You were the first artist Jay Z signed up to his music label, Roc Nation.Would you say he is influential in your music as well as your career?
Yeah I would say that Jay Z is hugely influential in my career and not only because he signed me up but because I used to study his raps and I used to try and figure out how he does what he does and how he strings his words together. I also think that what he has done as a businessman is amazing and he is so successful in terms of dominating the music game. I want to emulate that.
What other rap artists do you look up to?
Definitely Kayne West and also Lil Wayne. I look at what these guys have done not only with rapping but with artistry and their hit making ability. I really admire that.
At what age did you start rapping and what got you into music to begin with?
I was 12 years old when I started rapping. My older cousin used to rap and because he was older than me I thought he was the coolest dude. He had all the ladies and he played basketball really well. Once I started rapping I took it really seriously even though I was still young.
What advice would you give to people wanting to get into the industry?
I would just say practice and study different rappers that you like. You will then eventually develop your own style.
What inspires you when writing your own lyrics?
I just like life, and all the different of life experience. I am inspired by things that I am going through and also by stories that I hear.
Your second album will be released in June 2012, can you tell us what to expect?
You’ll have to wait and see, I’m working on it now and its early days. I’ve just been writing a lot of raps ands a lot of beats and I’m working on the sound and I will figure it out from there.
