Up with Angela. Yeah, and this is a blessing. We had Mick Jenkins in the building. I'm blessed to be here and the Famili's here. We love it. Yes always, I saw you guys. Were you and your wife were in Saint Lucia.

Up with Angela. Yeah, and this is a blessing. We had Mick Jenkins in the building. I'm blessed to be here and the Famili's here. We love it. Yes always, I saw you guys. Were you and your wife were in Saint Lucia.

Yeah, that was where we took our honeymoon. Oh okay, well we got married in COVID, but it was COVID.

Yeah, that was where we took our honeymoon. Oh okay, well we got married in COVID, but it was COVID.

Yeah, no honeymoon there.

Yeah, no honeymoon there.

Yeah. We got to have a bigger celebration last year with all our family and friends, and then we went to Saint Lucia.

Yeah. We got to have a bigger celebration last year with all our family and friends, and then we went to Saint Lucia.

What was the actual wedding like during COVID.

What was the actual wedding like during COVID.

Nine people it was? It was COVID, Like, you know, I think it made it more special for us. You know, we went from I think like one hundred and fifty people down at nine people, just close family and friends. I actually ended up me and my shout out Samantha and DJ. We had it in their backyard. They have a really beautiful backyard with a lake and they helped me build the awning that we walked under. It was really nice, really beautiful, really nice, really intimate.

Nine people it was? It was COVID, Like, you know, I think it made it more special for us. You know, we went from I think like one hundred and fifty people down at nine people, just close family and friends. I actually ended up me and my shout out Samantha and DJ. We had it in their backyard. They have a really beautiful backyard with a lake and they helped me build the awning that we walked under. It was really nice, really beautiful, really nice, really intimate.

So I like that that's a good time because you know that COVID could make a breakup relationship or your pockets.

So I like that that's a good time because you know that COVID could make a breakup relationship or your pockets.

We saved a lot of money doing it like that, so that worked out in the long run for sure.

We saved a lot of money doing it like that, so that worked out in the long run for sure.

Well, Listen, anniversaries, big things happening. So obviously we know The Waters ten years. How does it feel people always talk about still to this day, how that's a classic project that you had.

Well, Listen, anniversaries, big things happening. So obviously we know The Waters ten years. How does it feel people always talk about still to this day, how that's a classic project that you had.

I'm honored. I'm honored that people feel like it's classic. I was having this conversation the other day. For me, it's not. The Waters is not a bigger deal to me as it is to my fans, And I think simply I tell people I made a project when I was twenty one years old. I'm thirty three. However much you love it, it's not how much I would love it, you know what I'm saying. It's something that I made when I was very much a kid. You know, I had a different understanding about life and the things that I was talking about that I do now. But this tenure and the reversary is like affirming how much it means to people. You know. I think it's not a small thing to have a body of music, or even any art that captures the attention of a generation, a group of people. You know what I'm saying. Like I look at the comments on my Instagram when I posted the ten year anniversary, people like, man, it's helped me through high school. Man, it's helped me through great school, man. And it's like that's when I get soft in my heart, like, dang, this really touched that many people, you know what I'm saying.

I'm honored. I'm honored that people feel like it's classic. I was having this conversation the other day. For me, it's not. The Waters is not a bigger deal to me as it is to my fans, And I think simply I tell people I made a project when I was twenty one years old. I'm thirty three. However much you love it, it's not how much I would love it, you know what I'm saying. It's something that I made when I was very much a kid. You know, I had a different understanding about life and the things that I was talking about that I do now. But this tenure and the reversary is like affirming how much it means to people. You know. I think it's not a small thing to have a body of music, or even any art that captures the attention of a generation, a group of people. You know what I'm saying. Like I look at the comments on my Instagram when I posted the ten year anniversary, people like, man, it's helped me through high school. Man, it's helped me through great school, man. And it's like that's when I get soft in my heart, like, dang, this really touched that many people, you know what I'm saying.

And it's really I think a lot of the solo tracks on that album that people really gravitated to the most. Also, and that's not an easy thing. Usually people are like, who's on it? Who's the guest appearance?

And it's really I think a lot of the solo tracks on that album that people really gravitated to the most. Also, and that's not an easy thing. Usually people are like, who's on it? Who's the guest appearance?

Right? Right? And I think that gives me value for myself. I think it's a lot of things in a hip hop industry where you can suckond guess yourself and you say, am I that good? Am I? But to really have so many people affirm what this project's done for them, how long they've been listening, where it then took them in their lives, like I said in my comments, to be able to read through that, man, this is really special for me and again for myself and a lot of my contemporaries. This is my value. Right, I'm still here. I'm still here ten years later, I'm still touching people's lives. I'm still affecting people's lives with this music. I'm still able to sell out shows with this music ten years later. So I be feeling like, man, for all the lists I ain't getting put on for all the Yeah, you know, ten years in it's not a light thing.

Right? Right? And I think that gives me value for myself. I think it's a lot of things in a hip hop industry where you can suckond guess yourself and you say, am I that good? Am I? But to really have so many people affirm what this project's done for them, how long they've been listening, where it then took them in their lives, like I said in my comments, to be able to read through that, man, this is really special for me and again for myself and a lot of my contemporaries. This is my value. Right, I'm still here. I'm still here ten years later, I'm still touching people's lives. I'm still affecting people's lives with this music. I'm still able to sell out shows with this music ten years later. So I be feeling like, man, for all the lists I ain't getting put on for all the Yeah, you know, ten years in it's not a light thing.

So Ye're right about that, because they do be putting out all these lists. I was telling un Beat that when he was here the other day. You know, he loves a list, and so I saw like Complex put out the top fifty Atlanta rappers. They could do that in Chicago too.

So Ye're right about that, because they do be putting out all these lists. I was telling un Beat that when he was here the other day. You know, he loves a list, and so I saw like Complex put out the top fifty Atlanta rappers. They could do that in Chicago too.

I mean, in general, I think, yeah, the idea of a hierarchy or a ranking makes sense. I'm a competitor, you know what I'm saying.

I mean, in general, I think, yeah, the idea of a hierarchy or a ranking makes sense. I'm a competitor, you know what I'm saying.

Yes, we know, but when you get.

Yes, we know, but when you get.

Left off for whatever reasons, I mean, it's a lot of artists that came to affect you in a major way. And so a lot of conversations that I've had with like Sobbis you know and No Name and people like myself, it is like, man, look at what we're doing. Though. You know, it's a lot of people on those lists who don't have six seven eight albums, who are not in it ten twelve, thirteen years later, you understand what I'm saying. And so I think there's a lot of value in the fact that me and my fans are still having that conversation, you know what I'm saying.

Left off for whatever reasons, I mean, it's a lot of artists that came to affect you in a major way. And so a lot of conversations that I've had with like Sobbis you know and No Name and people like myself, it is like, man, look at what we're doing. Though. You know, it's a lot of people on those lists who don't have six seven eight albums, who are not in it ten twelve, thirteen years later, you understand what I'm saying. And so I think there's a lot of value in the fact that me and my fans are still having that conversation, you know what I'm saying.

Yeah, and those are loyal hardcore fans too, by the way, because I mean, you have this residency here that's sold out, so people can't even get tickets crazy at the Blue Note celebrating the tenure anniversary of the Waters And that's a testament to knowing that no matter what, there's people that are going to come out to see and support. And I saw when quest Love what's talking about quality music, and he definitely named you as somebody who he feels like it's overlooked amongst others. And sometimes those people who don't get the accolades are the ones that are definitely they can tend to be the most talented.

Yeah, and those are loyal hardcore fans too, by the way, because I mean, you have this residency here that's sold out, so people can't even get tickets crazy at the Blue Note celebrating the tenure anniversary of the Waters And that's a testament to knowing that no matter what, there's people that are going to come out to see and support. And I saw when quest Love what's talking about quality music, and he definitely named you as somebody who he feels like it's overlooked amongst others. And sometimes those people who don't get the accolades are the ones that are definitely they can tend to be the most talented.

I appreciate that, man, the quest Love thing, that's the kind of stuff that I was gonna say a metaphor, but that sent me around my house. You know what I'm saying, I'm jumping up and down.

I appreciate that, man, the quest Love thing, that's the kind of stuff that I was gonna say a metaphor, but that sent me around my house. You know what I'm saying, I'm jumping up and down.

Like Chris Love.

Like Chris Love.

You know my music. You know what I'm saying. That's somebody that I grew up idolizing, and you know, the entire Roots band like that, that's the inspiration for me that informs my music today.

You know my music. You know what I'm saying. That's somebody that I grew up idolizing, and you know, the entire Roots band like that, that's the inspiration for me that informs my music today.

So yeah, because I feel like black Thought don't get also the credit as a lyricist.

So yeah, because I feel like black Thought don't get also the credit as a lyricist.

That is a great example. Yeah, the Roots has a whole Black thought especially but when I know this right, when I know that, or even I just saw a black thought common uh somebody else. They was all freestyling together that was on the internet somewhere else, and it's that. It's the camaraderie from the niggas who do get that, niggas who are on the list, you know what I'm saying, those people who do have a certain respect when they see you, when it's all love. When more deaths see me and say oh the water, I mean.

That is a great example. Yeah, the Roots has a whole Black thought especially but when I know this right, when I know that, or even I just saw a black thought common uh somebody else. They was all freestyling together that was on the internet somewhere else, and it's that. It's the camaraderie from the niggas who do get that, niggas who are on the list, you know what I'm saying, those people who do have a certain respect when they see you, when it's all love. When more deaths see me and say oh the water, I mean.

Yeah seen because he got mad. I called him most dead.

Yeah seen because he got mad. I called him most dead.

Yes, my fault legend, my fault legend. When you see me and say what's up, Waters, I'm like, that's the validation I need.

Yes, my fault legend, my fault legend. When you see me and say what's up, Waters, I'm like, that's the validation I need.

And you know his legacy. You see, his daughter has a huge song going crazy and I love that shit. I was like, she got his whole face.

And you know his legacy. You see, his daughter has a huge song going crazy and I love that shit. I was like, she got his whole face.

Yeah, I didn't see it at first. Then when I saw him, I was like, oh, yeah, how could I not see that?

Yeah, I didn't see it at first. Then when I saw him, I was like, oh, yeah, how could I not see that?

You know? And even just thinking about like somebody say, David Bandit, I remember him talking about his lyrics and then feeling like he had to dumb it down a little in order to get that mainstream audience. Was that something that you ever were like, you know what I'm gonna put out? I'm just curious and y'all that's valid.

