We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuel Andrade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’ve found that when you realize that Michelangelo and Van Gogh are both considered master artists in their craft with painting on a dramatically different scale in the same realm of creativity, that’s when I knew that the expectation of one’s success compared to mine was a kick in the pants. Someone could go on tour or record Jay-Z and make enough to retire for a few years, which is super dope. Some are happy with people outside of their friends list liking their music for the first time. Both have found happiness in their pursuit of creation through media, or any endeavor honestly. With that, it gave me the boost to realize that no matter what’s thrown my way, no matter what ideas pop in my head, they will decorate the spaces we experience, whether it be a restaurant, a bakery, a recording studio, a national tour, or a line of NFT’s. I can do it all with that relief of pressure, mentally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
6 Jordan is my mark on Arizona pop culture today. 6 Jordan represents the area code for Avondale, my hometown, which is 623. In 2016, I created a huge buzz far beyond what I could imagine by word of mouth online by releasing the 6 Jordan EP, which carried a personal favorite of mine with Dela Preme, Glendale based artist, who helped me create the title track. Having people at shows chant ‘6 Jordan, 6 Jordan!’at each and every show, appearance, even interview made me realize that Avondale was in good hands. Where I came from, there weren’t too many people out there who would want to rap for the craft, which isolated me to a degree from many of the other artists from my city. I needed substance. CRAVED it. I mean, that’s the music I actually listened to so why weren’t there any artists from around the way with a story like mine?

My brand had to represent my story. The chicano neighborhood kid who tried their best to stay away from it all. I seen death, fights, stabbings, man, way more than a kid should. I dove into creation, whether its painting or video games or music, I needed an escape from it all. It kept me safe. I see so many of my younger cousins and other youth around their ages throwing their lives away in pursuit of being down for the barrio not knowing there’s something worth it out here other than being a gun-toting cowboy in the modern world. We were here to create and experience life and with 6 Jordan, all of my businesses thrive under the simple philosophy of “Create purely, Create fully.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Alrighty pues, well Sunday, they’re probably tired so first thing I’m doing is taking you to Cafe Zamora in Avondale on Western for morning breakfast of menudo. From there, we’re hitting a few spots I know from a person I used to know around the west valley with stunning views that only take a hike or two to get to! Cap the day off with dinner at Raul & Theresa’s off of Litchfield and a night out afterwards at the Hidaway on Dysart, both in Avondale. Monday, we’re jumping up early around 7-8am after a night out and heading straight to Sedona for a visit to a spot I frequent for a day in Oak Creek. Fishing, swimming, the works. I even grab a fresh Sedona apple or two for you, they’re amazing! Most likely dinner out there from Whole Foods, picnic style or maybe a quick bite from Cafe Jose in West Sedona. Tuesday, we’re grabbing breakfast on the way back in Phoenix at Rock Springs Cafe! Hit up South Mountain and hike around before stopping by Harolds for some mild wings and french fries with a pizza puff. Wednesday, we’re going to Estrella Mountain Park and enjoying the day with a BBQ followed by a late night cruise around the valley from the I-10 to the 202 around the 101 and back down to the I-10. Thursday is when we go to El Charro Hipster and we’ll enjoy a smooth Mezcal cocktail together over some amazing food, walk around Grand Ave in the arts district and enjoy the time. Friday, hopefully the first of the month, we’re BACK in downtown to First Fridays with a start at around 4pm at Tacos Calafia’s downtown for tacos and drinks before strolling around town. A few museums like the science center, the Heard Museum, then after sunset, we hit Roosevelt Row and go where the night takes us. Saturday, before you head back to the airport, we’ll go for lunch at Barrio Cafe on 16th Street and dessert from one of many La Michoacana’s scattered across the city for a raspado con lechera and a tostilote.

That’s my Arizona.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mother, Candita. She’s been my number one fan from the day I could walk. No matter what it was in life, my mother never forced me to do anything that didn’t feel right. She always let me figure out what was right and what didn’t fit with my life, my hobbies, my music, my friends. She’s a huge driving force in my tenacity for each and every thing I do.

Willy Northpole. An Arizona legend who found me through Instagram after hearing a freestyle of mine. Without him believing in me to get into a real studio, not to mention being a fan from when I was younger, Spit Hell Manuel would’ve been a pipe dream.

Carlos Suarez AKA Flos. He’s a Phoenix based Latino artist who saw a spark in me that propelled me from doing hookah lounge open mic nights to shutting down comerica theatre’s cross streets. My big brother, my friend. He’s a titan in entertainment and he’ll never let me give up on myself, no matter what.

There are so many people, experiences, and events that shaped me into the person I am and that pushed me out into the world at full force and even, at times, brought me back to life. Thank you all. You’ve all been influential far more than you know.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spithellmanuel/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xicvno/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz4sgkhWOGCCsr9Qpa2bI4A

Other: https://spithellmanuel.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Gabrielle Lillia Photography

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