$haundi$, also known as Quarter Tha Great, came through from North Chicago, IL and got Hip Hop United’s Live Check-In jumping. He is the creative genius behind one of the most relevant tracks out today, “Black Skin,” which was released on 12/12/2020. As a StoneWood music family member, he is equipped with skills, soul, and willpower to push ahead on his road to success.
“Black Skin” was inspired by the current social climate and graces fans with a sophisticated vibe full of soul, wisdom, and, rightfully so, greatness for cultural advancement. Bri described the track as “a smooth, wined down, mellow type of beat that still has a powerful message.” Quarter Tha Great said he would love for rhapsody to drop a verse on the track or remix it and we agree that she’d be a perfect finishing touch to this heavy hitter. The track is making major strides, as “Black Skin” was featured in the “Wendy Williams Movie” on Lifetime TV Network. “Black Skin” was created by following an intricate formula that Quarter Tha Great and his producers, Ronzel and Badd faithfully follow. They meet in the studio to chat for about 45 minutes and then Ronzel will begin to zone out with different tunes. Moreover, the day that “Black Skin” was recorded, he was heavily focusing on Marvin Gaye. Quarter reflected on how he wrote the track in about 20 minutes explaining, “If you’re a hip hop-hip-hop head, you know we used to write it out. It was one of those things where the pen never comes from the paper, it was one of those types of vibes… and the rest is history.” One of the producers not only finessed the beat, but laced it with vocals to give it a more soulful and melodic mood to take hold of fans.
Quarter Tha Great remains in eminence by having genuine love and appreciation for all music. He brought us back to the beginning of his musical journey when his sister and cousin, Carmen, who he described as “an avid hip hop head,” snuck him in to see the infamous classic film “Krush Groove.” He spotted The Fat Boyz and they served as a mirror for him and he soon began rapping at the young age of 9 while another cousin would beatbox. Also a young prodigy with the pen, Quarter would often compose meaningful poetry and lyrics. He acknowledged how he had been blessed by both bloodlines; his mother instilled music by playing music and singing to him while he was in the womb while he inherited his cornucopia of creative talents from his father’s family–including being a self-taught barber, chef, and musician. With the ultimate goal is to be in the GOAT conversation, Quarter makes sure to always refine himself. “I sharpen my sword, I keep it sharpened, and I’m ready for my close-up,” he said of his process. He went further to illustrate his style as a big pot of hip hop gumbo; Quarter Tha Great creates music for the ladies, to reflect current times, about the streets, to vibe out, and more.
“My strength is the ability to jump into any bag. So the album that we’re working on right now is an album of the time,” he stated. While “Black Skin” brings a serene vibe, he has tracks that tip the scales. “I have another record called ‘Public Enemy #1’ and that’s the polar opposite of ‘Black Skin;’ but it’s in the same vein, but the energy is high,” he shared as he told us the style was inspired by Jay-Z and Run from Run DMC.
What makes Quarter unique is that he’s trying to break into hip hop and become relevant at his age, which no one has ever pursued. “I refuse to give up,” he uncompromisingly stated while sharing a deep personal story. About 4 years ago, Quarter weighed almost 700 lbs and he did the work to naturally lose over 300 lbs. He also simultaneously battled the COVID-19 and a pulmonary embolism, which caused him to regain 65 lbs. “It was actually a blessing in disguise because I can actually show people what it’s like to fall down but then get right back up,” he positively framed his experience. He spread more gems from his grandfather regarding seeking the blessing in the lesson. “If you’re able to stand back up, then you fell for a reason,” his grandfather would say, and a main reason for Quarter is to motivate others. Paying forward his positive influences by sharing his talents and experiences along his journey with the world is important in Quarter’s work; including purposefully creating music and offering wellness challenges. Another inspiration to keep him focused on music and encouraged him to stay out of the streets was his beloved friend who passed on, Freddy Free. He told Quarter, “If you keep getting better, never give up.” This was a turning point because his focus completely shifted from not wanting to do music to it becoming his passion; therefore, the goal became to simply keep getting better. Working with Mali is also a constant inspiration in the form of destiny, as she is his cousin who she had no idea existed. persistence to continue pushing forward will land you in a fruitful environment at the divine time to receive blessings, Quarter encourages fans to never give up on their breakthroughs.
Quarter’s music is heavily influenced by Jay-Z, who is his greatest musical inspiration and ideal collaboration. He’d also love to make legendary music with J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, and artists who employ their artistry and platforms to make music that will not only entertain but educate and empower. His favorite females include Sade, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, and Rhapsody, all of whom he’d love to learn, build, and create through collaboration.
Looking ahead:
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Quarter Tha Great is releasing a double-single this Valentine’s Day as a gift out of love to the fans and our overall culture, featuring “Public Enemy #1” and “Melanin Love.” The “Revolution Record” is an introduction to the latest EP that is scheduled to drop in early March (Quarter is giving us yet another gift but this time for his own birthday!).
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Seeking to help others, Quarter is facilitating a 22-day challenge in the upcoming week.
***Check him go wild “giving us something different” on his freestyle during our Hip Hop United “check in” segment
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Stay tuned for more content, updates:
@QuarterThaGreat across all platforms and YouTube at Shaundis.