You know? And even just thinking about like somebody say, David Bandit, I remember him talking about his lyrics and then feeling like he had to dumb it down a little in order to get that mainstream audience. Was that something that you ever were like, you know what I'm gonna put out? I'm just curious and y'all that's valid.

That's valid. It's something that I talk about with a few of my friends all the time. I think, yes, quite literally yesterday were in the hotel room and making up silly songs. You know what I'm saying. My wife can attest I'll make a song out of anything I'm not gonna do right now. I'm not gonna do it right now, I'm not. But what I'm saying is we do that, and then we'll stop and say, yo, that could really be a hit.

That's valid. It's something that I talk about with a few of my friends all the time. I think, yes, quite literally yesterday were in the hotel room and making up silly songs. You know what I'm saying. My wife can attest I'll make a song out of anything I'm not gonna do right now. I'm not gonna do it right now, I'm not. But what I'm saying is we do that, and then we'll stop and say, yo, that could really be a hit.

Could And then it.

Could And then it.

Comes the question of like would you do that? Like would I do that? And then if the answer is yes, it becomes why. And when the answer is because I know it to be a hit, because I know it'll make me some money, because I know it to go crazy over there. If that's my only reason, it's very hard for me to commit. I made a silly song. I went shout out super I went to his house. He had a beat going that I could hear from outside. I come inside. He's like, what you been doing? Bro's what you got on? I'm listening to the beat. I'm like, I've been arguing with my wife. Nigga. Oh damn, we freestot a whole song. It was fired and he was like, you want to record it? I was like, nah, something like that. You know what I'm saying, like, yeah, we're good. Now. I wouldn't put something like that out. But we sit there and they have a conversation about bro that would really Rocky changed his work. And then that comes into place and.

Comes the question of like would you do that? Like would I do that? And then if the answer is yes, it becomes why. And when the answer is because I know it to be a hit, because I know it'll make me some money, because I know it to go crazy over there. If that's my only reason, it's very hard for me to commit. I made a silly song. I went shout out super I went to his house. He had a beat going that I could hear from outside. I come inside. He's like, what you been doing? Bro's what you got on? I'm listening to the beat. I'm like, I've been arguing with my wife. Nigga. Oh damn, we freestot a whole song. It was fired and he was like, you want to record it? I was like, nah, something like that. You know what I'm saying, like, yeah, we're good. Now. I wouldn't put something like that out. But we sit there and they have a conversation about bro that would really Rocky changed his work. And then that comes into place and.

You get a reference track and let me get this to somebody who this would be right for.

You get a reference track and let me get this to somebody who this would be right for.

That becomes a viable for sure. But for me, my point was, I think there's just a certain integrity in me that even sometimes I get frustrated about. Like a nigga, you know, you could go crazy with it, but that's just not what I do. Yeah, yeah, that's just not what I do. So if what I do goes mainstream, that'd be great.

That becomes a viable for sure. But for me, my point was, I think there's just a certain integrity in me that even sometimes I get frustrated about. Like a nigga, you know, you could go crazy with it, but that's just not what I do. Yeah, yeah, that's just not what I do. So if what I do goes mainstream, that'd be great.

But and you know what that I feel like there's also songs that I really like and it may not have a lot of depth to it, but it could be for a moment, yeah what I'm doing.

But and you know what that I feel like there's also songs that I really like and it may not have a lot of depth to it, but it could be for a moment, yeah what I'm doing.

So that's what I'm saying. I imagine that if I took a lot of my energy that I do to make these highly conceptual records and was like, let me just do.

So that's what I'm saying. I imagine that if I took a lot of my energy that I do to make these highly conceptual records and was like, let me just do.

This, no doubt that fans might be disappointed. That's the other thing to be disappointed, Okay, And so look that brings us to you know, let's fast forward ten years, well, nine years after that, the Patience. You put that out, So the patients talk to me even about that title, because there's a lot of patients that comes into play when it's like, okay.

This, no doubt that fans might be disappointed. That's the other thing to be disappointed, Okay, And so look that brings us to you know, let's fast forward ten years, well, nine years after that, the Patience. You put that out, So the patients talk to me even about that title, because there's a lot of patients that comes into play when it's like, okay.

The Patients. The title came from where I was at in my career. With The Patient's album, I felt like I was finally in control.

The Patients. The title came from where I was at in my career. With The Patient's album, I felt like I was finally in control.

Okay.

Okay.

I went out and got the deal that I wanted on the terms that I wanted, and really I basically set the terms and was like, whoever's going to accept that is where I'm signing it.

I went out and got the deal that I wanted on the terms that I wanted, and really I basically set the terms and was like, whoever's going to accept that is where I'm signing it.

Oh that's a good feeling.

Oh that's a good feeling.

Yeah. Yeah. And so at that point, even before that, I had got out of what I thought was a terrible deal, what a terrible situation. I learned a lot and I had this newfound perspective. So now I approached going out and getting a new deal this way. I got that, and then they went above and beyond BMG, went above and beyond what I asked and needed. So when it came time for me to come down to the title, I was just like, what is this? What is this music? What is this body of work? And like, man, this is the moment I've been waiting for. This is the space I've been waiting for. I think a lot of people would be surprised to hear. Yeah, ten years in, five projects in and the patience is the first time I got to do what I wanted to do.

