Interview: Issac Mansfield
Talented young rapper Issac Mansfield has burst onto the Christian Hip Hop scene with the release of his debut single 'Speed Dial'. Louder Than The Music chatted with the Red Torch Music artist to find out what inspired his music and his hopes and plans for the future.
Hi Issac, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
My name is Issac Mansfield I'm a 17 year old rapper from Florida. I grew up in South Florida and then later moved up to Central Florida. I got involved in music because I grew up around it with my uncles and father. My father was a rapper so we would do YouTube videos freestyling to random beats, as I got older I starting to get more involved with music; taking it more seriously. My uncle has had a Christian label for years so I was in studios and around artists all the time. Prior to working with Red Torch Music I worked with HPTP records and performed at events where I was blessed to open up for Social Club, Dillion chase, serge to name a few.
Tell us about your new single 'Speed Dial' and what the inspiration behind it was?
My new single “Speed Dial” Ft loso is about how we have access to God at all times threw prayer, and it’s the key to a stronger relationship with God. The same way you press one button to reach someone it's the same way you could talk to God at any time. It also relates to me because when I first became a Christian it was something I lacked until I started praying more and going to him with all my problems, now I have a better connection with him.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
We’re trying to at least drop a song every month for the rest of this year and we’re working on an EP for 2023. I pray that God would lead me to where I need to be, and that he surrounds me with people that will help to grow as a Christian artist.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I’m really just trying to show people that no matter at what age you are, or where you come from, or what you have gone through you can always count on God, Throughout my career I would hope to show God's love and mercy, who he is and what he has done for me and my family.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I’m a hip-hop/CHH Artist to be exact and I make positive music for the Lord, my inspiration is my Dad. He taught me how to rap, he taught me how to write. I would listen to him rap and I would copy it. The first song that I wrote/recorded and performed was with him.
If you could collaborate with any mainstream artist in the world, who would it be and why?
I don’t listen to mainstream artist anymore but if I were to choose it would be J. Cole. I loved the way he sounded on the beats, his flow, his cadence. So yeah i would choose J. Cole.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
What I consider success as a Christian artist, connecting with my fans and knowing that I’ve truly helped someone change their ways. Money is an upside, I don’t consider success as having piles of money, I consider success as me fulfilling my job as a disciple of Christ helping spread the Gospel helping change lives that’s success for me as Christian artist.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I have say my favorite album of all time would have to be 'Bad' by Michael Jackson, the songs on there just go crazy. I basically had Michael Jackson music on repeat when i was younger. His music is classic!!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
I would probably choose “For God is with us” by King and Country, honestly it’s one of my favorite worship songs right now and I just love listening to it, they honestly did great with that song. Love the message how Jesus defeated death and because of it we now can have a fresh start and are forgiven for our sins and transgressions.
What does the next year hold for you?
Honestly if it's God's will I pray that next year I can release my first EP. That I can start performing and collaborating with more Christian Artists. I’m really excited to see what God has lined up.
