CVSS

Five Questions with CVSS:

Cass Hamilton, also known as CVSS (pronounced Cass), was a troubled youth who received his education on the streets. A hustler by nature, CVSS would provide for his family by any means necessary. Exposure to friends in the music industry peaked his interest, and before he knew it, had him heading down a different path crafting his musical style and expanding his capabilities. With a few freestyle Roc Da Mic championships under his belt, CVSS became a very popular and sought after producer, writing, mixing and mastering for local artists. Today CVSS has teamed with Rolling Rich Records and is determined to become one of the worlds most recognizable Hip Hop artists.

As you see yourself, who is CVSS?
That’s a loaded question … I guess I am a person derived from the combination of certain circumstances throughout my life, derived out of necessity – necessity to survive, necessity to provide. I do what I need to do to get things done, no excuses, no questions, no regrets. I am what you see, no facade, no acting, no gimmicks … just as real as I can be – I tell my stories, whether good or bad, through my music.

Tell us about your current project?
My current project is an EP titled “Momentum” … I feel my first EP “Selfish Ways” gave a good intro into who I am as an artist and as a musician, got lots of love for that project and as a result my next EP kind of titled itself … we are just riding off its momentum.

What’s on your bucket list to accomplish as an entertainer?
Wow … it’s funny to have questions like this because where I come from bucket lists are simply things other people have or say … a bucket list where I come from causes stress because it almost takes an act of god to get into a position where you can actually have a bucket list for yourself … I understand it’s a mindset, but when you come from nothing, have nothing, surrounded by nothing, your bucket list is food, shelter and clothing. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work hard enough where it’s actually being recognized … I am just now absorbing my current reality so maybe next year I can have what you would consider a “traditional” bucket list and I will keep you posted.

Will you be finishing out 2017 on the road or what’s on your horizon for 2018?
I have an amazing team who helps steer me where I need to go … We are like family and the trust and respect we have built for each other is second to none – I do and go where my team recommends – they got my back as far as the business side is concerned so that I can concentrate on the music. Momentum will be out October 2017 and so I do see an epic 2018 ahead of me.

The Hype Magazine wants to know: What’s been your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?! Or “WTF?!” moment thus far in your career?
There have been many, but one that sticks out is just prior to my performance at the 2017 CUT Hip-Hop awards I was approached by Karl Wolf after he heard my sound check and asked if I could freestyle … I did a few lines for him and he asked if I could stand in for Kardinal Offishall in his Amateur At Love performance at the show. Of course I accepted and it was epic … a moment I will never forget. - Hype Magazine

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I was always exposed to music, as a youth my greatest memories are when my father would spin his record and we would listen to them ... I grew an appreciation for music at a very young age.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?There is no shortcut to this business - hard work, hard work and then more hard work. Nothing worth anything comes easy and no one meets you half way - you have to get use to sacrifice and those around you need to give you the space to do what you need to do. Full support in this business seems to only come once you start getting recognized, until that point those around you are usually skeptical and not very supportive ... this is something every up and coming artist deals with - you just have to put your head down, focus and work harder.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?Mistakes are a part of life. Mistakes make you better. Mistakes are what I learn from and feed off of - you need to get to the point where you understand they are a part of performing (more so early on) and continue without a blip ... if you focus on it then it becomes more noticeable - part of being professional is rolling with it

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?Have not started touring yet, but we will be setting up some show dates by the end of 2017 - looking forward to it and looking forward to meeting fans in different cities - I feel so blessed to be on this path.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now? Early on I would work with whatever an acquaintance had ... it was about the beat and then the lyrics I could lay over it - as long as it was clear enough to feel then I was good - as a result I can work with anything and know almost every digital production platform - If I had to pick my favorite I would say Pro Tools. We are actually talking about opening up a Rolling Rich Records studio ... big things are coming!

