Brett Deadly 
1. Thanks for taking some time to be interviewed for the Cover Feature of Trap Metal Arsenal Magazine. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us briefly what you do?
Of course, my pleasure! I go by the name of UNDEAD PAPI and I am an independent artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’m probably best known for my contributions in the Trap Metal genre, popularizing the mixture of DeathCore and Trap music. Though my music expands far out of any genre category. My versatility and experimentations are the strongest key factors that set me far apart from any other artist. My sound shifts in so many different directions. Diving into my discography you can expect to hear anything from Nu-Metal, Acoustic Rock, Piano Ballads, DeathCore, Trip-Hop, Cloud Rap, Melodic Rap, Phonk, Drill, Alternative Rap, Hyper-Pop, Dark Trap, Alternative Metal, Grunge Rap, Trap Metal and much more.
2. You have been active in the hiphop AND hardcore metal scenes for a long time. When and why did you start making music? And who gets bragging rights for pushing you in the very beginning?
I started uploading tracks to soundcloud in 2018, and truthfully I had doubts my music would gain any real traction especially considering this was during that whole “soundcloud era” that was heavily over-saturated with DIY artists from all over the world uploading tracks in hopes to receive their ten seconds of fame on this website that literally anybody could upload music to. Growing up music always spoke to me in a way nothing else could. I would often daydream what it would be like to perform in front of a live audience, so the desire was always there, it was just a lack of confidence that had held me back. Seeing these teens not much older than me blow up off songs they made in their bedroom was an eye-opener for me and although I knew it was a longshot I recognized that if I didn’t take that shot I might later regret it. Once I started to see people genuinely enjoying my music as my numbers started to grow I eventually decided to take music seriously in 2019. Coming into this industry with such humble beginnings was a struggle but it taught me so many lessons and changed my life forever. I am a chronic overthinker and a perfectionist so naturally I am also extremely critical of myself. These qualities have always held me back from seeing my true potential, almost making it impossible for me to have self confidence through all the constant self-doubt and relentless critique that floods the internal dialogue in my head. Taking that leap of faith was the best thing I did. Fuck all the self doubt. Fuck all the noise. You don’t even have to believe in yourself, the most important thing is taking that first step forward. Everything else will come together in time.
In terms of bragging rights? Nobody. It’s literally just been me and my fanbase pushing me this entire time. Gatekeepers have blackballed me. Plenty of artists in this scene have spite towards me and tell other artists to stop working with me. These same people also managed to influence channels/pages that I previously had good relationships with to stop posting me without explanation. It’s frustrating being hated without cause but I recognize real will always prevail in the end. Throughout all of these hardships I’ve come to realize I am even more blessed than I am cursed. I could never be more grateful for my supporters. Their loyalty means everything to me and words can’t explain how much I appreciate them all. I won’t let them down. I still want all the smoke and I will forever stand on that. AASB4L.
3. What is the story or reason behind the name Undead Papi?
When I had uploaded my first track I didn’t foresee any of this. I had no idea I was actually going to pursue music as a career, so my stage name wasn’t something that was thought out, I decided to just use my instagram handle (which was @undead.papi at the time).
4. What can we expect from you in 2023? New music? Visuals? Other projects?
Plenty of music, different styles, new genres, a lot of experimentation & evolution.
5. What is your local music scene like? What are the pros? What are the cons? And where do you see room for improvement?
The local music scene in Milwaukee is probably a lot different than what others would be used to. Milwaukee music has just started to spread outside of the city recently with a few songs going viral on tiktok with their signature dances. Milwaukee music is pretty similar in sound to Detroit and Chicago drill music but as of recently it’s sort of shifted into this new dance/shake-ass wave. If you make music like this, finding an audience in Milwaukee would be easy, but anything that strays outside of that will have a hard time gaining attention. Over time I have been able to make a name in my city, I get recognized out in public often. I really hope the scene out here expands and evolves because I know there are so many talented artists that deserve a platform to show the world what they have to offer.
6. With an interest in who your influences are, if you could go on tour with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would be on the bill with you? What is Undead Papi’s dream tour?
That lineup would be absolutely fucking insane. It would look something like this: XXXTENTACION, White Chapel, DMX, Slaughter to Prevail, Lil Wayne, Slipknot, Lud Foe, Suicide Silence, Waka Flocka Flame, Cannibal Corpse, Jeezy, Rob Zombie, System of a Down, Future, Signs Of The Swarm, Bones, Chelsea Grin, and finally the most influential of all to me and the best of friend I could ever wish for, T0RTVRE. #LLT
7. How far are you going to take your career? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What about 10? And what is your endgame?
I plan to take it as far as possible. I want to inspire and connect with the world. I don’t have all the answers, and I still am very flawed myself but I’d hope to see myself 5, 10 years down the road evolve into someone people can admire not only for my music, but for my contributions to society as well. Being able to overcome my past and spread positivity on a large scale would definitely put my mind at ease.
8. The world can be a hurtful toxic place sometimes. On the topic of “fighting with demons” what advice would you give aspiring new artists going through it and feeling hopeless right now?
I do believe from my own life experiences I will be able to shed some light on something that has worked for me in my struggle to survive this harsh life I’ve been dealt. My advice would be to externalize instead of internalizing your pain. For example, immediately pulling out your notes when you feel a certain type of way and turning your feelings into lyrics. Stay consistant, open up notes, or google docs, or maybe even a physical notebook to write your lyrics in. As you start to form lyrics it quickly takes away attention from negative feelings. I know a lot of people get very foggy headed and almost shut down when they are not feeling well mentally, but don’t let this hold you back from trying this method, there is no shame in using a website like rhymezone to help you formulate lyrics when your creative ambition isn’t all there.
9. Let’s show some love to the producers! Who are some of Undead Papi’s favorite beat producers that you have been working with lately?
There’s so many, Adrian Adder, Kyle’sInferno, Triablo, Angelvs, Roosevelt, Plasma, NAMAHAGE, Brian Spencer, Dead, Systematik, 88VLEXX, UndeadYz, Crcl, Fantom, I’m probably forgetting so many and I’m sure I’ll come across plenty more I’ll collaborate with in 2023.
10. As we wrap this up, is there anything else you would like our readers to know? Where can they check you out or follow you? Thank you for your time!
It’s been a pleasure! I’d strongly suggest any readers that are just discovering me now or have heard of me but still aren’t super familiar with me and my music to give me a follow on instagram @murderundead and most definitely check out my work, “UNDEAD PAPI” on all platforms. You can also visit www.undeadpapi.com for a quick guide/navigation to all of my music on all of the various platforms. You can also be redirected to the As Above, So Below shop where you can find clothing as well as other merchandise and accessories.