Yeah. Yeah. And so at that point, even before that, I had got out of what I thought was a terrible deal, what a terrible situation. I learned a lot and I had this newfound perspective. So now I approached going out and getting a new deal this way. I got that, and then they went above and beyond BMG, went above and beyond what I asked and needed. So when it came time for me to come down to the title, I was just like, what is this? What is this music? What is this body of work? And like, man, this is the moment I've been waiting for. This is the space I've been waiting for. I think a lot of people would be surprised to hear. Yeah, ten years in, five projects in and the patience is the first time I got to do what I wanted to do.

And you said all of that on MAP I listened to that much for that song where you really just talked, and so even that part was that something I have to assume that you just were talking and it made it.

And you said all of that on MAP I listened to that much for that song where you really just talked, and so even that part was that something I have to assume that you just were talking and it made it.

You're correct, Yeah, A lot of that is that's how I create, you know, the ethos of the song. I mean, it's something that I've been thinking about. I tell people all the time. Just because the song came out today, doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about it for the last three months, and so my while I'm recording that, I just go straight into talking at the end of the song.

You're correct, Yeah, A lot of that is that's how I create, you know, the ethos of the song. I mean, it's something that I've been thinking about. I tell people all the time. Just because the song came out today, doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about it for the last three months, and so my while I'm recording that, I just go straight into talking at the end of the song.

The first time, yeah, and so discuss like how you were feeling, and just for people who maybe they didn't catch it or what you were saying on Yeah.

The first time, yeah, and so discuss like how you were feeling, and just for people who maybe they didn't catch it or what you were saying on Yeah.

I just feel like right now, even for my fans who don't have a clear understanding, right now for me is the best place I've ever been in my life and the best place I've been for my career. I'm in full control over what I do. I'm in full control over how my music sounds. I mean, I'm in full control of understanding how my business should work. A lot of times as a new artist, you get told, hey, you should do this this way, you should do this this way, and you do because you don't know any better, and when you do know better, you realize, like, well that's a way, it's not the best way. You feel me like, so now I haven't understanding of how to run my business from my standards, that feels like the best way. And so mop is me saying, Man, I'm now ready to clean this thing up. You know what I'm saying I'm now ready to get out there and show y'all the work I've been doing, show y'all the things that I've learned, and show y'all that I know how to attack this industry and delivering my music to my fans. And a lot of that just takes time. A lot of that takes trial and error. A lot of that takes patients waiting on the person who's going to put the bug in Angeloyee's ar ear to actually invite me to the interview. Right. I think a lot of times when I talk about patients, I'm like, you hit a point where there's work that needs to be done that you can't do.

I just feel like right now, even for my fans who don't have a clear understanding, right now for me is the best place I've ever been in my life and the best place I've been for my career. I'm in full control over what I do. I'm in full control over how my music sounds. I mean, I'm in full control of understanding how my business should work. A lot of times as a new artist, you get told, hey, you should do this this way, you should do this this way, and you do because you don't know any better, and when you do know better, you realize, like, well that's a way, it's not the best way. You feel me like, so now I haven't understanding of how to run my business from my standards, that feels like the best way. And so mop is me saying, Man, I'm now ready to clean this thing up. You know what I'm saying I'm now ready to get out there and show y'all the work I've been doing, show y'all the things that I've learned, and show y'all that I know how to attack this industry and delivering my music to my fans. And a lot of that just takes time. A lot of that takes trial and error. A lot of that takes patients waiting on the person who's going to put the bug in Angeloyee's ar ear to actually invite me to the interview. Right. I think a lot of times when I talk about patients, I'm like, you hit a point where there's work that needs to be done that you can't do.

I was feeling like maybe there was this mystique about you and you were like I'm not doing much you know.

I was feeling like maybe there was this mystique about you and you were like I'm not doing much you know.

Oh no, not at all, not at all. I even said to her, I was like, I think they've been trying to do this for a few months, but we was on tour the first time. Yeah. Like, but even to that point, right, Sometimes you're waiting on this person to hear you that is going to move your thing forward. Sometimes you're waiting on this person to say your name in this room that you're not in and no matter what you do, your actions won't be the thing that moves you forward at this point in your journey, you know. And so that's something that I was spotlighting on that as well. And that's what the idea of patience is for I was doing everything I could for a good eight nine years. You know. It was something that had to happen in that ninth year that I couldn't control.

Oh no, not at all, not at all. I even said to her, I was like, I think they've been trying to do this for a few months, but we was on tour the first time. Yeah. Like, but even to that point, right, Sometimes you're waiting on this person to hear you that is going to move your thing forward. Sometimes you're waiting on this person to say your name in this room that you're not in and no matter what you do, your actions won't be the thing that moves you forward at this point in your journey, you know. And so that's something that I was spotlighting on that as well. And that's what the idea of patience is for I was doing everything I could for a good eight nine years. You know. It was something that had to happen in that ninth year that I couldn't control.

And you know it was Yeah, you said you talked about the deal that you were in that you really wanted to get out of, and you also couldn't put out You didn't want to put out certain music while you're locked into a deal that you don't want to be in. How hard that being an artist and knowing that, like, Okay, I'm not going above and beyond it, going up to the potential that I know. I have that my fans because people still love the music and it still was great, but it wasn't what you wanted to do necessarily because you're like, I'm not giving them this.

