jacket, trousers + shoes. Alexander Wang
t-shirt. Unravel
rings. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
Quincy Brown has never been one to be put on a box — and that won’t change in 2020. Born in New York City, raised Georgia and now based in Los Angeles, the 28-year-old has bigger plans than ever before.
Last year, Brown made his Netflix debut on the festive flick The Christmas Calendar alongside Kat Graham. This year, he further cemented his status as an actor on FOX’s Star, starring Queen Latifah, where closed off three seasons of playing Derek Jones — all the while dropping some infectious music. As 2019 comes to a close, we catch up with Brown to discuss what the future holds for him in terms of music, acting, fashion, tech, and everything in between.
You recently released the video for your new track “Options” with your brother King Combs. How was it working with him on the studio and the video?
My brother and I play off of each other… a lot. And we do it well. We find the fun in it all so it keeps it real and effortless; that all played a huge role in creating the song and video.
Would you say this song heralds a new era for you musically?
This song definitely sets the tone for my presence as an artist. You get a taste of lyrical melodies through my rapping and singing, which a lot of my music consists of, and done in a fun relatable way. Having a distinctive sound is so important. People want that. It’s refreshing.
top. Blue Marble PARIS
trousers. Rhude
belt. Liberty Art Brothers
necklaces, earrings, watch + grillz. Quincy’s Own
bracelets. Jeffrey Burroughs New York
rings. Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Surprise
coat + jacket. Ermenegildo Zegna
top. Blue Marble PARIS
trousers. Rhude
belt. Liberty Art Brothers
necklaces, earrings, watch + grillz. Quincy’s Own
bracelets. Jeffrey Burroughs New York
rings. Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Surprise
jacket. Alexander Wang
t-shirt. Unravel
rings. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
You will be dropping more singles and a full EP in the near future. What can you tell us about those?
I’ve evolved so much as a person which has helped me cultivate the artist that I want to be. I’m giving the fans a new me musically. I have some unexpected features happening in 2020 that I’m also very excited about!
If you had to, how would you describe the sound/vibe of the new music coming?
I can assure everyone it’s all a new sound. I wouldn’t put my music in a one-box genre either. Creating music that can transcend through all genres and time is what I want to accomplish.
What have been your inspirations and influences working on these new musical projects? Can you give us an insight into your creative process?
Growing up my grandmother was always playing the oldies, which a lot of my inspiration comes from. That type of music evokes so much emotion. That’s why it resonates with me. As an artist, there isn’t one creative process I go through as far as creating because my inspiration comes from a feeling.
jumpsuit. Moncler x Palm Angels
shirt. Moschino
turtleneck. Sandro
eyewear. MYKITA
necklace. Fallon
rings. Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Surprise
helmet. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
opposite
coat + jacket. Ermenegildo Zegna
top. Blue Marble PARIS
necklaces, earrings, watch + grillz. Quincy’s Own
bracelets. Jeffrey Burroughs New York
rings. Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Surprise
full look. Blue Marble PARIS
eyewear. ILLesteva
shoes. Misbhv
rings. John Hardy
We hear one of your favourite books is The Art of War. When did you discover it and why did it speak to you?
The Art of War, to me, is a core part of creative success lies within one’s strategic approach and I’ve found adopting a bit of Sun Tzu’s battle-ready mentality puts me in the right mindset to be creatively fearless. I like to think of Sun Tzu as my creative sensei; guiding me to stay focused, observant and always true to myself. Plus, it’s cool to find inspiration in 2,500-year-old wisdom when I’m developing tech-forward ideas in modern times.
In the music front still, do you have more videos in the pipeline? Are you working with other artists that you can tell us about?
As an actor, I want to tell stories. As a musician, I get to write those stories and combine both worlds. Visuals are important especially when you’re trying to connect with your fans. It’s almost like reading the book and then watching the movie. I am working with other artists but none that I can mention — just — yet. Welcome to my mystery movie!
jacket. Coach 1941
opposite
jacket. Alexander Wang
t-shirt. Unravel
rings. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
jacket, trousers + shoes. Alexander Wang
t-shirt. Unravel
rings. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
jacket. Emporio Armani
shirt. Ovadia & Sons
rings. Liberty Art Brothers
Acting and music have gone pretty hand-in-hand for you throughout your career. Do you feel one ever takes over the other?
Everything needs a balance. Combining both worlds is apart of my evolution.
What attracted you to the world of acting in the first place?
What attracts me the most is the freedom and ability to tell any story. This helps me musically as an artist.
This year, you attended the Tyler Perry Studios opening in Atlanta. How was that? What did that experience mean to you as an actor?
It was an incredible experience from the moment arriving ‘til leaving. It was history! This will open up many doors to create a new Hollywood narrative for our culture and I’m honored to be part of that narrative.
This year also, you just wrapped up FOX’s Star after three seasons. How was it saying goodbye to Derek after playing him for three years?
It was a fun run! I know we all wished for more, but Derek lives forever. I learned a lot about myself as a person through that journey and realise how many people were inspired by Derek’s story. We all wanted a fourth season.
What are you looking for in your next role? Are you looking to explore more film, TV, or…?
I’m looking to challenge myself as an actor. I’m not limiting myself to any platform. The focus is choosing the perfect role.
If you were given the chance to pick one, what would your perfect role be?
If I had to choose a perfect role it would be in the action sci-fi world or something where I could present my comedic chops.
jumpsuit. Moncler x Palm Angels
shirt. Moschino
turtleneck. Sandro
eyewear. MYKITA
necklace. Fallon
rings. Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Surprise
helmet. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
full look. Blue Marble PARIS
eyewear. ILLesteva
shoes. Misbhv
rings. John Hardy
On top of acting and music, you just signed to ICM and Caroline and have your own tech start-up with Fresh Crop. Congrats! How did these ventures come about?
In addition to music, acting, fashion… I love tech. It’s a space I love exploring. With Fresh Crop, I simply was looking for a tool needed for my pictures. I couldn’t find one that worked, so I created one that did.
What role does fashion play in your professional and personal life?
It’s another outlet to express myself. I like to dress how I’m feeling. It sets the tone every time.
Looking back, what are you most proud of this past year?
So much has happened this year, evolving as a person mentally and creatively is a highlight. Everything I do is adding up to this person I am becoming.
And, looking forward, what are you most excited for the future?
I’m excited to keep growing with my fans and my team because they are my biggest support system. I see my base growing every day and want to continue to grow with them throughout all my ventures. For the future, buckling up and enjoying this amazing ride.
jacket. Alexander Wang
t-shirt. Unravel
rings. Liberty Art Brothers
earring + grillz. Quincy’s own
opposite
coat + jacket. Ermenegildo Zegna
top. Blue Marble PARIS
trousers. Rhude
belt. Liberty Art Brothers
necklaces, earrings, watch + grillz. Quincy’s Own
bracelets. Jeffrey Burroughs New York
rings. Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Surprise
This Schön! online exclusive has been produced by
photography. Alvin Kean Wong
fashion. Anthony Pedraza
talent. Quincy Brown
casting. Bobby Gutierrez
hair. Vanessa Cartagena using O’Douds, Oribe + Satara
make up. G. Choyce Robinson using Glass beauty, Garner + Embryolisse
fashion assistants. Julian Mobley + Wendy Antezana
words. Sara Delgado
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