Nicholas Lirim Lorenzo, better known as Tony Newbury. His popular name was inspired by his uncle who passed away when he was 11. Tony was like a big brother to Tony Newbury, and for him, using his name is an honor for his legacy.
Tony Newbury is a recording artist from Howell, New Jersey. He is now making a name for himself in the Jersey Hip-hop scene. During just three years, he has built an entire record and his own headlining concert, demonstrating his passion for his work. His flow and use of samples have distinguished him from today's basic drill or hard-style rappers.
This is just a part of who he is; he seeks to entertain others while also assisting them in making sense of the strange world we live in. Tony thinks that by composing music out of his struggles, he may help others through theirs.
Tony started his career by making music for his friends in his basement. Later he found an internship in Bayville, NJ which taught him a lot about people and music in general.
Tony started to take his own music seriously and put more effort into his craft during the quarantine.
Among his released albums:
- January 1st, 2019 - Misunderstood.
- July 5th, 2019 - Lonely in the Summer
- June 12th, 2020 - Suburban Rap Music
- July 17th, 2020 - Nothing New
- April 20th, 2021 - Moving On EP
- October 15th, 2021 - Westwood
- July 21st, 2022 - Over 21 EP
Now Tony Newbury is launching another new album called "Over 21" Which will be released on December 15th.
WhatsOnRap had the ability to pursue an exclusive interview with artist Tony Newbury, who announced the release date of his new album "Over 21."
We asked the artist about his thoughts, career, album inspiration, and many other topics throughout the interview.
- How did you inspire the idea of your new album?
Over 21 kind of just happened. Like, i knew i wanted to create my best work but i didnt expect to start working on it yet. I was just having fun.
- How would you describe the music you create?
It's honest. My music is made up of pieces of who I am at the moment of its creation.
- How would you describe your new album?
There's parts to it that's super real. There's parts to it that's fun. It's music that was made at a very pivotal point in my life. I achieved a lot of growth this past year. Personal and career wise. Definitely my cleanest sounding work yet.
- What is the one message you would give to your fans?
I want people to know that when it feels like life stops, we have to keep going. I think a lot, and for most of my time growing up I would drown in my thoughts. I never understood how to keep myself motivated and happy. I'm learning the key to getting up in the morning is loving what I do. I want to inspire and create forever.
- How is this album different from other albums?
It was more of doing and less thinking. I wasnt really debating the songs based on what I believe other people would like. I just went for it. I didnt second guess what I produced/wrote.
- Where have you performed? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Ive done 3 of my own shows and opened up for other artists too. My biggest performance was my first headline show at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ. That was in 2021. I almost sold out that venue.
- How long did this album take to make from start to finish?
I made all the songs throughout the year except for the bonus track, Glory. That was a year and a half ago. The majority of the project was made in 6 months.
- What are your favorite songs and lyrical highlights from your new album and why?
I really love Overnight. I feel like that is the most vulnerable track on the album. Up Again is fun. Alive sounds really cool. I love all my work equally though. It's hard to choose a favorite.
- What inspired the title and what does it mean to you?
I have this tattoo that says Over 21 on my right hand. It was from a stamp to an event my boy, DJ Stev, was playing at. Around that period of time he was booking a lot of shows and really getting his name out there. I was overthinking about where I was at in my life and why I even try (like, with the music and building my brand). Throughout the night I realized how happy I am to see the people around me grow and succeed, because that means I am successful. So I got the exact stamp from Tommy's Tavern tattooed on me to remember everything is working. I dont have to be afraid of being over 21. I dont have to be stressed out over not being a kid anymore. I can't control time, it’s always going to keep moving. The name Over 21 is dedicated to my willingness to keep going.
- How do you put words to the paper?
They honestly just pour out of me. I make my beat first and then the words usually just come.
- If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be ?
I'd definitely pop out to Europe and perform for some of my cousins and fans. India too. Turns out people from there really like my song, Guns.
- What makes you different from the other rappers in the industry?
My goal is to provide clarity throughout all the chaos in the world. Most artists just create music for money or to be a part of what's already going on. I want to be there for the people who feel like they don’t connect with anybody, because that's who I was. I plan on continuing to use my voice.
- Who are your biggest music influences?
I really respect people like J.Cole and Mac Miller for their honesty and willingness to connect with their audience. Logic and Russ are like that too. I also really like other genres of music as well. Frank Sinatra is one of my top artists. He's the king of being smooth.
- If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I want to work with Jon Bellion. I love his originality. His production is his own thing and he made a living off of it. I feel like I have that too. That originality factor. If I met him I'm pretty sure we would hit it off.
To listen and discover much more Tony Newbury music and keep in touch with his current projects, check the following links :
Tony Newbury's Social Media Links:
