7xveTheGenius is redefining success in modern hip-hop

On her latest album, “Death of Deuce,” Buffalo rapper 7xveTheGenius joins the roster of Conway The Machine’s Drumwork Music Group, marking a new chapter in the city’s evolving hip-hop narrative. The project combines established names like Papoose and Raheem Devaughn with production from !llmind and Daringer.

In a recent HYFIN Verified interview, 7xveThegenius described the album as a departure from current hip-hop trends. Her path to this release includes a feature on Conway The Machine’s “Crack In The Ninety’s” from his “From King To A GOD Deluxe” album, collaborations with Che Noir, and performances at events like the Tidal Griselda Holiday Concert.

Speaking about her hometown’s musical identity, 7xveThegenius outlined what sets Buffalo’s sound apart. “It’s the core foundational hip-hop sound,” she said, emphasizing kick drums and snares rather than the 808-heavy production typical in Southern hip-hop. “That’s how everybody raps in Buffalo.”

Beyond her work as a rapper, 7xveThegenius maintains roles as both producer and visual artist. She described a methodical, creative process: “I just make the music I want to make, and then after I sit with the music, I start to think about how I want this to look.”

The new album addresses themes of perseverance, particularly from a female perspective in hip-hop. “I want women to get perseverance out of it,” she said, noting how her lyrics explore career development, relationships, and financial independence. This perspective appears in lyrics like “Every scar tells a story I carry with pride.”

Discussing industry expectations, 7xveThegenius referenced her song lyric, “I learned to move in silence. Success doesn’t need a crowd.” She defined success in personal terms: “Whatever success is for you… it doesn’t need anything outside of you to say it’s successful.”

Her musical influences span several generations of hip-hop. She cited Jay-Z’s storytelling and Eve’s representation of women in street culture as key influences. When asked about significant female lyricists, she named Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, and MC Lyte, noting Minaj’s impact on hip-hop’s business landscape.

7xveThegenius’s musical foundation extends beyond hip-hop. During family gatherings, she recalled listening to soul artists like Anita Baker, James Brown, and D’Angelo. “My musical influence comes from my aunts,” she said, describing how this exposure to different genres shaped her approach to music.

Looking ahead, 7xveThegenius expressed plans to extend her influence beyond music. “I want us to be in a different space mentally,” she said, discussing potential involvement in education and community service initiatives. She aims to create music that provides practical guidance, similar to how she viewed Jay-Z’s impact during her formative years.

As Buffalo’s hip-hop scene continues to gain national attention, 7xveThegenius represents a new generation of artists building on the city’s musical foundation while exploring new creative territory. “Death of Deuce” stands as her contribution to this ongoing evolution.