He’s here to stay
What’s your background? What got you into rap music?
I grew up in a single parent household in West Baltimore, MD. My Parents divorced before I was old enough to remember leaving my 19 year old Mom to raise me the best way she knew how. As a kid I was very intelligent although I was often in trouble since elementary school. I was always a creative mind as well dabbling into visual arts and music. At the time we lived in the inner city so the public school system didn’t offer a nurturing environment for my skill set. So like many youths in my area I sought fulfillment and acceptance in my hood. I still vaguely remember being around the older kids and my cousins counting bags of money and wearing the flyest shit lol gold chains , watches , Jordan’s crashing Cars and buying new ones the next week. I made up my mind early that was my path and started to learn the game. I also remember seeing Music videos which were further pushing the lifestyle and I began to write rhymes about my surroundings, ambitions and competitive mindset …. I was 10 years old btw. Everyone would ask to freestyle, battle and eventually record music for them. I found my passion and locked in on perfecting it since than.
How long has music been a part of your life?
Music has always indirectly been in my life even before rap/ hip hop music. My first introduction to music believe it or not was soul music. The old vinyl records from artist like James Brown , Ray Charles were played frequently by my grandparents in my home as a kid. You’ll even hear a few samples from those records in my music if you listen closely. It’s part of my DNA atp.
if it wasn’t for music, where would you be now?
On gang music saved my life. If I didn’t have music to keep me balanced I believe I would’ve made worst decisions than I did. Countless times I’ve been in studio and got calls about shit getting wild.
How did you come to realize that music was the way forward for you?
For most of my life music came 2nd to me being on the streets. I always had the passion and performed at a high level but tbh with my self I let a lot of Bullshit distract me. I was on a path to destruction with no brakes. It wasn’t until I was in a shootout at the age of 21 that made me really see that time isn’t promised and procrastination isn’t rewarded. My darkest hours made me shine brighter.
if you had to sacrifice one skill, which would you least like to let go, and why? In what way do you aim to make a difference?
I wouldn’t sacrifice skill I only believe in adding onto my abilities and knowledge. Whether it be artistically, spiritually or just self awareness.
Where is your career heading? What’s the vision?
My career is heading to peaks once thought unreachable Inshallah. My strategy is a simple one. No one can out hustle me. Consistency, creativity & authenticity are the pillars to what I’ve built and I have no plans on letting up.
How would you describe your style of music?
My style is raw. I say the wildest shit in the slickest way yet it’s hits home like We grew up in the same hood. I reflect on wins, losses & lessons in my bars. (Of course the punchlines are water whipped into the mix) “…Can I be honest when I sing ? Tell you bout this money and** the drama that it bring…” The pain in every line serves as motivation to my audience.
How do you put words to paper? What’s your creative process like?
I honestly barely write lyrics anymore. Usually I create my lyrics on the spot with my engineer or I write the bars in my head while listening to the music (instrumental). The process is one of practiced for quite some time now. I feel this helps me give the best delivery as I am in the moment vs trying to recreate how I felt when I wrote it.
When it comes to performing, what’s your style?
I’m the G.O.A.T I bring big energy and it transfers to the crowd. Issa wide variety of emotions you’re gonna get . We might go from a drill record spinning on opps to a song that will have you missing your ppl you lost. It gets real. You gotta see it in person no kizzy.
If you could perform anywhere globally, where would it be and why?
I’ve been getting alot of love from Paris, France so that is a must to pull up on em.
What’s your favorite project so far, and why?
So far I would have to say my favorite is my latest ep “ICONS NEVER DIE”. I feel like this project shows a lot of growth. I put everyone into each project but this one hits different for real.
How do you see your sound evolving in the next couple of years?
I’m forever pushing myself to the limit. In the next couple years I’ll be your favorite rappers favorite rapper.
What makes you different from other rappers in the industry?
One word “Validity” when y’all want that raw shit you know who to come see.
Who are your biggest musical influences? Would you say you’re at all like them?
I’ve been influenced by so many artist and sounds but I would have to say top 5 is Jay Z , Kanye West, Westside Gunn, Pusha T & Meek Mills.
When driving, is there a specific track that has you blasting the stereo with the windows down?
Lol first song I’m playing on a summer day with the top down is “American Dreamin” by Jay Z.
Who would it be and why if you could collaborate with any artist?
Right now I’m open for collabs with any artist that are hungry and on the come up. I want to give opportunities to artist that may not have the big audiences yet. Organic shit.