And you know it was Yeah, you said you talked about the deal that you were in that you really wanted to get out of, and you also couldn't put out You didn't want to put out certain music while you're locked into a deal that you don't want to be in. How hard that being an artist and knowing that, like, Okay, I'm not going above and beyond it, going up to the potential that I know. I have that my fans because people still love the music and it still was great, but it wasn't what you wanted to do necessarily because you're like, I'm not giving them this.

It's a crazy position to be in, and I whenever I tell people about it, I'm like, apply it to whatever you do. It's not an art thing. It's a comfortability thing like, if you're not happy, whatever you do, you're probably not going to perform your best. If you're not at peace, you're probably not going to perform your best. And as artists, people love to be like, oh, a tortured soul makes great art, and they do because they need to express that too. But man, y'all don't know how much y'all don't know how much a happy soul makes God great music.

It's a crazy position to be in, and I whenever I tell people about it, I'm like, apply it to whatever you do. It's not an art thing. It's a comfortability thing like, if you're not happy, whatever you do, you're probably not going to perform your best. If you're not at peace, you're probably not going to perform your best. And as artists, people love to be like, oh, a tortured soul makes great art, and they do because they need to express that too. But man, y'all don't know how much y'all don't know how much a happy soul makes God great music.

Just happy, right, yeah, yeah, just be happy for my.

Just happy, right, yeah, yeah, just be happy for my.

Exactly, exactly, And so for me, that's what that's what that is. It was like, all right, I'm in a terrible situation, and while I've served the points of my deal, I can't really drop anything new without it going back to what I haven't recouped. Right, So, at no point when I'm understanding, Oh, I'm understanding, and people who don't have my best I'm in business with people don't have my best interest in heart, I'm in business with people who don't necessarily care about my work and about me the way I do. Okay, understood, what do I have left to do for them? One? Two, three? Y'all gotta do these three things? Okay, I'm gonna do these three things if I do anything else that is like this grand express, Oh, it's so amazing. This is just y'all taking a piece of that, right, And I don't mind y'all taking a piece of that if we are working in good faith as business partners. But when we not, I'm not going to do anything extra for you. Why would I?

Exactly, exactly, And so for me, that's what that's what that is. It was like, all right, I'm in a terrible situation, and while I've served the points of my deal, I can't really drop anything new without it going back to what I haven't recouped. Right, So, at no point when I'm understanding, Oh, I'm understanding, and people who don't have my best I'm in business with people don't have my best interest in heart, I'm in business with people who don't necessarily care about my work and about me the way I do. Okay, understood, what do I have left to do for them? One? Two, three? Y'all gotta do these three things? Okay, I'm gonna do these three things if I do anything else that is like this grand express, Oh, it's so amazing. This is just y'all taking a piece of that, right, And I don't mind y'all taking a piece of that if we are working in good faith as business partners. But when we not, I'm not going to do anything extra for you. Why would I?

Right? And is that something It's hard because do you want people to know that as you're listening to the music or is it something that you're like, let me just get through this.

Right? And is that something It's hard because do you want people to know that as you're listening to the music or is it something that you're like, let me just get through this.

I want people to know, OK. But at the same time, I don't want to be a nigga that's screaming look what they're doing to me, y'all. That's why y'all not getting what y'all want, because look what they're doing. Because even when you do that, it's not received.

I want people to know, OK. But at the same time, I don't want to be a nigga that's screaming look what they're doing to me, y'all. That's why y'all not getting what y'all want, because look what they're doing. Because even when you do that, it's not received.

Yeah, they don't care.

Yeah, they don't care.

I ain't never listen to any artists tell me that. I never investigated, Like, I just moved on to what else I wanted to listen to. So it's just like, yeah, you don't want to be that either, put your head down and you just try to get through it, you know what I'm saying, Which to your question, it sucks because while you're putting your head down trying to get through it. People are assuming why the music ain't come out in a year and a half, why this project sounds this way, why he only did this or that or this or that. And I'm sure as a fan, I take part in the same thing when I'm wondering why Kendrick can't drop for five years? You know what I'm saying.

I ain't never listen to any artists tell me that. I never investigated, Like, I just moved on to what else I wanted to listen to. So it's just like, yeah, you don't want to be that either, put your head down and you just try to get through it, you know what I'm saying, Which to your question, it sucks because while you're putting your head down trying to get through it. People are assuming why the music ain't come out in a year and a half, why this project sounds this way, why he only did this or that or this or that. And I'm sure as a fan, I take part in the same thing when I'm wondering why Kendrick can't drop for five years? You know what I'm saying.

Let me take you Twitter and weighing in on things that a whole different reality. They hated that people could say the same thing you say, But let make Jenkins come on here and talk about, Oh man, why did Jay Cole drop out of the back?

Let me take you Twitter and weighing in on things that a whole different reality. They hated that people could say the same thing you say, But let make Jenkins come on here and talk about, Oh man, why did Jay Cole drop out of the back?

Don't even get me on that. That's something that again, it's not just some art thing. It's not an art thing. It's not a music thing. People who do the thing have the most leeway to speak about the thing.

Don't even get me on that. That's something that again, it's not just some art thing. It's not an art thing. It's not a music thing. People who do the thing have the most leeway to speak about the thing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Right, if you play sports, you probably could speak to that more than I could because I just watch you work in radio. I could speak about radio all that you be here, you know the background. I can only talk about what I see, you know what I'm saying. So as a rapper, it'd be crazy when people feel like I saw a lot of people not just me. Y'all just want Cloud. Y'all just want Cloud. It's like, Bro, this is some historic shit happen.

Right, if you play sports, you probably could speak to that more than I could because I just watch you work in radio. I could speak about radio all that you be here, you know the background. I can only talk about what I see, you know what I'm saying. So as a rapper, it'd be crazy when people feel like I saw a lot of people not just me. Y'all just want Cloud. Y'all just want Cloud. It's like, Bro, this is some historic shit happen.

Yeah it is, of course.

Yeah it is, of course.

I want to talk about you know what I'm saying, Like this don't happen every year.

I want to talk about you know what I'm saying, Like this don't happen every year.

Things played out. People were like j Co was smart for dropping out of the battle because clearly somebody told him something or for whatever reason he and we don't know what those.

Things played out. People were like j Co was smart for dropping out of the battle because clearly somebody told him something or for whatever reason he and we don't know what those.

I personally feel he was very smart.

I personally feel he was very smart.

I just didn't in retrospect. I think at the time it was like.

I just didn't in retrospect. I think at the time it was like.

I didn't have a problem with him dropping out. I just didn't understand the apology. Right, that was it for me. I was like, I don't think he did anything where he needs to apologize.

I didn't have a problem with him dropping out. I just didn't understand the apology. Right, that was it for me. I was like, I don't think he did anything where he needs to apologize.

Yeah that was that serious.

Yeah that was that serious.

Yeah, that was it for me. I would get out the white too. Yeah, yeah, I just didn't get the apology. But you know, to each his own.

Yeah, that was it for me. I would get out the white too. Yeah, yeah, I just didn't get the apology. But you know, to each his own.

And you know, as you coming up in Chicago, right and you know musically Chicago is kind of like where we know Mick Jenkins from. What do you think about say, Kanye and everything with his legacy and everything that's been going on with him, Because I know in Chicago they go hard for some Kanye West, but there's a lot of things surrounding him now. We see him pulling up to Trump rallies, we see comments that he's made, but it doesn't take away from people are like, you know, he's one of my favorite artists.

And you know, as you coming up in Chicago, right and you know musically Chicago is kind of like where we know Mick Jenkins from. What do you think about say, Kanye and everything with his legacy and everything that's been going on with him, Because I know in Chicago they go hard for some Kanye West, but there's a lot of things surrounding him now. We see him pulling up to Trump rallies, we see comments that he's made, but it doesn't take away from people are like, you know, he's one of my favorite artists.

For me, Kanye has been one of my favorite artists for a long time. But previous to a lot of the antics that people have in question, I wasn't rocking with Kanye. People are always surprised to find out. But my Beautiful Dark Twist Afinity was probably the last time that I was rocking with Kanyek for me, because eighty percent of the way that I digest music is creation, so that last twenty percent of listening to music for like Refuge, it's got to be things that I want to hear, things that I want to digest. My Beautiful Dark twis in Fantasy was the last time that I wanted to digest Kanye's music. That was an amazing album. The content is not something that I need when I go to Refuge for my music, you know what I'm saying. It's not so for me. I stopped being as much of a fan as I was Kanye around that time, and then the things that would happen in the following years weren't so surprising to me because I feel like, I truly feel like if you look back through Kanye's lyrics, a lot of who he is as a person, arrogant, not really open to a lot of other people's opinions, very like, these are the ways that he's been for a very long time. These are the ways that he said he was going to be for a very long time. He told y'all eight years ago, you can't tell him nothing. Y'all thought that was just a hot chorus. He was dead serious, you know what I'm saying. So for me, a lot of this isn't as surprising as it is for a lot of other people. It's very confusing. It's very confusing. But I mean, I stopped being as much of a fan quite a long time ago, and I give everybody their space to go through they thing, you know what I'm saying. So that's how I feel about you.

For me, Kanye has been one of my favorite artists for a long time. But previous to a lot of the antics that people have in question, I wasn't rocking with Kanye. People are always surprised to find out. But my Beautiful Dark Twist Afinity was probably the last time that I was rocking with Kanyek for me, because eighty percent of the way that I digest music is creation, so that last twenty percent of listening to music for like Refuge, it's got to be things that I want to hear, things that I want to digest. My Beautiful Dark twis in Fantasy was the last time that I wanted to digest Kanye's music. That was an amazing album. The content is not something that I need when I go to Refuge for my music, you know what I'm saying. It's not so for me. I stopped being as much of a fan as I was Kanye around that time, and then the things that would happen in the following years weren't so surprising to me because I feel like, I truly feel like if you look back through Kanye's lyrics, a lot of who he is as a person, arrogant, not really open to a lot of other people's opinions, very like, these are the ways that he's been for a very long time. These are the ways that he said he was going to be for a very long time. He told y'all eight years ago, you can't tell him nothing. Y'all thought that was just a hot chorus. He was dead serious, you know what I'm saying. So for me, a lot of this isn't as surprising as it is for a lot of other people. It's very confusing. It's very confusing. But I mean, I stopped being as much of a fan quite a long time ago, and I give everybody their space to go through they thing, you know what I'm saying. So that's how I feel about you.

