Meet Terell Hughes | Artist

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

Hi Terell, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
What I’ve learned In the short time I’ve been an artist is: No one can make it happen but YOU! You have to believe in yourself and be confident in the fact that your business (whatever that may be) will reach the level of success you desire. Along with that comes dedication; you become dedicate to your work once you see the end goal clearly. And lastly it’s to NEVER abandon your dream completely! Sometimes life will not allow you to pursue certain aspirations due to the ever changing qualities of life that we go through. But to throw away something that brings you life will do more harm than just going for it. Never stop chasing, never stop believing. And when it all seems to be in vein just remember: you are doing something most people don’t have the courage or bravery to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Art still needs work but I am content with the progresses I’ve made over the last couple of years. I feel like what sets me apart from other artists is I genuinely have love and passion for what I do. I want my music to resonate with people the same as my favorite artists’ music resonated with me. I’m most excited about some releases this upcoming year as my catalog is expanding and my network is growing and I’m most proud of my recent string of achievements. Being acknowledged by some local bloggers, getting featured in Voyage Denver Magazine (Thank you guys) and most importantly getting my favorite artist on a song. My career got here because I refused to put my dreams on hold any longer. I just kinda said “F* It” and just took that leap of faith, and I’d say I’m glad I did that. It started out easy when I was still figuring myself out, and didn’t see myself really having a shot to be mainstream; but now it has become harder because I see that I have a legit shot to get signed somewhere. Now my focus has shifted from how can I even get there, to what I am going to do when I get there. I overcome it all by shaking my nerves and telling myself I got this. No matter what happens I gave it my all and I did it wholeheartedly. It’s hard to regret when that’s the case. A very valuable lesson I learned is that you have to be willing to lose it all behind your dreams. Only then will a path to greatness be available. And I want the world to know Cestlavi is going to be a force to be reckoned with! I will find a way to get signed to Shady Records or Young Money Records and when that happens I will do everything I can to bring music home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First Thing we doing is getting some weed haha I feel that’s essential to experiencing Denver life now so that’s probably where we’d start. Depending on the time of day they showed up would determine what we do after. But a few of my favorite places that I would take them would be:

1.) Lookout Mountain
2.) Brainard Lake
3.) The Manitou Incline
4.) Winter Park or Breckinridge (winter)
5.) Aspen (Fall)
6.) Downtown Denver (Summer)
7.) Rocky Mountain National Park
8.) Red Rocks
9.) Royal Gorge
10.) Hanging Lake

Any of these places I think would show them how beautiful our city truly is!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost shout out to my lady Lakeyia Manuel for not only planting the seed I needed to grow into the artist I’ve become but also for investing in my dream at a time where even I, couldn’t do it. Shoutout to my Moms! Without y’all I wouldn’t even be here! And since I have been here there hasn’t been a day where y’all haven’t been by my side. Huge shoutout to my Aunt in California for stepping up to take care of me and my siblings and keeping us together and out of foster homes. Shoutout to my guy Lazy and Foe, they gave me the space I needed to be the artist I wanted to be and supported me through all my projects. Most importantly Shoutout to my damn self for taking a chance even though I was filled with doubts and “What ifs.” I couldn’t be where I’m at today if it weren’t for any of these people. Oh and Shoutout to Westside Boogie for showing me the difference in where I’m at, and where I want to be!

Instagram: @ItsCestla

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQc9cBcmb_iMayKkH_wm_dg