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you? Marketing and exposure is where most artists fail ... you can be the best musician in the world, but if no one knows you exist then no one hears your music. This is where I must give a shout out to Sasha Stoltz of Sasha Stoltz Publicity - she seems to have that part of the business locked in ... if you are an artist and have no idea what a publicist can do for you then check out our Instagram @cvss.music and @rollingrich ... that's just a sample of the exposure she has gotten me. Features are key, with a feature you can tap into an existing fan base ... family and friends are always your most loyal and loudest fans and promoters so use them. Lastly, perform anywhere and everywhere - its about exposure and getting in as many ears as you can.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why? Kevin Gates hands down - I relate to his lyrics, they are real to me. I would drop everything at anytime to perform anywhere with Kevin Gates.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about? We just dropped BANG Ft. Karl Wolf which is the first single off my upcoming EP which will be titled MOMENTUM ... the title is pretty self explanatory, we got lots of love off my first introductory EP titled Selfish Ways and are using its momentum to flow right into our next project. It will be epic, we literally and figuratively started off with a BANG!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? I can't even answer that - when you are this focused for this long, there is nothing else - part of my strength and determination comes from an attitude of "there are no other options". Options are obstacles that would just get in my way. It's Music or nothing.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so? Fans should get the single BANG Ft. Karl Wolf, and that will give them some idea of what to expect in my upcoming EP MOMENTUM - should be out late October and they can expect an accurate reflection of who I am, what I stand for, my deepest inner thoughts, wants and needs. I don't and won't act - what you see is what you get. Momentum will lay it all out there for them.

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Big shout out to my Rolling Rich family - without them I would not be on this journey - they got my back. Shout out to Sasha Stoltz Publicity for your hard work. Shout out to Karl Wolf who gave me a chance to freestyle with him in stage at the CUT Hip Hop awards and for being a feature on my new single BANG - he is a class act. Shout out to all the fans and supporters, without them there would be no CVSS. - Exposed Vocals

'Fly away' from Cass Hamilton also known as CVSS is a dope mellow track reminiscent of what Drake did on his first album 'Take Care'.
Not saying CVSS is not distinct in his style and approach, he is. 
 
The hook is nice and catchy, the bars certainly compliment it with the right tempo and flow. It gives a euphoric feeling. The sensation of cruising down a nice quiet road, no 5/O or problems to hinder your progression. Even though it's a narrative of the opposite. In some ways detailing CVSS's life growing up; always getting into trouble, wishing for better days, erasing the past and re-writing it. Fly away is exactly what it sets out to be and I for one would love to see more from this Ontario native.
  - BritznBeatz

Discovery has become quite a popular section here at U.G. Digital Magazine. One of the things we try to do is introduce you to hot new talent who blaze trails in the industry through their craft. This month and issue, we lead with Canadian hip-hop artist Cvss [pronounced Cass] Hamilton. Only a few projects in, he’s already building a strong name for himself through a mixtape and album that he’s released over the past year or so. Now, with a new album, and single in the forefront, he’s ready to take his brand to an even higher level. In our feature, we talk about his new single, “Bang”, with Karl Wolf, his new album to come, and the career he’s striving to build in this industry. 
 
Meet Cvss Hamilton!
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Your story is one of inspiration for a lot of people who follow. You’ve dealt with the triggers and blows of life in terms of being in trouble, and living the street life. What took you in a different direction?
 
Cvss Hmilton: I always had music, but the thing that pushed me to get away from the streets was the birth of my daughter. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s what up. That’s real to so many people when they want to have something better for their kids. 
 
Cvss Hmilton: Right. I’ve seen it so many times with friends of mine. They either get shot or are in prison, and then their kids don’t have a father. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Now realistically, this is a business that takes time when it comes to cultivating your craft and building a proper presence. Money usually doesn’t roll in immediately. Now having a daughter and obviously needing a steady flow of income, what motivated you to continue as you got started?
 
Cvss Hamilton: I was always more than an artist. I did a lot in the background, from design to doing my own mixtape covers. Once I established myself, I used my own name to get business. I was generating income through it all. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Let’s talk influences. Who were the artists who really inspired you to pursue this?
 
