were telling us things like, “Yo, these are actually good.” People started noticing them.
TFG: How has the music business changed you?
AC: I’ve sort of grown to hate it. It’s ruined the way I thought things worked. I thought that I had a good product and that people would want it, but it turned into, “Well, if I don’t have a relationship with these certain people, then I can’t get where I want to go.”
TFG: What inspires your lyrics?
AC: Real life. It sounds cliché, but that’s all that inspires me. Not every song is going to be about a struggle or being happy or sad, it just depends on what’s going on. I have great days and shitty days just like everyone else.
TFG: Describe the best show you’ve ever played.
AC: The Sammy Adams show at the Westcott Theater. I felt like I killed it that night and that it was the best performance I ever gave.
TFG: What are your plans for the future?
AC: I want to be putting out music continuously as Apache Chief, maybe writing music for other people.
TFG: Who do you look up to as an artist?
AC: Jay Z. I think he is the best rapper of all time, not only that but he is an incredible business man and you need to be both.
TFG: What is the overall message you’re trying to send your listeners through your music?
AC: I’m just trying to make good music, not trying to necessarily write anything with a message, just write good music without a gimmick. I want to be able to say “here’s good music, enjoy it, enjoy it because you like it, not because of the special effects.”
TFG: It isn’t easy for a new artist to make a name for themselves. What advice would you give to other aspiring rappers?
AC: Just make good music, don’t make cookie cutter predictable bullshit. People will respond to it, even if it takes a little bit longer to get noticed; in the long run you’ll create a real fan base and a career if you just make good music. I’m a firm believer in being good at what you do. If it’s not music, then go do whatever else you do well.
TFG: Where did the name Apache Chief came from?
AC: It came from the superhero named Apache Chief from “Super Friends,” and my friend Brian was the first person to call me “the chief” back in the day. I’m not entirely sure why, but we wanted to make hip hop music and he just goes: “Oh you’re definitely going to called Apache Chief.” Apache Chief was the underdog superhero who only knew how to get big, his power was to grow. I’m the underdog white rapper who only knows how to get big.
–Elise Miklich is a Contributor to The Free George.
The Free George is the online magazine and visitors’ guide of Upstate NY, covering things from Albany to Lake Placid, including Saratoga, the Lake George region and the Adirondacks. Check out our City Blogs section for our extended coverage areas as well.