Rising Stars: Meet Sincere Capers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sincere Capers.

Hi Sincere, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in the Lowcountry area of South Carolina where I grew up in church and with an older brother who put me on to a lot of music. Growing up, shows like Rap City & 106 & Park was a huge part of my day and I couldn’t wait to get home to watch. Music gave me life and I was listening & studying nonstop, from the local radio station Z93 Jamz to burning cds for everyone in my area courtesy of Limewire. I would then take it a step further and began creating music which is where the dream was born. Watching Diddy, Jermaine Dupri & LA Reid and studying Quincy Jones & Berry Gordy inspired me greatly to be more! I begged my Dad for a computer and I started learning how to record and engineer myself at 12 years old. I then became known as the music guy. In middle & high school, the staff would allow me to bring my laptop & equipment to record myself & others during lunch, recess, and a free period. Senior year, I was voted most talented and likely to be famous.

Then I started college, where I didn’t apply myself at all because I was more focused on music. I actually turned my dorm room into a studio and would record creatives on campus to make money. I wanted to go to a music school initially but I couldn’t afford it and I was told to be realistic. That crushed me. So I just went to school to appease my parents like I’m sure most of us creatives do. Both of my parents were going through a tough time at the time so I wanted to at least honor that but it was my first experience of being on my own and it changed me.

After dropping out of college, a lot happened that affected me mentally. My first love committed suicide and my Dad’s best friend (who was like an uncle) got killed in the Charleston Church Shooting. It made me very mentally unstable. So then a close friend, Zamaria wanted me to take a trip to NYC with her. She knew how important music was to me, how talented I was and how much I needed the trip. Not to mention how much I wanted to be in NYC because it was a dream to me. The trip was only supposed to be for five days but I ended up staying 5 years. It wasn’t planned at all. I mean I only came to NYC with $500, a suitcase, backpack and a dream. But within my first week, I was at Hot97 and having lunch with Cash Money, so I felt like I was on the right track. I was convinced that this trip to NYC saved my life and I did.

Zamaria would eventually go back home and I would become homeless but was still working. As mentally unstable as I was, I was mentally prepared for anything because I had that “Get My Dream or Die Tryin” mentality. I was already suicidal so I had nothing to lose but something to try and gain. So I emailed my way into many places from MTV to Complex. I would then meet Spud Campbell who started to mentor me and his family who took me in. I started to work in his studio (SHU Studio) and even sleeping there. I also assisted him with his Non Profit (SPUDinc) which I’m still a part of to this day. I’m forever grateful for him, Eve, Leanna, Jelly & KC for all the love. And now we’re business partners creating a family business together. We started doing work with Def Jam & Mass Appeal together. Because of him and his story, it made me want to be more involved with Criminal Justice Reform, so I do Content Creating for Meek Mill’s REFORM Alliance.

I’ve also done work with Cinematic Music and Big Ass Kids agency. But most recently, I became the newest member of the A&R Team at Republic Records which has a NY and LA Office. I am also the Admin Assistant to the COO, Avery Lipman.

So I would say that I got here today by believing in myself, trusting in God and being crazy enough to think I could get here.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It most definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but what road is that you’re paving and no one has been on.

Some of the struggles along the way for me were my mental health. I was super depressed and very suicidal for a while.

Grief was another struggle for me as I was trying to understand why it happened the way it did and feeling guilty about not being able to save her.

Homelessness was one as well because I was used to having the comfort of shelter.

I also had struggles with my belief in God at times because I couldn’t fully understand the signs from him. Like I used to wonder is he testing my faith or telling me to move on from the pursuit.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So I’m an A&R (Artist & Repertoire) for Republic Records. I am responsible for scouting talent and overseeing the artistic development for artists. I specialize in all genres but known for Hip Hop & R&B.

I am most proud of being a black man in my position as assistant to the COO and being a part of the relaunch of Uptown Records.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my connection with the artists and the music. Me being a creative helps me to understand them so that they aren’t compromising their artistry for business.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Opportunities matter most to me because things can turn out differently for a lot of people if given the opportunity. Opportunities change everything and make anything possible. I’m where I am because someone gave me the opportunity and you are too!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SPUDinc.org

Image Credits
Julie Michilena Emmett Dyer