Cvss Hamilton: Growing up, definitely Pac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, Royce Da 5’9”, Ludacris, Jeezy, and Jadakiss. All those guys were big influences for me. Even recently, I have to give a shout out to Kevin Gates. He has really influenced me a lot. A lot of his songs, I relate to. If I had to decide to do a feature with someone, that’s who it would be. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Who were the people in your ear in real life, who influenced and inspired you to turn the page for a better life?
 
Cvss Hamilton: I would say people that I bumped into in the streets because for a while I wasn’t really putting out music. Once I started doing music, people would recognize me out in the streets. They would stop me and say “hey, you’re that guy, keep doing it”. Others weren’t always my biggest influence. They were into the streets too, and would say things more like don’t waste your time. I was really doing it for me, so I didn’t pay much attention to people’s negative opinions. 
 

U.G. Digital Mag: You’re dropping “Bang”, your collaboration with Karl Wolf, in just a couple days. Talk to me about that single and the direction you went for?
 
Cvss Hmilton: So, I was invited to do the Canadian Urban Television Awards this year, and I was still fairly new. I had just dropped the album “Selfish Ways” and it was kinda popping. I was at the rehearsal, and Karl Wolf was doing some a capella work. I walked over and started beat-boxing, and we started talking. Kardinal Offishall was supposed to be with him, but couldn’t make it. He asked if I could freestyle for him when he performed, and while I thought about it, I didn’t really feel I was prepared for it. I did it anyway, and we established a connection. I hit him up with a beat and some ideas, and was hoping it would make for something a little different to help build a presence. I want to touch a different type of audience and show versatility. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: The collaboration is definitely dope. How does it feel to be getting so much love and respect for your craft and the way you do things musically? You have to be in a good place with that, right?
 
Cvss Hmilton: It’s a good feeling. I’ve always been humble about it. I try to stay that way. I love progress in anything, be it music or anything else. I love good music. Anything with progress is wonderful. How can it be denied?
 
U.G. Digital Mag: What can we look for in a full length project for you?
 
Cvss Hmilton: I was introducing myself with “Selfish Ways”. This time around, I want to make people dance. I’m trying to focus on radio distribution, and things that can play in the club. I want more energy, and want to keep people moving. I want to show I have more style. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s dope. I love to see when artists are truly having a good time. Ultimately, it makes for better music. It’s all about escaping from the everyday madness of life that you may experience. People can appreciate that from you. It’ll be a dope turnout and people will surely see that versatility. 
 
Cvss Hmilton: I can’t wait. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Talk about your goals as an artist? How do you contribute something lasting to this industry that helps the next artist coming in?
 
Cvss Hmilton: That’s pretty much the plan. More artists should be that way. Once I have the power and can help, I want to build a team. It’s not about being the best. I just want to do what I love and be happy doing it. I want to have a good team, and want them to work the same way. Having the power to be that guy that everyone respects, and being humble to let others in is what I’m trying to do. 
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Where can everyone find you online?
 
Cvss Hmilton: They can find me at www.cvssmusic.com. You can find the social media links, mixtapes and albums there. My videos are there as well.
 
U.G. Digital Mag: Do you have any final comments?
 
Cvss Hmilton: I just want to give a shout out to everyone watching my progress. I really appreciate it. I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m loving it. - UGDIGITALMAG

Welcome to the exclusive interview series, called "My Intro..."! This series will be the first introduction for many talented up and coming artist out of the coldest country out, Canada!
 
We introduce a newly-rising Hamilton rapper, who made his way from the streets of Hamilton, to collabing on new material with one of Canada's leading R&B artists. This artist goes by the name of CVSS!
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Get to know him below as he gives you an insight to who he is, what led him to Hip Hop music and where he plans on bringing it.
 
Read on. 
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IceBurghSociety.com: Where are you from?
 
CVSS: I'm from a Hamilton. I'ts a city just outside of Toronto.
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IceBurghSociety.com: What got you into Hip Hop?
 
