Wem

Email: contact@heartbreakerrecords.com - All Available If Needed

Email: contact@heartbreakerrecords.com - All Available If Needed

New Jersey’s Wem dropped his new mixtape today entitled Intellectual Arrogance. Here goes one of the standout cuts from the tape. Cardo as per usual brings the fire on the production. - YouHeardThatKnew.com (XXL Mag TOP 20 HipHop Sites)

New Jersey’s Wem dropped his new mixtape today entitled Intellectual Arrogance. Here goes one of the standout cuts from the tape. Cardo as per usual brings the fire on the production. - YouHeardThatKnew.com (XXL Mag TOP 20 HipHop Sites)

New Jersey emcee Wem drops this smooth number off his upcoming project Intellectual Arrogance. - 2DopeBoyz.com (XXL Mag TOP 20 HIPHOP SITES)

New Jersey emcee Wem drops this smooth number off his upcoming project Intellectual Arrogance. - 2DopeBoyz.com (XXL Mag TOP 20 HIPHOP SITES)

Rockie Fresh assists New Jersey’s Wem on this new track from his forthcoming Intellectual Arrogance project. Cardo on the beat. - FakeShoreDrive.com (XXL Mag TOP 20 HIPHOP SITES)

Rockie Fresh assists New Jersey’s Wem on this new track from his forthcoming Intellectual Arrogance project. Cardo on the beat. - FakeShoreDrive.com (XXL Mag TOP 20 HIPHOP SITES)

HOMEBASE: New Jersey / Los Angeles / New York
DESCRIBE YOUR GENRE: Hip Hop and Rap
CATEGORY ENTERED: Rap/Hip-Hop
SONGS SUBMITTED: Life Is What You Make Of It
ALBUM SUBMITTED: N/A although I have a debut mix-tape that was downloaded over 15,000 times called The Unexpected hosted by DJ Ill Will.
LABEL Name OR Self-Released: Heartbreaker Records (Independent)
PLEASE LIST THE ARTISTS FEATURED ON THIS RELEASE: Wem
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR BAND NAME? WERE THERE ANY CONTENDERS? Wem was a nickname given to me when I was younger. I moved from Brazil when I was 4 years old and Wemerson always gave my teachers and peers problems so I started telling people to call me Wem. Over time everyone (aside from my mom) called me Wem. When trying to think of a “rap name” I decided that none would fit better than Wem. Like my name, my music is very personal. I try to always give my audience 100% of me no matter how vulnerable I come across or how non traditional it may be for a genre such as hip hop.
DESCRIBE YOUR LATEST RELEASE: My latest release is a song called “Fast Life”. It’s my approach in explaining how my life has changed so far. So much has happened in the last year since I released my debut mix-tape. I’ve done shows in several states, worked with some of the industries top artists and producers, and have slowly began to acclimate myself to all of it. Not to long ago I was working on my Bachelors degree in Psychology at Rutgers University and now, after I graduated I am fortunate enough to be able to continue my career in music. This song also touches on my issues with women and the struggles I have in committing to just one. Reason being that I’m currently 22 yet I’ve always dated older girls and when the age gap is significant (last girlfriend was 29) it becomes hard to be on the same page with topics such as marriage, having kids, etc.
DID YOU USE ANY UNUSUAL INSTRUMENTS OR EFFECTS? The range of instruments I use are endless. I feel so many hip hop artist fail to advance in hip hop especially because their latest album sounds exactly like their first. More than an artist I’m a person and people experience different things every single day. For me not to capture that would be a waste so any time I get to work with creative people that can offer different sounds or ideas I get really excited. We’ve used everything from live instrumentation, sounds using household props, and we even occasionally sample other sounds we like too.
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? No, all funding is provided by independent investors or occasionally out of pocket by myself.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SUBMIT TO THE 11TH IMAS? I was looking for something that is credible and has a reputation established. Once I was presented with the long list of reputable industry personnel that have been involved with the IMA I knew it was the best choice for me. I was really excited when I heard the news and I am also very happy to be a part of it.
WHO IS SITTING IN YOUR AUDIENCE? WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE? My fans represent who I am, and the word that comes to mind is “diverse”. I have fans from all different age groups, races, religions, and backgrounds and I am very fortunate to not have appealed to just one group of people. I have seen everyone from business suit wearing investors to people who dress and appreciate hip hop culture at my shows. I have had a lot of different experiences in my life and I am able to relate to people on a large scale. I have lived through all social classes and above all I am a very genuine person by nature, my fans can defiantly feel that and my music represents that entirely, I would hate to be one-dimensional.
HAVE YOU EVER HUNG OUT WITH ONE OF YOUR MUSICAL HEROES? WHAT’S THE STORY? One of the artists that I look up to the most is Prince. I have an impeccable amount of respect for him because of his level of dedication to his music. To be able to play, constructs, and create timeless music like he has consistently through out the years is something not only that I value but I also strive to do myself. I have never hung out with him unfortunately but to be able to would be an ever-lasting experience. I have met many people from the hip hop industry and all have been very accepting of me in the industry.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? I have had a few that I am proud of. Having DJ Ill Will host my very first debut mix tape was an honor because he usually only gets behind artist that are big heavy weights in the industry such as Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, and many more. It shows that he believes in my progression early on and that feels amazing. I have also been featured in magazines such as YoRaps and have been published/done interviews for 24HourHipHop which was rated on XXL Magazines as one of the top 20 hip hop websites in the country. I’m also proud of the people that I’ve worked with, Jahlil Beats from Roc Nation, Johnny Juliano, I.D Labs, to name a few.
ARE THERE ANY SONGS YOU WISH YOU - IMA