And now you don't live in Chicago anymore, So how is that for you?

And now you don't live in Chicago anymore, So how is that for you?

The move to la was for work. It's been great. I've been there for three years. I just was talking to somebody else. So I've been to LA. Been in New York, Chicago, a lot of different creative hubs for working. I don't link up with more people anywhere than in LA to really get work done.

The move to la was for work. It's been great. I've been there for three years. I just was talking to somebody else. So I've been to LA. Been in New York, Chicago, a lot of different creative hubs for working. I don't link up with more people anywhere than in LA to really get work done.

I can see that to.

I can see that to.

Actually, I was telling them, I was like, I love New York. I get a lot of work done in New York, but more than LA, I have a lot of conversations about work that don't end up with us working. You know what I'm saying. I have way more conversations about the work we want to get done, and we actually get it done out there.

Actually, I was telling them, I was like, I love New York. I get a lot of work done in New York, but more than LA, I have a lot of conversations about work that don't end up with us working. You know what I'm saying. I have way more conversations about the work we want to get done, and we actually get it done out there.

You know what I'm saying, go to the studio.

You know what I'm saying, go to the studio.

And so after three years, though, I feel like again some of the lessons that I learned, some of the things that I learned being with this new life, understanding how the music industry is rapidly changing, I'm about to go back home. I'm about to go Everything that I'm about to do next for these next teen years in my career, it needs to be done in Chicago. Okay, if I do it in LA, I'm just anothering that could doing it in LA. If I do it in Chicago, I'm building something that's the city needs.

And so after three years, though, I feel like again some of the lessons that I learned, some of the things that I learned being with this new life, understanding how the music industry is rapidly changing, I'm about to go back home. I'm about to go Everything that I'm about to do next for these next teen years in my career, it needs to be done in Chicago. Okay, if I do it in LA, I'm just anothering that could doing it in LA. If I do it in Chicago, I'm building something that's the city needs.

And you know, the DNC is there the Democratic National Convention.

And you know, the DNC is there the Democratic National Convention.

Asible I've heard.

Asible I've heard.

I've heard so when we dove into things like that and you see everything that's going on in the world and things that are happening in Chicago, because they're using that now as like everything that's wrong, they'll be like, oh, you can see now going to the DNC, and you know, and for me as a person that I've been to Chicago a lot, I love Chicago, you know, yeah, obviously, but I like literally was there the day that I left the Breakfast Club. I went to Chicago straight from the show and stayed out and went to clubs until like four in the morning.

I've heard so when we dove into things like that and you see everything that's going on in the world and things that are happening in Chicago, because they're using that now as like everything that's wrong, they'll be like, oh, you can see now going to the DNC, and you know, and for me as a person that I've been to Chicago a lot, I love Chicago, you know, yeah, obviously, but I like literally was there the day that I left the Breakfast Club. I went to Chicago straight from the show and stayed out and went to clubs until like four in the morning.

Oh so you came to Chicago to get your mind right?

Oh so you came to Chicago to get your mind right?

Yeah, I went there and celebrated, you know, shout out to all my peoples in Chicago. But you know, I'm just wondering what you think when it comes to Kamala Harris running for president. People have a lot of things to say about that. The fact that Donald Trump is running even though he's a convicted feeling now and he's said a lot of negative things, but it feels like he's still getting support from a lot of rappers and a lot of artists. So I want to know your take on everything that's happening right now with politics, what you think when you're looking at the news and seeing things, and where you get your information from.

Yeah, I went there and celebrated, you know, shout out to all my peoples in Chicago. But you know, I'm just wondering what you think when it comes to Kamala Harris running for president. People have a lot of things to say about that. The fact that Donald Trump is running even though he's a convicted feeling now and he's said a lot of negative things, but it feels like he's still getting support from a lot of rappers and a lot of artists. So I want to know your take on everything that's happening right now with politics, what you think when you're looking at the news and seeing things, and where you get your information from.

I'll start with Trump. I think rappers supporting Trump is weird. I just assume it's about money most of the time. I really don't know. I assume either they have some information like a Kanye, you must have some information that lets you know that this guy is going to do better for your money than the other person. That's what I assume it must be. But I have no idea super weird. I think, just like Kanye, nothing that America does really surprises me anymore. You know, I think we've had more than enough examples that the people in office, no matter what'side they're on, don't really care about the everyday American. We have examples from the history of how these people vote in office to know where their platforms stand. We have Kamala Harris's history. We know what side of the line she's been on throughout her career. You know what I'm saying, as a as a police officer, as a she wasn't just a police officer, she was a day Yeah. Yeah, So I feel like I mean, I don't have to say how I feel. There's just a lot of evidence that huge parts of this are dishonesty.

I'll start with Trump. I think rappers supporting Trump is weird. I just assume it's about money most of the time. I really don't know. I assume either they have some information like a Kanye, you must have some information that lets you know that this guy is going to do better for your money than the other person. That's what I assume it must be. But I have no idea super weird. I think, just like Kanye, nothing that America does really surprises me anymore. You know, I think we've had more than enough examples that the people in office, no matter what'side they're on, don't really care about the everyday American. We have examples from the history of how these people vote in office to know where their platforms stand. We have Kamala Harris's history. We know what side of the line she's been on throughout her career. You know what I'm saying, as a as a police officer, as a she wasn't just a police officer, she was a day Yeah. Yeah, So I feel like I mean, I don't have to say how I feel. There's just a lot of evidence that huge parts of this are dishonesty.