CVSS: When I was a kid I didn't fall asleep to quiet in a bedroom, my father being a DJ out of Jamaica, would always have his vibes loud in the house with his massive speakers and I would pass out to the vibration and rhythm of a beat. I didn't "get into music", I was born into it.
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IceBurghSociety.com: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
 
CVSS: To describe myself as an artist, I'd call myself versatile. I like to keep up with trends but I don't necessarily follow them. I like to keep my music relevant but different and I'm always working on something. It's all I do. A friend once said to me "I don't know how can you sit in here and do this all day", I looked at him and said "it's what I do". We ain't friends anymore. 
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IceBurghSociety.com: What led to your style of delivery and beat-selection?
 
CVSS: There isn't anything that really leads me to my style of delivery and beat selection. If the beat comes on and grabs my attention The style of delivery comes from the feeling I get from the beat that's playing. Simple as that.
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IceBurghSociety.com: Who influenced your style?
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CVSS: My style was influenced by artists I listened to growing up. Jay-Z, Ludacris, Eminem, Jadakiss and Jeezy were definitely a few of them to name.
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IceBurghSociety.com: What ‘s the most important item in your music collection?
 
CVSS: The most important item in my music collection is the album titled "Islah" by Kevin Gates.
 
IceBurghSociety.com: Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
 
CVSS: Dead or alive my dream collaboration goes without a doubt to my most recent influence in music, Kevin Gates. Through some of the hardest times in my life the album "Islah" pretty much told my story in a lot of the records. I think we'd make some serious hits together. #FreeGates
 
IceBurghSociety.com: What's the most successful or highest point in your career?
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CVSS: Until recently I wouldn't have called what I was doing a career. I was still a part of life in the streets using music to ventilate and express how I felt. The moment that made this become so much more real was at the CUT Awards 2017 when Karl Wolf asked me to freestyle for him after I was beat-boxing for them during rehearsal. He asked if that was what I was attending the awards for but I had told him I'm an artist. He liked what I did and asked me to fill in Kardinal Offishall's part for "Amateur Love" on the stage live in front of the audience. We now have a song releasing September 19th called "BANG"! This is my highest point in my newly started career.
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IceBurghSociety.com: What do you have planned coming up, and do you have any Final Shout-Outs?
 
CVSS: Right now I'm working with directors to put together some videos. I don't have enough of them. It's time I put out more visuals. I have the album in process. I put together most of the beats and plan on having a few producers I'd like to collaborate with on it too.
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I'd like to thank my team at Rolling Rich Records, and the friends and family that made sure I didn't give up on the dream. I'd like to thank all the DJ's who are willing to play our records and the team at www.IceBurghSociety.com for the interview. You're all appreciated.
 
S/o to all of ya'll mane! - Iceburghsociety

Hip-Hop artist CVSS (Cass Hamilton) is set to release his new single "Bang", a high energy dance track combining Hip-Hop and R&B off his up-coming EP "Momentum". CVSS had the privilege of recording the sure to be hit single with multi-platinum recording artist Karl Wolf. CVSS was born and raised in North Hamilton, Canada. After misguided time spent in the streets and numerous brushes with the law, CVSS took a hard look at his life and followed the light of a different path. That path included his passion for music. That passion turned into an obsession and CVSS began making his way into the local music scene.
He won multiple championships in freestyle competitions where he connected with seasoned artists in the industry. Serious about his craft and his life, he listened and learned. CVSS began recording, mixing and mastering music for some of those artists, leading to his own music career. Today the multifaceted performer is part of the Rolling Rich Records team, which produced his first released EP "Selfish Ways." CVSS will take his place as one of Canada's most talented and fastest rising Hip-Hop stars with the release of “Bang" ... Be prepared to listen, September 19, 2017.

