A. I started poetry around 12/13. From there, it went to music, and after my lil cousin Tamir passed away in 2015, I just took it a little more seriously. After he passed, it felt like I started losing so many people close to me from gun violence over the years, and it just made me go harder—for them, for me. And when Manny (Skeet) & Gotti passed, that crushed me the worst. I really went in, started doing tours, expanding more. I know they would be proud of me.
Q. Who are your musical influences and why?
A. Musically, Lil Wayne, Chance the Rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., SZA & Kanye West are my musical influences. Chance because I’m a God-fearing man… he makes some pure, real music I can relate to, and he was always himself. His sound is distinct—it’s him. Lil Wayne because lyrically, he’s the GOAT—that’s hands down. B.I.G.—personally, I grew up listening to him. My mom is a fan of him. He was so cool to me growing up. His wordplay is definitely an iconic ‘90s sound. Kanye—he’s the Einstein of music for sure. He’s a producer and an artist—a TRUE artist! Everybody thought he was crazy until he proved them wrong, and I intend to do the same thing. Lastly, SZA… From her beginning until now, I’ve seen her journey, and I loved it. I love her voice—it’s so soothing. She can sing anything, and it sounds heavenly. She’s so real and raw with her music, and I like that she releases music when she feels like it, and we love it every time. Same for Jhené Aiko.
Q. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
A. My BIGGEST career highlight so far was definitely getting signed to Ethika Music. They contacted me, flew me out, and opened my eyes to a whole different world. I networked with so many people, and that led me to going on tour and getting into acting. Also, that was my first time getting signed, so it was big for me and taught me a lot along the way.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. In 5 years, I expect to be just about where I want to be in music. I’ve been doing it for so long, putting my life into this. I want to be on charts, doing big features & videos & more shows. I want my fan base to be flustered with new fans, and my merchandise line to be running. I want to start my construction/welding business building container homes on the side as well.
Q. What is one message you have for your fans and supporters?
A. One message I have for my fans & supporters is that I love y’all. A lot of y’all been supporting me for years, even when many others didn’t support me, and without y’all, I wouldn’t be here. Y’all give me the push I didn’t realize I needed. Y’all keep me going.