HOMEBASE: New Jersey / Los Angeles / New York
DESCRIBE YOUR GENRE: Hip Hop and Rap
CATEGORY ENTERED: Rap/Hip-Hop
SONGS SUBMITTED: Life Is What You Make Of It
ALBUM SUBMITTED: N/A although I have a debut mix-tape that was downloaded over 15,000 times called The Unexpected hosted by DJ Ill Will.
LABEL Name OR Self-Released: Heartbreaker Records (Independent)
PLEASE LIST THE ARTISTS FEATURED ON THIS RELEASE: Wem
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR BAND NAME? WERE THERE ANY CONTENDERS? Wem was a nickname given to me when I was younger. I moved from Brazil when I was 4 years old and Wemerson always gave my teachers and peers problems so I started telling people to call me Wem. Over time everyone (aside from my mom) called me Wem. When trying to think of a “rap name” I decided that none would fit better than Wem. Like my name, my music is very personal. I try to always give my audience 100% of me no matter how vulnerable I come across or how non traditional it may be for a genre such as hip hop.
DESCRIBE YOUR LATEST RELEASE: My latest release is a song called “Fast Life”. It’s my approach in explaining how my life has changed so far. So much has happened in the last year since I released my debut mix-tape. I’ve done shows in several states, worked with some of the industries top artists and producers, and have slowly began to acclimate myself to all of it. Not to long ago I was working on my Bachelors degree in Psychology at Rutgers University and now, after I graduated I am fortunate enough to be able to continue my career in music. This song also touches on my issues with women and the struggles I have in committing to just one. Reason being that I’m currently 22 yet I’ve always dated older girls and when the age gap is significant (last girlfriend was 29) it becomes hard to be on the same page with topics such as marriage, having kids, etc.
DID YOU USE ANY UNUSUAL INSTRUMENTS OR EFFECTS? The range of instruments I use are endless. I feel so many hip hop artist fail to advance in hip hop especially because their latest album sounds exactly like their first. More than an artist I’m a person and people experience different things every single day. For me not to capture that would be a waste so any time I get to work with creative people that can offer different sounds or ideas I get really excited. We’ve used everything from live instrumentation, sounds using household props, and we even occasionally sample other sounds we like too.
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? No, all funding is provided by independent investors or occasionally out of pocket by myself.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SUBMIT TO THE 11TH IMAS? I was looking for something that is credible and has a reputation established. Once I was presented with the long list of reputable industry personnel that have been involved with the IMA I knew it was the best choice for me. I was really excited when I heard the news and I am also very happy to be a part of it.
WHO IS SITTING IN YOUR AUDIENCE? WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE? My fans represent who I am, and the word that comes to mind is “diverse”. I have fans from all different age groups, races, religions, and backgrounds and I am very fortunate to not have appealed to just one group of people. I have seen everyone from business suit wearing investors to people who dress and appreciate hip hop culture at my shows. I have had a lot of different experiences in my life and I am able to relate to people on a large scale. I have lived through all social classes and above all I am a very genuine person by nature, my fans can defiantly feel that and my music represents that entirely, I would hate to be one-dimensional.
HAVE YOU EVER HUNG OUT WITH ONE OF YOUR MUSICAL HEROES? WHAT’S THE STORY? One of the artists that I look up to the most is Prince. I have an impeccable amount of respect for him because of his level of dedication to his music. To be able to play, constructs, and create timeless music like he has consistently through out the years is something not only that I value but I also strive to do myself. I have never hung out with him unfortunately but to be able to would be an ever-lasting experience. I have met many people from the hip hop industry and all have been very accepting of me in the industry.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? I have had a few that I am proud of. Having DJ Ill Will host my very first debut mix tape was an honor because he usually only gets behind artist that are big heavy weights in the industry such as Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, and many more. It shows that he believes in my progression early on and that feels amazing. I have also been featured in magazines such as YoRaps and have been published/done interviews for 24HourHipHop which was rated on XXL Magazines as one of the top 20 hip hop websites in the country. I’m also proud of the people that I’ve worked with, Jahlil Beats from Roc Nation, Johnny Juliano, I.D Labs, to name a few.
ARE THERE ANY SONGS YOU WISH YOU - IMA

