bc2tone is a music artist and director from Newark, NJ. He founded the brand Partially Effective: Production Team, which is known for directing music videos, sound engineering, beat production, and collaborating with local artists.
bc2tone has several film projects including the short film series “Partial: A Newark, NJ Story” and various projects with local talent. He has also shot over 50 music videos and is directly connected to the local music scene with his collaborations with artist communities such as “Vibes In The City” and “QXT’s Open Mic Thursdays” with Wyl White.
bc2tone considers himself a part time music artist, since he focuses on behind the scenes work. However, recently he has caught the ‘music bug’ and finally has music on multiple platforms and has been giving the mixtape “Lead Showers” and his single “Feeling Now” a push.
Where are you based?
Newark, NJ
How long have you been making music?
10 Years – Off and On
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Hip Hop/Indie/Experimental
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
It started off as a verbal ‘sparring’ thing my cousin and I used to do during our preteen years. We would try to “out-write” each other and make dope concept tracks.. Then it turned into something bigger than just hanging out and writing songs. I feel like I have a responsibility of displaying my true self and what people should try to take time to recognize in the world. I come from a place that is much different than the stereotypical American life seen on television. I come from a place where you need heart and a strong will to prosper. I make music for the underdogs who are just underrated. Bring our 2k ratings up! Newark is next up. I also do this to have opportunities to provide for my community. Since starting my brand, I started a few fundraisers. One fundraiser was to raise awareness and to bring water to those impacted by the current lead water crisis in Newark. I put my creativity to use and created t-shirts I sold titled “Lead Showers”. The profits were used to buy and distribute water gallons directly to the residents of Newark. It’s also why I named my most recent mixtape “Lead Showers”. Another great thing that happened as a result of my music/role in the community is my collaboration with Newark artist, Laze Cartel. I coach basketball and Laze and I go way back to the early days of us making music. Last year he gave my boys’ basketball team an experience like no other. I am talking about custom sweaters, free haircuts, promotional gear, and they got to meet the IG’s best heavyweight, FatBoy (SSE). This is why I got into music and it is all coming to life. Plus, I like my music. Let’s get it out there. I think I’m dope and different.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Kid Cudi, Eminem, Nas, Lil Wayne, Curren$y, KoRn, 90’s hip hop, and basically everything I listened to throughout my life writing music, even the current new school guys.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
I am an independent artist. I am building my brand into an independent label or management. A few artists will actually be on our official roster soon. Peep the @pe_productionteam instagram for clues on that.
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Self doubt, manipulative people, not trying to be too risky with the content due to the work life, and time management. Music is basically last on my list of priorities, but it is still one that I have to tackle from time to time. Even if I don’t make it with my music, I know that I will always be involved in music due to my camera skills and where my heart is. I am cool with being behind the scenes. It’s made me more money and helped me build more relationships than just rapping.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I have 1 song on all streaming platforms for now, “Feeling Now”. I will be releasing singles from past and future mixtapes to apps like Spotify and Apple Music over the next year. But I have 7 mixtapes out since 2010 and they are on SoundCloud and BandCamp. I also have various features out.
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
“Feeling Now” music video is now on Youtube. It also has been spinning on FM stations and all streaming apps. Dope song to perform too, you’ll see in the music video.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
New mixtape “Canon Camera” will be out for free in a few months. Expect the singles from it on all streaming platforms. And expect some dope film projects including “Partial” season 2 and “The Monologue” in collaboration with Vibes In the City. Shout out to PE’s producer @antstrumental. Need beats? Check him out on Soundcloud. David Mackz, King Ju, Fly Guy Amir, Luv Jeaux, Goody, Champsosmooth, TravThaGod, Befizreal, Tookah, Wheredough, Broadway Blake, Tazo, Smiffson, Sockweezy and other artists have some dope stuff on the way too. Shouting them out because they rep the brand and/or did live shows with me. Shout out to the cast of “Partial”. And shout out to the viewers and listeners. Tap into Newark, NJ. For real.
