Hailing from Lorain, Ohio, Ironic is a rapper, producer, and former drummer blending underground grit with mainstream flair. Inspired by Dizzy Wright and J. Cole, he’s worked with Bone Thugs’ Krayzie Bone and rocked big stages. With new music dropping, Ironic’s next move is always his best one.

1. What was the moment you knew music was your calling—was it a song, a show, or just a feeling? 
Music has just always been around me my entire life, even in my mothers belly, My father played with friends and at shows for most of his life in a few bands. With that, my parents quickly introduced me to music instruments and I gravitated to being a drummer. I absolutely loved drumming and the science behind it, as in most music the drums are the heart of the sound. I probably saw music as my calling around the age of 9-11.
2. How did growing up in Lorain, Ohio, shape your sound? Any local influences that left a mark? 
Growing up in this town was different them living in it now, or any other time. Lorain used to be harsher and alot more depressing for a period of time. Alot of that time here experiencing what I experienced created a gritty version of myself. Don't get me wrong though, I love lorain and maybe I didn't back then. Growing up I didn't have too much local musical influence, I was pretty detached from the scene until late highschool. Although, I did join an Acoustic Punk Folk band called Side Effect which really introduced me into the entire Local music scene at large venues like the Agora.
3. If you could build your dream rap cypher with three artists (dead or alive), who’s in it? 
I would have to say Dizzy Wright, J. Cole, and Connor Price
4. Being both a rapper and a producer, do you ever argue with yourself in the studio? 
hahaha! Never! I always compromise and listen to the inner rapper and producer separately. Any time there is an issue with something I'm working on, something can be done on either side of it and I'll figure it out! It's like having two patient me's haha!
5. What’s your creative process like—do the beats come first, or do the lyrics wake you up at 3 AM? 
The beats are my thing. I usually wont feel inspired enough without something to write to. It makes structuring easy too.
6. Your music hits that sweet spot between underground rawness and mainstream appeal—how do you pull that off? 
I love underground music and I love industry powerhouse music too. So I follow the heavy independent path of doing alot by myself while trying to understand how and why producers/engineers in mainstream make their music.
7. What’s the wildest or most personal story behind a song you’ve made? 
Well, I have a couple. I'd say the wildest was making a song telling the story behind (at the time) two good friends very toxic relationship. I did be sure to make it so they would not know. And truthfuly, Don't think they ever will, maybe.. lol 
8. If you could collab with any artist or producer right now, no limits, who’s getting the call? 
I would definitely play this card right and pick Connor Price. There are many artists id like to work with but I notice alot of my traits in Connor, and I know we would make something super fun and invigorating.
9. What’s been your most unforgettable studio session or collab experience so far? 
an unforgettable collab experience of mine would probably be my homie Benjamin Bill hitting me up to make a beat for his collab with Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs and harmony.
10. Every artist faces struggles—what’s been your biggest challenge, and how did you push through? 
I've always had trouble expressing body language on stage and just dealing with anxiety. Over the years I've learned to ignore the voices in my head and listen to the ones in front of me. we could also say finances but eh, we have all been there! haha
11. How do you keep evolving your sound while staying true to yourself? 
I make what I like. I make want I want to make, I don't copy artists or sounds, I retain an influence from it all and create my own.

12. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an up-and-coming artist trying to break through? 
I would tell them to study their favorite artists, then study their local favorites. Your biggest critic is yourself and that's not a bad thing if you know how to get up after you fall.

13. What’s next for Ironic —new music, shows, surprise drops? Give us the scoop! 
I got a whole lot on the way this year. Actually I'm dropping my new single "Square" on February 21st! Plenty more on the way right after too! As for shows, Im currently booking some shows for spring/summer. But you can for sure catch Ironic at the Firefish Festival in Downtown Lorain on Sept. 21st, 2025!

14. Where do you see yourself in five years—headlining festivals, running a label, or something totally unexpected? 
You know I'm not too sure, I usually go where the universe lets me at this moment in time while I work diligently. Id like to think Ill be more inclined into community events and help my city with my music and brand. I try not to think to big on it all.

15. If your legacy in hip-hop was a one-liner, what would it say?
Now, wasn't that Ironic?