MARCO PLUS INTERVIEW: ATL native MARCO PLUS caught the attention of Hip Hop’s top-tier artists like Bas, Smino, Earthgang, Eric Bellinger, Wiz Khalifa, Pierre Bourne and Kenny Mason which further solidified his rising status. J.I.D himself co-signed PLUS, calling him a “real spitta.” Get familiar…
Tell me about your most recent release.
I went in on ‘omm’ (on my mama). It’s raw, personal, and took a lot outta me. I had to reflect on my journey and how often I get overlooked. This track is me saying I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.
What five words define your sound?
Ambitious, fye, vulnerable, confident, soothing. I bring real emotion with energy. It’s honest music, but it still knocks.
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
I overthink everything. I sit with my thoughts till something hits, then break it all down before I even touch the mic. It’s all about being real and making sure every word counts.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
Probably ‘gmfu’ at this moment in time. It’s the perfect intro to who I am and where I’m headed. It also hints at what’s coming next.
What inspired you to make that song?
I needed a strong starting point for the new project. I’ve touched on the ‘gmfu’ theme before, but this time I nailed it. The message is loud and clear now.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
Honestly, I live in that space. My vulnerability is part of my strength. It helps me connect and heal.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
One of my best stage experiences was being on stage with J.I.D. at Dreamville Festival this year. The crowd was insane. The energy was unmatched and getting to share the stage with him was dope. On the flip side, I’ve also performed in front of a crowd of just nine people. But it’s never about the crowd size it’s about showing up every time.
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘Cage’ from ‘Tha Soufside Villain LP’. That one hits different live, the crowd always feels it.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
Hot Boys, T.I., OutKast, and 50 Cent. Especially 50, he had the world on lock when I was a kid. Their storytelling showed me what music could do.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
The “Plus” part came from me wanting to identify more of myself. I get to express more of me through the process of making music and I wanted my name to not only reflect my true identity but leave it a bit open-ended. It’s like an updated version of Marco, that’s how Marco Plus was born.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
I honestly don’t know. Music is my passion and purpose. It’s the lens through which I view the world, and it’s hard to imagine my life without it.
What’s success to you?
Being able to support my whole family for a couple of generations. Success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about creating a legacy and ensuring the well-being of those I care about. It’s about building a foundation that lasts beyond my lifetime.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
Parenthood and heartbreak. They humbled me, made me dig deeper into who I am as an artist and a man.
What is the best place for fans to keep in touch with you?
Instagram: @itsmarcoplus Twitter & TikTok: @notmarcoplus Tap in.
What can fans expect of you in the near future?
Global reach. I’ve got a track with Smino dropping soon, leading into the summer project. World domination starts now.