“Everything that has to do with sanity involves clarity,” said music artist Wem, as he sat back comfortably in a stylish artist print T-shirt, leaning on an even more stylish black leather jacket slung over the back of his chair. Wem, real name Wemerson Olivera, replayed his words over, nodded and continued: “As long as you know where you want to be headed, it’s like driving at night. Even if you’re only looking 20 feet ahead of you, you can get where you need to go.”
Signed to Heartbreaker Records, Wem has already released his mixtape, “The Unexpected,” with the aid of veteran DJ Ill Will. The end of November will see the release of his second tape, “Intellectual Arrogance.”
Olivera was born in Brazil and moved to America at the age of four. He lived in New Jersey for most of his childhood, with some time spent in London. As a first generation immigrant, Olivera was forced to grow up fast — he was the best English speaker in his household and was expected to help his parents through big decisions and adjusting to life in the States. Olivera’s experiences made him mature early on, but he said, “Don’t get me wrong, I had a great childhood and I still consider myself a grown kid. Times were just different back then.”
Olivera attended the University, where he hit the ground running as a recording artist. “When I got to college I was so focused on doing my music,” he said. “I’d be at home sending emails early in the morning and booking studio time. What Rutgers taught me the most was that no one’s going to give you anything.”
Olivera is readying himself for a busy new year. “Intellectual Arrogance” sees its release in November, and is sponsored by major hip hop media sites such as Dat Piff and Hot New Hip Hop. In January, Olivera begins a national tour with dates at different showcases throughout the U.S at festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW).
When asked about the current state of music, he said that hip-hop lacks a specific message. “At the end of the day, you’re put in an opportunity to relay messages to massive amounts of people,” Wem reflected. “I’m looking to offer insight into a different perspective, and let people find their own meaning in it.”
Wem is an artist to keep an eye out for. As both a motivated worker and a diligent intellectual, Wem offers a clear twist to a genre that has seen much monotony.
Head to datpiff.com or itsmewem.tumblr.com to grab “Intellectual Arrogance” when it drops Nov. 20. - The Daily Targum

Being an indie artist can’t be an easy job in today’s society. You can’t go more than 2 feet without meeting someone who’s a rapper and has a mixtape to hand you. The overflow of talentless emcees makes it that harder to see the few who have potential. Trying to standout about the crowd of mediocrity is Wem. His DJ Ill Will assisted mixtape Unexpected sets out to show that Wem is something different for what you’ve heard already.

