George Khouri – Tiger Queen

By starrymag | September 11, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I have a deep voice and smooth delivery. People tell me that my tone is very unique. I like to double time my flow when it fits the track.

 

You’ll be able to detect the golden era NY Hip Hop sound in my rapping. My verses are packed with punchlines. You have to listen to them two to three times to catch on to my word play. 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Some major musical influences of mine are J Cole, Wiz Khalifa and Tupac.

 

Q) How have Tupac and Wiz Khalifa helped shaped the type of music you make?

 

A) Tupac taught me to be poetic. He is the King of expression. When you listen to a Tupac song, it’s like you’re experiencing his stories with him. I’ve never heard a Tupac verse and felt disconnected as a listener- he definitely draws you in. I learned to tell my life stories poetically by listening to Pac.

 

Wiz Khalifa has such a commanding energy in his songs. Believe it or not, I actually had the opportunity to interview Wiz Khalifa on TIDAL. His confidence is unlike anything you’ve seen before. He is so sure of who he is that it’s almost intimidating (in the best way possible). Wiz is easily the most authentic person I’ve ever met. All realness, no fronts whatsoever. 

 

I try my best to bring that same energy to the booth with me when I’m recording my vocals. Wiz is a genius when it comes to collaborating with singers on his tracks. The way he complimented Charlie Puth on “See You Again” is phenomenal. That song alone is the reason why I collaborate with singers on most of my tracks.

 

Q) Back in the day “Mad Libs” were how you started as a writer. Have you kept any of your past books to look back on your beginnings?

 

A) I am going to search in my Mom’s vault for the “Mad Libs” books that I wrote in when I was a kid! It would be a humbling experience to see where I started as a writer. I am sure it was my most sincere writing! 

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Tiger Queen.”

 

A) The story behind “Tiger Queen” is a real-life experience! I was talking to a girl who was deciding between dating me or another guy. 

 

I thought it would be different to put this experience in a song. Most guys would be too prideful to talk about it. The fact is that the power was in the hands of the woman and no one else. 

 

In verse one, I’m rapping from the perspective of a guy trying to get his girlfriend back. In verse two, I’m rapping from the perspective of a guy trying to convince a girl to leave her boyfriend. Pretty juicy stuff!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Fans connect with the song because we’re speaking about the doubtful thoughts that we all experience in relationships. Love ain’t easy and we ain’t afraid to talk about it! It’s okay to be confused sometimes – it’s all a part of the process!

 

Q) How did you come to work with Josephine on the track?

 

A) I’m a huge fan of Amy Winehouse. She has a song with Ghostface Killah called “You Know I’m No Good.” The song has such a cool vibe and I thought it would be awesome to recreate that vibe with a singer. I felt that Joséphine would be the perfect person to catch the essence of the song with, so I FaceTime’d her to discuss the concept and the rest was history!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video shows Joséphine contemplating biting into a strawberry, like a Tiger determining whether or not to hunt her prey. It also shows her sitting on a throne-style sofa like a boss, thus embodying a true Tiger Queen.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I always write to the vibe of the beat. When I connect with a beat, the words come to me naturally. I write down whatever line comes to my mind first and build off of that. I go with the flow!

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I am super involved in the production of my music. From the lyrics to the mixing, I am hands on in every step of the process. I even design some of my single covers myself!

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) I’m currently working on my album Real Life Rockstar. The majority of the beats I’m selecting have guitar in them, so the project is heading towards becoming a Rock/Hip Hop fusion. So far, I have about five tracks recorded. The first single from the album is called, “Will & Jada,” also featuring Joséphine. It’s now available on all streaming platforms!

 

Q) With big stage performances on pause, are you considering doing any live stream shows?

 

A) I am planning an in-studio live stream performance this Fall where I will be rapping acapella along with a guitarist playing my songs. I will stream it on Instagram Live via @mrgeorgekhouri.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I’ve performed at some of the biggest nightclubs in DC and packed them out! 

 

But my most challenging performance to date was an open mic at Busboys and Poets and, for that reason, that’s my favorite place to perform. 

 

You really need to come with your best when you perform there. There are no huge speakers blasting or massive crowds to feed off of. It’s just you, your craft and highly attentive listeners. If you don’t come with it, they’ll know right away and you’ll definitely feel it. Performing at open mics is the best reminder ever to take your craft seriously and practice every day.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) My dream collab would be with DaBaby…That guy has some serious flow! He would bring out the best in me for sure. I got him on repeat on Spotify. His rhythm is so dynamic and unpredictable. Definitely a GOAT in that category. 

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I’ve had Black Pumas on repeat. They have a live studio performance video on YouTube for over twenty minutes straight, and nail every note! It’s unreal. They are true musicians. If you’re looking for soulful, melodic, therapeutic music you’ve found your answer! 

 

Q) What advice do you have for up and coming musicians? 

 

A) My best advice to up and coming musicians is to learn to love the recording process. Practice makes perfect. Do as many takes as you need to land your delivery. No sound effect in the world can fix a lackluster performance. 

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is the best way for me to connect with my fans directly and get their feedback. They are the best Indicator of whether or not my music is heading in the right direction. “Tiger Queen” got a bunch of comments and reposts – that’s how I knew it was lit!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I want to thank my fans and supporters for motivating me to create more! Thank you for showing love to my work. There can be no show with no audience.

 

At the end of the day, music is my biggest passion and you supporting my craft means the world to me. More fresh songs on the way!