One of Portland’s young artists up next to bat is Drae Steves. I’ve known about this kid for a while now but lately he has taken things to another level. With the recent success of his Mixtape, he’s now prepping for a summer 2014 album release. The flashy young gun gave up some of his time to answer a few questions.

503tv: Tell me a little about you and your movement?

Drae Steves: 22 year old artist out of Portland,Or working with Top Floor Music Group and Jus Family. Album entitled “Motivation” will be dropping summer of 2014.

503tv: Your latest project Unfinished Business has gained a lot of praise. What can you tell us about the project and the inspiration behind it?

Drae Steves: I put a lot if hard work into that tape and didn’t really expect to get the attention/reaction I got. I was debating on if I should put it out or not. Then I realized how much time and hard work I put towards making it and put it out. I appreciate the town for rocking with me and showing as much love as they did, that was big.

503tv: How has having Maniac Lok, Portland Hip Hop Veteran as a father made you into the artist you are today?

Drae Steves: Being around him in the studio and seeing them rock shows was my favorite thing to do growing up. Eventually him and Nutz started letting me back them on their stage sets and music has had my attention ever since. He would always tell me to stay ready for when my time came and I always kept it in mind.

503tv: How do you feel the city is receiving you as an artist? What do you like most about being based out of Portland Oregon? What is the biggest challenge?

Drae Steves: I feel like the town is rocking with me tough. I like how people who don’t know me personally are still supporting and taking time to push the movement. One of the biggest challenges for me is getting the people who don’t listen to/support town music to give it a chance. A lot of times people choose to support artist from other places because they’re on the big screen when there’s just as much talent here. We just don’t push and support each other hard enough.

503tv: If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Drae Steves: Tupac, because he had such a strong impact on a lot of lives and he kept it all the way 100.

503tv: Anything else you’d like to share with the people of the Northwest?

Drae Steves: I’m just getting started.

Contact draesteves@gmail.com for booking/verses or info and don’t forget to download the “Unfinished Business” mixtape.