Follow CVSS:
https://www.facebook.com/CvssOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/cvss.music/
https://twitter.com/CvssOfficial
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jO7WpwyWO0UOwexdWMIYP - Thisis50.com

Toronto, Ontario September 12-  Hip-Hop artist CVSS (Cass Hamilton) is set to release his new single "BANG" a high energy dance track combining Hip-Hop and R&B off his up-coming EP "Momentum".   CVSS had the privilege of recording the sure to be hit single with multi-platinum recording artist Karl Wolf.   CVSS was born and raised in North Hamilton, Canada.   After misguided time spent in the streets and numerous brushes with the law CVSS took a hard look at his life and followed the light of a different path.  That path included his passion for music.   That passion turned into an obsession and CVSS began making his way into the local music scene.  He won multiple championships in freestyle competitions where he connected with seasoned artists in the industry.  Serious about his craft and his life, he listened and learned.   CVSS began recording, mixing and mastering music for some of those artists, leading to his own music career.   Today the multifaceted performer is part of the Rolling Rich Records team, which produced his first released EP "Selfish Ways."   CVSS will take his place as one of Canada's most talented and fastest rising Hip-Hop stars with the release of “BANG" ....  Be prepared to listen, September 19, 2017.

Follow CVSS:

https://www.facebook.com/CvssOfficial 
https://www.instagram.com/cvss.music/ 
https://twitter.com/CvssOfficial 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jO7WpwyWO0UOwexdWMIYP
 

Media Inquiries:

Sasha Stoltz Publicity & Management:
Sasha Stoltz | Sasha@sashastoltzpublicity.com | 416.579.4804 - Crunkatlantamag.com

CVSS which is pronounced Cass, is a veteran rapper who grew up in the streets of Hamilton. Although he currently lives in Toronto, he still represents his roots. Formerly known as Chase Money, he’s been making music for as long as he can remember; way before everyone became a rapper. We had the chance to chop it up with CVSS to talk about his recent album, how the music scene is like in Hamilton and what’s next. Check out our exclusive interview below.

Let us know a little bit about yourself, where you’re from and what movements you’re rocking with.
I am originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – growing up on the wrong side of town, makes me a graduate from the school of hard knocks! I currently reside in Toronto – I love my city and my country. I have been getting a humbling amount of love from my people. I rep Rolling Rich Records proudly, I co-own the label and we have set our sights on the stars.
How would you describe the hip hop scene in Hamilton?
The Hip Hop scene in Hamilton is small but being basically a suburb of Toronto, we benefit from that. Toronto has been put on the map big-time and much respect to artists like Drake for representing and shining a spotlight on us. I feel the hip hop scene growing rapidly and expect several more very serious artists to emerge from here. We have a large pool of untapped talent.
Hamilton is a major city in Ontario, do you feel like it’s not doing as good as it could be?
Hamilton is overshadowed by its big brother Toronto, I feel whatever recognition Toronto gets is good for Hamilton, we are one in the same. Much of what happens on Hamilton is dependent on Toronto’s, whether that’s economics, social issues or even the music scene. Being basically a suburb of Toronto you can’t talk about one without the other. As long is Toronto is skyrocketing, Hamilton will as well. There may be an argument that Hamilton can stand out on its own, but why? There is strength in unification and cross-representation.
Your new album is a banger, how long did it take you to complete it? Tell us how it was like while you’re working on it.
Thanks. I was making this album even before I knew I was making it. I look at my life as a soundtrack to my own personal movie of life. My songs reflect my pain, my struggles, my successes and my life. Every high and every low forms the basis for a song. Growing up on the wrong side of town has its disadvantages, but I would also argue, it also has its advantages. Let’s just say it inspires all sorts of creativity, and creativity is something you need to get ahead in life where I come from. Growing up, I was inspired by a multitude of artists from all different genres and respect all forms of music. There are obvious influences such as Jay-Z and Kanye West, and then there are less obvious influences (as they were before my time) like Public Enemy and the track “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”, Grandmaster Flash and “The Message”. I listen to these tracks and feel like they are talking directly to me. It is because of artists like these that I credit the fact that I feel my tracks need to tell a story. They were before my time, yet their music has completely influenced the type of artist I am, and that’s powerful. - Canadian Dope