You Already Know, featuring Young Jerz, is an upbeat summer type joint. A piano driven track where Wem spits lines like, “Hurt feelings every time I step out/ These other dudes are garbage and it’s time to take the trash out/ Leave your girl behind and I’m going to put a dent in her/ Pockets full of presidents and even on inventor/ That’s Benjamin.” While not the most lyrical song, the hook comes in at the right time to save the song: “You already know/ Swagger through the roof/ Keep a bunch of dollars on me (one me)/ You already know just how I get down/ If you don’t then let me show you homie.” Yung Jerz ends it with lines like, “I got my shades on, but this ain’t for 3D/ Them divas want to turn me on like a TV/ She in my crib touching my tattoos trying to read me/ Superfly but you already know like a genie/ They say they recognize me from the Internet.” This track may be the best song on the set.

On Kamikaze, Trigga opens up with, “No one seems to really hear like I’m speaking sign language/ Rhyme so retarded guess that means I’m brain damaged/ Corruption is my motto now, hope is way above the clouds/ Ain’t nothing funny so wipe the smile off your face you clown.” Trixx did a good job on the beat providing something simple enough to make heads nod, but give Trigga and Wem room to show off some bars. Wem comes in with, “When you stare at me, man I know you bitter/ Got my girl eating out a girl like a chicken dinner/ Don’t see clearly that Wem is the winner/ It’s the unexpected like when you get a splinter/ I’m so glad to be Wem, I wouldn’t want to be ya/ And I see myself on top I got a ladder and a mirror.”

Johnny Juliano provides the soundtrack for another standout track titled Life Is What You Make It. A slow moving soulful track, Wem spits about “Life is what you make it that’s what my mother told me/ I don’t go nowhere where them dimes and hoes be/ I just get the paper and worry about mine/ Head is spinning as I’m looking through the road signs…some many issues, well that’s life/ You gotta hit the pedal when you see the green light.” Getting more introspective on this track, Wem lets you into his world and thoughts allowing the listener a chance to see that he’s more than money, hoes and clothes.

The Jahlil Beats creation You Can’t Tell Me Nothing gives Wem some more ammo. “Just by looking at us you can tell we ain’t the same/ But you can’t tell me nothing ‘cause I’m winning in this game/ Look into my eyes/ You can tell I’m faded, but I’m shooting for the skies.” Adding, “I’m dangerous on the track ‘cause I got the opposite of soft/ And it’s Wem motherfucker with the safety clicked off/ Here with a shovel just to bury this shit/ ‘cause I’m a go-getter so I go and gets it/ Better call the doctor when you decide to stare at me/ My style with give you cataracts, go get UV therapy.” Here is where Wem falls short lyrically, but Jahlil saves him with the production.

17 tracks in and I feel like Wem has a ways to go. His style seems to still be developing at times vocally he can sound like Drake, Mac Miller and Big Sean all in one. Lyrically, he has bars, but those bars can be tightened. Not a failure, but not a complete success either.

Unexpected reminds me of a rookie who’s still getting adjusted to the big leagues. Where you can see the talent, it still will take a couple of more games before you see the talent.

Standout Tracks: "Life Is What You Make It", "You Already Know", "You Can’t Tell Me Nothing, "Runaway"

Tracklisting:

1. Bright lights ft. B. Madison (prod. by Superstar Q)
2. Runaway (prod. by Kanye West)
3. Look What You Created (prod. by J.D. Beats)
4. Fallicious Thoughts (prod. by Desmond)
5. You Already Know ft. Yung Jerz (prod. by Real Talk INC)
6. Emotionless (prod. by Chink Santana)
7. No Title (prod. by Jai B)
8. Fly High (prod. by Trixx)
9. Kamikaze ft. Trigga (prod. by Trixx)
10. The Boy Left Behind (prod. by Johnny Juliano)
11. Respect My Grind (prod. by C.P. Beats)
12. Doin Me (prod. by Respect my grind INC)
13. I Go In (prod. by Trendsetterz)
14. M.O.N.E.Y ft. Jay Burna & Johnny Juliano (prod. by Skate Bravo)
15. Life Is What You Make It (prod. by Johnny Juliano)
16. Shoot Me Down ft. Jimmy Macguire (prod. by D. Smith)
17. You Can’t Tell Me Nothing (prod. by Jahlil Beats)

- By Mekha - YoRaps.com

Born in Brazil, Wem has been sold in Hip-Hop since a youngster jotting lines in his journal. After years of working on his craft and building his name, he’s jumped off the porch with his mixtape The Unexpected. After thousands of downloads and a co-sign from DJ Ill Will, Wem seems poised to see himself rise from the ranks of the unknown.

