Largely known for his hit indie offering “Word To the Wise,” gold selling northeastern emcee, entrepreneur and founder of MIH Universal, Matt Corman, semi-recently secured a major song placement on ESPN’s eight part docuseries, In The Arena: Serena Williams [Episode 7], with “Put Em In They Place (In The Arena),” produced by Chris Thornton and Jordache Grant.
Let’s hop right into this single, “Put Em In They Place” — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it even come to fruition?
I remember when I made the song back in 2020, it was right around the time the whole PPW [Prove People Wrong] message was getting popular. Being an independent rapper, I really resonated with that. The song is about people hating on you and placing doubt. It’s about overcoming that and putting those people in their place.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for Matt Corman?
My oldest brother was really into it. We would have freestyle battles in our house growing up. I even got on a website called rapbattles.com when I was 10 years old and would text battle people. Since then, I played sports in high school and would always freestyle with my friends. My buddy Dave would make a beat on a Gatorade water jug and I would rap in the locker room. Things sorta developed, turned to a passion which then turned into a career.
Now you’re from Boston, MA, correct? So growing up in ‘Bean Town,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
So I’m actually from Cape Cod, which is a spot right off the coast of Boston. I moved to Boston during college. I listen to all sorts of music ranging from Country, Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic. But if I were to narrow down my biggest influences would be Drake, Logic, Eminem and Blink 182. Massachusetts unfortunately hasn’t really had many mainstream breakthrough artists.
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
If you go off the internet’s comments, I would be described as a mixture between Drake, Tyga and G-Eazy. Although, I don’t think that’s too far off. I think within that, I’ve really crafted my own style and sound. Fun, upbeat, catchy songs that also have substance. I have over 200 songs released, there is tons of variety in my catalog from Trap, Country, Pop to even Emo-Rock. I just like to create music for that moment…whatever that is, and not be put in a box.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Throughout my songs you will hear a constant theme of motivation and perseverance. My ‘fan-base’ is called the MIHFam, which stands for the Make It Happen, fam. I want people to become inspired that they can achieve whatever they set out to. My goal was to always use music as a vehicle to inspire others. I think my entire story of being an independent artist, not really having any mainstream success until now, and just slowly building brick by brick provides the opportunity for fans to watch me build this thing. Maybe they can be inspired as they build along in their life as well.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Rihanna. I think we would sound fire together! When she came out with that LOUD album, I was in high school and it basically was the soundtrack to everything. Super influential times for me.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. Idk when, I’m just manifesting it. I remember hanging out with some girls one time and my friend was spitting game and told them I’m gonna be playing there in the summer; I wasn’t. Because of that, I promised him I was actually going to do it one day. So I’m trying to keep up to my word. I could see it happening 2025.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Not really. I was inspired by lyricism and people having deep catalogs you could dive into. I literally come from a rap battle background, where we would rate verses. It’s tough to see what ‘Hip Hop’ has come to. I feel like people don’t care as much. It’s just about a viral moment. Wild times. Hard to adjust to, but I’m doing my best.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I will always continue to put the work in regardless of the results. Work ethic and perseverance is my cheat code to success.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
1000% I want to go into acting. But once I am done with entertainment, I plan to start a tech venture and place the headquarters in Boston, MA. I’ll sell the company. After that, my plan is to be the best dad / husband possible, I’ll coach a youth hockey team, really focus on inspiring and teach the youth about hard work and being a good person. Then I’ll retire and play golf till I die. Would be dope to open some sort of a non-profit to help entrepreneurs find their way as well.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
I headlined at Club E11even in Miami, Fl. It’s considered the best night club in the country and it was always a dream of mine to be on their stage ever since the first time I visited Miami.
What’s an average day like for you?
I try to wake up around 7:45am every day. Walk the dog. Hit the gym. Then I sit at my desk and work on anything the business needs, i.e. creating music, taking meetings, setting up releases, planning out videos, tours, merch, ideas etcetera. Till about 6pm. Then I either go to the driving range or I go on a run, come home, eat dinner, drink some wine. And repeat.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I give them my phone number so we can text whenever. I try to comment and message back anyone who hits me up. My fans have really turned into my friends. I remember one time I had a fan meet-up in Seattle. Those guys turned into my friends and we hangout now. I think it’s important to view fans as friends. We need them just as much as they need us.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Favorite part, is being able to change someone’s day. Inspire someone, make them happy, invoke an emotion. That’s dope! That’s what makes it REAL. Least favorite, the industry is built for the artist to lose in every single aspect. It’s a horrible ‘industry.’
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Buckle tf up! Do it ‘cause you love it. Do it every single day. Put the blinders on and believe in yourself.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Selling out 1K capacity venues. Touring the world. Still releasing a new song every week. More time spent meeting fans and hearing their stories. 10 years out I’ll be in some dope office in Boston with the beanbag chairs, hiring a bunch of recent college grads and building the next vision. After that; Coaching and Golfing.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Matt?
Headline tour in the northeast starting end of August. Get tickets at: mattcorman.com/tour.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? I love you mom and dad!
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Make it happen!
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