Cassel Hamilton, also known as CVSS (pronounced Cass), was born and raised in the streets of North Hamilton in Canada. Numerous brushes with the law had him searching for a brighter path. Soon a new-found passion for music would find him heading in the right direction.
As this new passion turned into a burning obsession, CVSS started to make inroads on local music scenes with multiple championships in freestyle competitions and by recording, mixing and mastering music for other local artists.
Today, CVSS is a part of the team at Rolling Rich Records. He has released his first official LP titled “Selfish Ways”. 2017 marks the dawn of a new era for CVSS as he works towards becoming one of Canada’s most recognized rappers.
How long have you been making music and who are some of the artists that inspired you to want to make music growing up?
I was making music even before I knew I was making music. I look at my life as a soundtrack to my own personal movie of life. My songs reflect my pain, my struggles, my successes … my life. Every high and every low forms the basis for a song. Growing up on the wrong side of town has its disadvantages, but I would also argue, it also has its advantages – let’s just say it inspires a sort of creativity, and creativity is something you need to get ahead in life where I come from. Growing up, I was inspired by a multitude of artists from all different genres – I respect all forms of music – There are obvious influences such as Jay-Z and Kanye West, and then there are less obvious influences (as they were before my time) like Public Enemy and the track “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”, Grandmaster Flash and “The Message”. I listen to these tracks and feel like they are talking directly to me. It is because of artists like these that I credit the fact that I feel my tracks need to tell a story. They were before my time, yet their music has completely influenced the type of artist I am — that’s powerful.
How did you get your rap name CVSS?
My government name is Cassle Hamilton and used to go by the name Chase Money. Once I hooked up with Rolling Rich Records, I wanted to change my name to symbolize a new beginning, a rebirth of sorts. I took my name CASS and flipped the A upside down to a V — now I am CVSS (pronounced CASS).

What does it take to build a buzz to get noticed in today’s music industry being a rapper?
I am a firm believer that if you produce music that is unique, has heart and meaning – it will get noticed. My music reflects struggles that may be unique to me but at the same time are so relatable to many people. Once you connect with a listener on that level, then you have something great. I am an artist that creates music, if I can push myself to the limits and create great art, then it is only a matter of time until it builds a buzz and gets noticed.
What type of day-to-day obstacles do you encounter as an artist?
I am a glass half full type of person. I grew up on the wrong side of town and have definitely had my struggles in life, but I survive and I perceive — it is what I do. For every obstacle in my way there is a path around it — I just need to concentrate and find it. I read a quote from one of the co-owners of DUB Magazine and it went something like this (paraphrasing of course) … I am one of 8 immigrant children who grew up with a single mother in the badest part of town and today am a millionaire… What is your excuse? I love that quote because it wakes something up inside of me — I tell myself there is no excuse. So you ask me about obstacles and I tell you there is no such thing — every problem has a solution and to stop and acknowledge obstacles is in itself a weakness. You set your goals in life and you work towards them, no path to ones goals is a straight one, there are twists and turns These twists and turns I call life and form the basis of what I draw from to tell my stories.
What are the advantages you’ve been able to utilize as an independent rapper?
I think the main advantage I have as an independent rapper is the need to have to just “figure things out”. Many may look at that as a disadvantage, and perhaps in the short term there is a good argument for that, but because I do not have a big label that is paving my way and providing certain resources, I have had to find my own path and make my own connections. Long term, I feel this makes me wiser, more knowledgeable and better connected in the industry.
You just released your LP “Selfish Ways”. What can people expect from it?
People can expect that I have laid it all on table and gave it all I got — the album is an uncensored reflection of my life and each track tells its own story in a deliberate sequence. The LP, in its entirety, is really an invitation into the pages of my life — I am hoping people will understand me more as an artist and as a man after listening to it.
Any particular songs you want the people to pay attention to? Where can people get it?
When I first started out I was blessed to have my core supporters (close friends and family) but I found that (what I call) my tier 2 and tier 3 acquaintances, as well as the general public, showed little if any support. In fact, the track “Harmless” is about the people that were around me talking trash and trying to keep me down. A quote from the great Frank Sinatra’s song “That’s Life” always comes to mind in those circumstances… “some people get their kicks stomping on a dream” well, my reaction to that quote is what you will get from “Harmless”. “Clean” is another track that I want people to pay close attention to. It is a reflection of the day after you decided to make a major change in your life and is the celebration of that change. “I can see them in my rear-view” and “not going back to prison not today not tomorrow” the entire song can be taken literally and figuratively. I think everyone can relate to making a life changing decision and reaping the benefits of that.
How much of your real life comes out in your overall music?
All of it. The entire LP represents various chapters and events in my life. It is a direct reflection of my life which is my main inspiration. This LP represents the trials and tribulations of my past. I felt it necessary for my debut LP to represent that part of my life that made me who I am and that got me to where I am today.
What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far in your music career?
I really feel my biggest accomplishment has been completing my debut LP. It was a work in process for years and only recently did I feel it was at the point where I was ready to release it. This LP is so personal to me I wanted to ensure it reflected me as an artist and told my stories accurately and in a way that the listener understood it.
What are your personal and professional goals you have set for you and your music?
My personal and professional goals are to continue making music for as long as I physically and mentally can. What matters to me is that people love what I make – as long as you are relevant, interesting and innovative, people will listen — being gold or platinum are just rewards for being relevant, interesting and innovative. So my focus is never on the finish line, my focus is on what is right in front of me — to focus on anything else, in my opinion, is an error.
If you could fast forward time into 5 years, where would you want to see your career?
I would love to be at the point where fans and listeners can’t wait to hear my latest creations. To be considered and recognized as an artist in the eyes of fans would be my greatest accomplishment. Music being a medium of communication that knows no borders, I would love to travel to countries around the world and perform for different people and different cultures.
Where can people find your music and keep up with everything you have going on?
People can check out my website and other my social media platforms below to keep up with the latest and greatest. People can also buy my latest LP “Selfish Ways” by CVSS on most major digital platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, CD Baby. Streaming also available on Spotify and other sites. I thank you in advance for the love and support — I am truly humbled by comments and support I have received. Thank you! - Yoraps

