Dubbed an Afro-futurist, Tunde Olaniran burst into the hip-hop scene in 2014 with his debut EP Yung Archetype, which was a breath of fresh air not just because of his socially conscious lyrics, but because Olaniran both sings AND raps on his songs beautifully. His first full-length, Transgressor, is out next month on Quite Scientific. It's like his debut in that it channels punk, R&B and hip-hop, but led by the single "Namesake," it goes off to a more powerful and charged plane than his debut.

Olaniran — an author, choreographer and a community activist — works for Planned Parenthood in Michigan and spends his time in his community teaching about gender, sexual equality, sexual health and awareness. He talks about getting his first big break on Myspace, what it’s like to possibly be Flint’s most famous resident since Michael Moore and how M.I.A. blew his mind. 

Hometown and current residence: Flint, Michigan

How did you get started rapping and singing?

I started out in a band, singing and eventually playing keys. I didn't have an extensive musical background, just the typical singing in school choir. I think I was more of a mimic than anything else. I used to listen to singers and copy their inflections and tones. I'm sure it drove my mom up the wall.

Do you remember the first time a song blew your mind and made you think, "I want to do that"? Which song was it?

Oh, that's easy! M.I.A.'s "Bucky Done Gun" was such an incredible song. I'd obviously heard and enjoyed lots of music before then, but that horn! It made me want to actually create music and evoke the same feeling I got from hearing that song.

What's the best thing about being a rapper in Flint? What is the music scene there like?

It's easy to gain some attention. Kids in Flint are really into local artists. There's not a big scene, but there are pockets of people that support each other. The thing about Flint is when an artist is good, they are world-class good. I know a few people from Flint doing music right now, like Brinae Ali (tap dancer and singer), Jon Connor (rapper signed to Aftermath), Cheerleader (all-woman punk trio), who are killing it.

You're known as a socially conscious rapper. Is it necessary that your music is political?

It's not important to me; it's just boring to write a song that has the same content and lyrical structure as 40 other songs out right now. There's a lot of music I have to turn my ethics down to enjoy. I think you can still make music that's LIT without dialing into oppressive narratives and tropes. 

What inspires your music the most?

I'm most inspired when I can imagine performing my music live.

How did you start working with folk-pop duo Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr?

They are great dudes! Josh Epstein reached out to me after a mutual friend sent them my music. He took me to lunch and chatted about his experience and then they invited me on a brief leg of their tour. We wrote together for their mixtape and I ended up signing to their first label, Quite Scientific.

Who would you love to collaborate with at the moment?

My dream scenario would be to lock myself in the studio with Robyn, John Hill, and Switch.

What's your songwriting process like? What comes first,  the lyric, melodies or the beats?  

I mainly self-produce, so often it starts with me playing around in [the software] Fruity Loops. I'm very percussive-oriented, so the drum pattern gets me going. When it comes to the hooks, I often imagine I'm writing a vaguely country song, something with a pretty melody and room for harmonizing.

You grew up all over the world. How is that experience  reflected in your music?

I was an only child living in a lot of different places. Taking things in, and storing them away in my conscious and subconscious mind. My experience had a lot to do with me finding a way to make isolation more vibrant. It led me to develop a rich inner creative life.

Not many people know Myspace has a music editorial thrust these days, but you met a good collaborator on the site in its early days. Can you talk about that experience?

Yeah! My first experience collaborating via the internet took place on Myspace. I hooked up with some producers in Berlin, and ended up recording tracks for their album and touring Europe with them! I think Myspace really was a firestarter in terms of Internet-collaboration and artists connecting directly with fans.

Why do you keep a  fog machine in the trunk of your car?

I don't anymore, but back in 2012 and 2013 when I was playing solo shows, I was determined to bring along the atmosphere to ANY venue. For me, that meant fog and lights! Now I've upgraded to color-coded bins in my living room with all of my dancers' costumes.

Why is your album called Transgressor? What themes were you working through when making it?

The concept of transgression has interested me for a long time...the idea that someone feels trapped by what's considered normal or acceptable, rebels and resists it, and often are branded as mentally ill or anti-social. I've had lots of points in my life where I had to choose between living my life as I see fit and bending to what is considered normal or safe or even sane. It might seem hard to relate to, but I tried to balance making songs personal with making them danceable and addictive. The album is basically record of me processing, remembering, planning my transgressions while furiously dancing alone on the floor, smiling and sweaty.