A truly unique voice and style like this is rare in hip-hop. Once you hear this artist’s flow, it’s hard not to move with the beat to get swept up in the rhythm and groove while discovering the deeper meaning behind lyrics that sound like everyday street talk.

GoodWillHunter, the musical name of William D. Hunter, is a hip-hop artist from Hartford, Connecticut. Drawing inspiration from his life, experiences, and love of hip-hop, William uses music to tell his story and connect with listeners. Influenced by artists such as Nas and The Notorious B.I.G., his music blends personal storytelling with his own unique style and perspective.

Come join my conversation with GoodWillHunter below.

Q: When you think about your musical roots, what’s one moment or memory that stands out?

A: I’d say a simple but powerful one going over to my brother’s house, grabbing Biggie’s Born Again album, and just cranking it out loud. That was my way of absorbing the craft and energy that shaped me early on.

Q: Which artists or eras have influenced your style the most?

A: Definitely Nas and Biggie. Also, the golden era of Cash Money Records had a huge impact on me. Growing up, I was exposed to a mix of influences, my mom is from Louisiana, so the New Orleans sound from that Cash Money era was part of my musical landscape. On my dad’s side, he moved from Selma, Alabama to NYC, Jersey, and Connecticut, which brought that East Coast flavor into my life. That blend helped shape my lyrical style. I learned a lot from P. Diddy and Bad Boy Records, combined with storytelling influences from Nas and Jay-Z. It’s like taking old flips and transforming them into something new.

Q: How have these influences translated into your own work?

A: Since my debut mixtapes, Turntables Season 1 to 4, I’ve used the knowledge I gained on my journey to uplift and inspire the next generation. My upbringing is the foundation of everything I create. Projects like Change reflect where I am now, followed by Goal-Setting Riches and From a Distance, which show my evolving perspective.

Q: Can you tell us about your latest project?

A: My latest work was a close collaboration with David Sisko, a genre-fluid producer I deeply respect. He encouraged me to use my voice differently, which pushed me towards a more experimental approach in my songwriting and cadence. Working with him opened new doors creatively and helped me explore parts of my artistry I hadn’t tapped into before.

Q: Your music on the new album is very diverse, with rich and layered arrangements. However, I’m wondering: What’s the story behind the album title 602, Pt 5? How did you come up with the idea for the name?

A: I appreciate how like the very diverse layering the of the project the way I came up with title is a birthday gift to myself seeing my birthday is June 2nd. 

Q: In this album, you have featured many musicians like Brittney Crush, K.Lenai, Andrea and Carlos Jordan. How was your experience collaborating with various guest artists? 

A: My experience working with those artist was great very easy to work with especially me and Brittney crush, Carlos Jordan are from the same city Hartford Ct and we worked on previous project before amazing artist K. Leani as well have worked with her on previous projects as well she’s featured on 602 Pt4 me and her have great chemistry love working her.

My first time working with Andreaa always wanted to work her since I moved to Charlotte heard music out in tattoo and booz and had to work with her she is incredible.

Q: On the First Sight, your lyrics are really engaging, with verses that have a smooth and enjoyable rhythm. The backing vocals by Mizz Kim also add a dynamic energy to the music. How did you combine your song with Kimberly Paterson’s contributions as a co-writer? What was the songwriting process like for this song?

A:  I’m glad you love the record it’s one of my favorites this was my first time working mizz Kim she has a amazing talent and voice is like no other I reached out to her on TikTok my process for writting I try to take form real like experiences and bring it to my art especially with this project Because I feel people can relate to it being based around love because everyone needs love in the world. 

Q: What lessons or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?

A: I want my music to be a source of inspiration and upliftment. It’s about self-discovery, growth, and embracing where you come from while always pushing forward. I hope it encourages people to find their voice and tell their stories authentically.

Q: Thanks, William, for sharing your story and your journey in music. See you back in New York for a coffee!

A: Thank you for having me and for the interview! Definitely, let’s grab a coffee when I’m back in New York. See you soon!

For readers who want to hear more of Will’s music or get in touch with him, you can find his music on Apple Music, Spotify, and TIDAL, and watch his music on YouTube @goodwillhunter1845 . You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at GoodWillHunter____, or on Snapchat at Gooodwill. 

Written by Naratama / Photo - personal collection by GoodWillHunter