Who or what do you think has been the biggest single inspiration for your style?
My brother, my friends, growing up in NY, going to public school, my parents… oh wait, “single” inspiration? Damn. I think it would be my desire to explore and create. That desire brought me to Savannah, GA and will bring me many other places. My style might be this or that, but it’s foremost quality I think is audacity.
What do you think are the challenges underground hiphop faces in today’s market?
The challenges are that being a good artist isn’t nearly enough to get you where you want to be. First of all, there’s millions of “rappers” with profile pages, videos, mixtapes, this that and the third. If you’re not constantly pumping out content and staying on top of your social media, your “dope track” or “official video” will drown in the sea that is underground hip-hop.
What’s your perspective on staying independent versus signing to a major label?
I’m an artist. I need to be designing and drawing and creating. I couldn’t imagine being in a situation where my artwork is being treated by too many hands and someone else has the final say. I’ve always branded myself and would like to remain my own creative controller. If I want a boss, I’ll get a career with a salary and benefits.
What’s the coolest thing a fan has ever said to you or done for you?
At a festival, a guy in a bear headdress came up to the stage after I spit an acapella verse and handed me a huge funk nugget of appreciation. Then later that night, we reunited at the “future bus” and put on an impromptu show… DOPE!