Vibe Secured
By Derrius Edwards – @rawcommnc
Ask anyone who’s grown why they fell in love with hip hop and then based on that answer try and see if that initial love interest still exists. Is the foundation of what we loved about hip hop still present? There are some people that fell in love with hip hop because it gave a voice to a sector that had no voice. Hip hop represented people who were discarded away by the mainstream. It embodied a struggle, real life problems and awareness that didn’t exist in other genres. Hip hop was about storytelling and lyrics. There was reliability, love and truth. So if you fell in love with hip hop for these reasons and over time hip hop changed to the point where you couldn’t recognize or identify with it, then this would be disheartening. Well thankfully 2018 is bringing back balance to hip hop through Wallway Pack, an emerging and exceptionally solid artist whose attributes and drive is reminiscent of hip hop’s core and essence.
Wallway Pack 
is putting his city on the map with music that is about to secure him a seat in the rap world. This hustler from the 919 has set the internet ablaze by releasing a sneak-peek into an upcoming most wanted single entitled “Issa Party”, produced by Ashley Booker, featuring Freebandz CEO Casino. His song, “Issa Party” with Casino features Ricky Mane with vocals by Gabbi & secondary background vocals by Abesi. The radio friendly jam executive produced by Washington Wizard, John Wall & Abesi, is becoming a feel good Instagram favorite.
The trap/pop song blends Pack and Casino’s raw and rugged lyrics with Ricky Mane’s smooth vocals. Enhanced by American idol contestant, Gabbi’s innocent melodic layers, Issa Party is one of those rare hip hop songs that has both crossover and street appeal. Pack and Casino definitely have a hit on their hand. Its been a long road for Raleigh’s native son but he is entering into a new phase.
In the next chapter of his career, Pack certainly seems dedicated to breaking new ground and becoming a vital force within music. “What a wonderful feeling,” as quoted from his song “Nothin’ to Somethin’ ” featuring Bread Gang Entertainment artist Moneybagg Yo, is the perfect mantra for his life. The troubles and hardships endured by this Carolina native has enabled Pack to become a catalyst for the streets and for the ability to transform from that while still holding on to your roots.
In this exclusive over-the-phone interview, we are able to catch a glimpse into the not-so-average life of D’andre “Wallway Pack” Wall.
Q: Wallway Pack, so why that name?
A: It was given to me, when I was younger, because I used to hustle. It was Pacman at first, my mama called me Pacman. Wallway Pack came once I started doing music.
Q: How did you get started with music?
A: I fell in love with music around the age of 10. There was group in my hometown called “nine deuce” early on that caught my attention. Listening to groups like the “Hotboyz” and artist like Juvenile. Just seeing how people would support them and support their music, and of course I was a fan so that made it all the more better. But yeah, just seeing that type of support really inspired me.
Q: What inspires your creativity as an artist?
A: Just my struggle, everything I been through. My whole situation, from when I was younger to now.
Q: How has being locked up changed your life and what was the best thing to come out of it?
A: It taught me a lot, it taught me about who would really be there for me. Lot of people said they would, but at the end of the day the only person that was there for me was my mama and my family. You know, people say this and say that but it really taught me a lot about myself and that this street thing where people say you’re family or pretend to care isn’t real. It taught me how to be a man and put my family first.
Q: When you were released from prison, what was the experience like going from a cell to a private jet with your brother, NBA Star John Wall? It seems like a movie.
A: Man, it opened up my mind a lot. Like I already knew what was going on, because I talked to my brother while I was down, so I had an understanding. But I just wasn’t ready for it because it happened so fast. I was ready but I wasn’t prepared.
Q: Are there any noticeable differences between NC’s music scene and DC’s?
A: Not really any differences far as music. NC support to an extent but like D.C show more support than people from my own town do. Raleigh don’t do too much. It’s like the people up there (in D.C) respect men that come from nowhere and put on in the city.
Q: Describe your music in 3 words
A: Gutter, raw, substance
Q: Favorite collab so far?
A: The song I did with Casino. When we was in the studio, just vibing out, it took me back to when it all started, recording out the closet and just having fun. We was turnt up in the studio joking around and just vibing.
Q: If you had a message for your listeners, what would you say?
A: Be your own person and stick to what you love to do. Don’t get caught up in what you see. Be yourself and know your worth. Whatever you doing, stick with it. Anything is possible.