Yo! Raps had the chance to build with Wem about how he found Hip-Hop, his around the world travels, influences and industry co-signs. Check out Wem, you’ll hear his name again sooner than later.

State your name and where you’re from?

My name is Wem, I was actually born in Brazil. I came here when I was a baby so no accents [laughs]. I’ve been everywhere though. I have mad love for New Jersey, New York, and L.A since I’ve spent most of my time there but I’ve also lived in London as well. I’m honestly not even trying to hold a certain city down. You have to think nationally or even globally in order to make it in this industry.

What made Wem get into Hip-Hop?

I’ve been a fan since I was young along with other genres. I learned to really appreciate the realness of it when I was older though. I’ve been writing for a while now, I’ve kept a journal when I was younger in order to vent or to get ideas out so that I kept myself sane.

As far as music, I’ve been writing since I was twelve. One day a few years back I did a freestyle in front of my now in house producers Jai B and Emkay and we went to work. We started recording out of a shitty mic and learning the in’s and out’s. Then Heartbreaker happened and the rest is history.

What was the feeling like when you first picked up the mic?

I could sit here all day and say I was the shit but I would be lying. It felt weird. To hear your voice is one thing, to hear it through a mic is completely different. I think it’s more of an anxiety thing where you become more focused on “who is listening” and “I sound awkward”. I had to barrel through that anxiety and work on sounding natural. I actually didn’t release my first 40 songs I recorded for that reason. They didn’t sound right or the quality wasn’t quite there but since those I’ve released some kick ass stuff.

Who are some of the artists and acts who have influenced your musical style?

In Hip-Hop, I fuck with Kanye’s creativity. Lil Wayne for his work ethic and go-getter attitude also has played a role. Pac’s genius, Em, L, Jones and I guess anyone I have listened to up until this point. That’s the thing with influence, once you’re exposed to something it plays a role even if it’s a small one. Outside of Hip-Hop I listen to a lot of 80’s music but I’m random as hell with music. Prince, Chicago, Stevie, Phil Collins, Mike, Mayfield, Ellington. Hendrix, just different stuff.

I know that you currently have a mixtape hosted by DJ Ill Will. Tell us how you hooked up with Ill Will for the project?

I gotta give credit to my dude Young Jerz for that, he set the whole thing up. Jerz is on Ill Will’s label Tha Alumni along with Kid Ink. I’m glad Ill Will was apart of my debut mixtape, not a lot of artists can say that about their first tape. He’s legit with everything he puts his name on and a lot of artists will eventually have a tape hosted by him so for me to have one early on feels fantastic.

Tell us about the mixtape itself. What should we as listeners expect from it?

They can expect The Unexpected, no pun intended. There are a lot of different things on there and therefore something for everybody. I’m a diverse person with abstract ideas and concepts and I know my mixtape begins to explore that. It shows people how I think and what point I’m at not only musically but also in life. So it’s just me with a lot of great productions, artists and sounds. I wanted the people that were with me all along to be apart of it and it feels really good right now to have that mixtape solidify my presence in the industry.

Did you feel like it was necessary for you to work with a big name DJ for this project?

I can’t hurt right. I didn’t feel it was necessary however I’m the type of person that likes things done right. I can’t settle in life, I haven’t ever settled before in anything. I think that’s how you progress as an artist and a person, so I waited for my timing. I had a following before Ill Will but he definitely sent the project to the next level. I understand that I came outta nowhere, but honestly I wouldn’t change anything about it. So many people are in the game for so long before they get a bit of shine, the way it happened for me was destiny.

What are you working on next? Do you have another mixtape or EP in the pipeline?

I’m always working. I either write or record almost every day. I actually took a month off after “The Unexpected” was released and did a few shows in Brazil so to finally be back into my regular schedule is comforting. I have a lot of songs finished and waiting to be released and I’ve started working on my n - Yo Raps Magazine