Photoshoot & Interview with San Francisco Lyrical Artist, Infinite
Stepping on stage is easy for some. They possess the ability to perform with ease and an unshakable confidence. Carlos Aguirre, is one of these people. Carlos also known as Infinite is a San Francisco performer that favors things of the Hip Hop sorts. From performing on stage with Erykah Badu to teaching kids literacy through Hip Hop, his stages take many forms. Be it a concert, classroom or correctional facility Carlos has managed to spread his love for the community mixed with his passion for music and talents within the performing arts. Check out some of his music here.
How long have you been in San Francisco?
Been in SF since late 1997
How would you describe your music and what genre would you put it in?
My music is straight ahead soulful hip hop with a blend of live instrumentation and beatbox. I try to not have too many boxes around what kind of music I create. I'm a collaborator so ultimately I don't really concern myself to much with genre labels. I just want to be a part of the good music genre. That I know.
Who are some of your favorite Bay Area artists?
I like Zion I, Hieroglyphics, Young Gully, Jazz Mafia, Boots Riley and the Coup, Antique Naked Soul, and of course all my affiliates over at the Return of The Cypher events so Second Floor Samurais, Dj Kevvy Kev, The Gemstone Band and a slew of other talented groups who I've met through that event.
Who are some of the musicians you have shared the stage with?
Shared the stage with Jam Master Jay. L.L. Cool J, De La Soul, Black eyed Peas, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Buju Banton, Blackalicious, Rahzel among others.
What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?
My favorite thing about SF has changed over the years so now my love for the city is more nostalgic than anything else. It's provided me with incredible artistic opportunities and spaces for me to hone my craft through multiple disciplines. I've always felt free here and despite the changes in who occupies this city, I still try to see it through it's true spirit. It's a beautiful city, it really is.
What is your least favorite thing about San Francisco?
The city officials who have made profit a priority over anything else. I miss the thickness of culture especially musically speaking. It's really missing but there's also a small group of us who plan on keeping it alive.
Can you talk a little about some of the other projects you work on?
I'm currently producing a short film version of my rap/beatbox adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell Tale Heart. Putting the finishing touches on my first solo album and teaching of course.
You have worked with incarcerated adults and youth, can you briefly touch on the work you have done with this population?
Yes, i have worked with incarcerated adults and youth as well. It's some of the most rewarding work I've ever done. Whether it's young folks or OG's, when I work with them they're playwrights, song writers, poets or actors, and I'm always humbled by the creativity and humility that comes out of our work together. I always develop strong bonds in there.
What can be expected from your next album and when will it be released?
Well, the album is called Critical Minded and it's obviously a play on the title of Boogie Down Productions' album Criminal Minded. It's basically got a bit of everything on the album and the subject matter ranges from socio-political to love and all kinds of personal revealings all through the lens of a critical minded perspective. That's the theme. Just being connected and grounded enough to not just accept but to question and think deeply about how we interact with one another and what we choose to believe. I think we can all use more thoughtfulness when it comes to our choices in all matters.