Hood Critic Magazine interviews up and coming Canadian hip hop artist “CVSS”.
HCM. Where are you from?
CVSS. I am originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – a graduate from the school of hard knox ! I currently reside in Toronto – I love my city and my country. I have been getting a humbling amount of love from my people.
HCM. How did you come by your stage/band name?
CVSS. My government name is Cass Hamilton and used to go by the name Chase Money. Once I hooked up with Rolling Rich Records, I wanted to change my name to symbolize a new beginning, a rebirth of sorts. I took my name CASS and flipped the A upside down to a V – now I am CVSS (pronounced CASS).
HCM. Do you feel that you are an artist/band or entertainer? Explain.
CVSS. First and foremost I consider myself an artist because I create art. With art being so subjective, it’s difficult to get people on board – you either get it or you don’t. I tell my stories of personal experiences that are relevant and dear to me. I surround those stories with beats to create a beautiful piece of art. When I first saw the Mona Lisa I was like “what’s the big deal, its a portrait”, but later in life I soon realized that as a painter, each stroke, each color choice has a meaning. I can only hope that people hear my music and appreciate and understand that I put together each track much like a painting.
HCM. Does going gold or platinum matter to you?
CVSS. What matters to me is that people love what I make – as long as you are relevant, interesting and innovative, people will listen – being gold or platinum are just rewards for being relevant, interesting and innovative. So my focus is not on the finish line, my focus is on what is right in front of me – to focus on anything else, in my opinion, is an error.
HCM. What are you currently working on and how can the people find you?
CVSS. People who know me know that I never stop working – I am a hustler and am driven to the 10th degree – If I am not out promoting my work then I am in my lab making new music. I never stop. I make beats in my dreams while I sleep. I try to be as disciplined and as dedicated as I can humanly be and that’s easy to do when you love and live for what you do. People can find my LP “Selfish Ways” by CVSS on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify and every other digital platform available.

The following are my social media links:
Website:  http://cvssmusic.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CvssOfficial
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cvss.music/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/CvssOfficial
Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/cvssofficial - Hood Critic Magazine