I don't think anybody looks as politics as honesty.

I don't think anybody looks as politics as honesty.

But which which is crazy though, because these are the officials that are like running the country. And I think if the idea is that dishonesty is ingrained into it, is it? What does it matter? What I think? You know? What does matter? What you think?

But which which is crazy though, because these are the officials that are like running the country. And I think if the idea is that dishonesty is ingrained into it, is it? What does it matter? What I think? You know? What does matter? What you think?

You know what I'm saying like people who get into politics thinking they could change things and then realize how hard that you can, because it's like a whole system of like, okay, you do this, and it's a lot of like bartering, like do this, but you do this, and then it turns into something that is not just about what's best for people.

You know what I'm saying like people who get into politics thinking they could change things and then realize how hard that you can, because it's like a whole system of like, okay, you do this, and it's a lot of like bartering, like do this, but you do this, and then it turns into something that is not just about what's best for people.

My opinion is that the system as it was created is flawless and it's doing all the things that is supposed to do. That's my opinion.

My opinion is that the system as it was created is flawless and it's doing all the things that is supposed to do. That's my opinion.

Chaosity, Yeah.

Chaosity, Yeah.

I watched the dismantling of Twitter and everybody was so confused about what he was doing. I was just like, I'm not do you remember how useful Twitter was when Ferguson was going on? Right, do you remember that they were lying to us on TV, and you were finding that they were lying to us on TV because of the information you were getting on Twitter. That cannot happen anymore. It can't happen anymore. It would be ridiculously unreliable information coming from Twitter. Now, yeah, yep, there's no blue check marks. You can pay for them. There was news publications that had to be verified. You're worried about personal verification. News publications had to be verified. The people that you were getting honest information from had to be verified, and then there was a problem if you were just on Twitter line. That's not a real thing anymore. It's not an alternative place where we can go get instant information and it be the truth. So that's what I see when I see Twitter get dismantled like that. It's like, well, for all the fun we were having, that doesn't matter. This was a place where real information was traveling very fast, and it cannot do that effectively anymore. And so when you asked me a question like that, it's like where you want me to start, Like, what do I think? I think it's bus. I think it's easy to see it's bus and I think the politicians job is to make us feel like it's not. And I don't think people want to hear that from me.

I watched the dismantling of Twitter and everybody was so confused about what he was doing. I was just like, I'm not do you remember how useful Twitter was when Ferguson was going on? Right, do you remember that they were lying to us on TV, and you were finding that they were lying to us on TV because of the information you were getting on Twitter. That cannot happen anymore. It can't happen anymore. It would be ridiculously unreliable information coming from Twitter. Now, yeah, yep, there's no blue check marks. You can pay for them. There was news publications that had to be verified. You're worried about personal verification. News publications had to be verified. The people that you were getting honest information from had to be verified, and then there was a problem if you were just on Twitter line. That's not a real thing anymore. It's not an alternative place where we can go get instant information and it be the truth. So that's what I see when I see Twitter get dismantled like that. It's like, well, for all the fun we were having, that doesn't matter. This was a place where real information was traveling very fast, and it cannot do that effectively anymore. And so when you asked me a question like that, it's like where you want me to start, Like, what do I think? I think it's bus. I think it's easy to see it's bus and I think the politicians job is to make us feel like it's not. And I don't think people want to hear that from me.

Yeah, I mean, you know what I've had to realizes that I do have to be as involved as I possibly can to make things happen and to understand how the system works, so you can, because what I love is people who change policy and people who actually go in there with a plan and then they can go and f.

Yeah, I mean, you know what I've had to realizes that I do have to be as involved as I possibly can to make things happen and to understand how the system works, so you can, because what I love is people who change policy and people who actually go in there with a plan and then they can go and f.

Shout out my boy Stevie Vallaz in Chicago doing a lot to change policy. He focuses on prison inmates who are have gotten out and are being blocked from their ability to vote, or prison inmates who are still in jail or prison and they have not been convicted yet, so that they still have the opportunity to vote even though a conviction hasn't been passed on them. That's the home meet. That's one of my good friends. And you're right. Being as involved as possible knowing about people like that in organizations like that, so we can actually affect legislation is the only.

Shout out my boy Stevie Vallaz in Chicago doing a lot to change policy. He focuses on prison inmates who are have gotten out and are being blocked from their ability to vote, or prison inmates who are still in jail or prison and they have not been convicted yet, so that they still have the opportunity to vote even though a conviction hasn't been passed on them. That's the home meet. That's one of my good friends. And you're right. Being as involved as possible knowing about people like that in organizations like that, so we can actually affect legislation is the only.

Way because change is slow when it comes to politics, but it does happen. We've seen a lot of different you know, things go through even we talk about like student loan reform, and people thought that would never happen. I was one of those people, right, But a lot of people did get their loans forgetting and they're working on it. But it's unfortunate league keeps on getting black. So many different things that go on. And you know what I want to ask you, since you talked about money and how that can affect how people maybe decide who they want to be in office, you know, what's your relationship when it comes to money? Because you have a song like Japanese right where you talk about vices and people chasing after money on the patients. So what is your personal relationship when it comes to money finances, what you spend your money on. I know you like nice things, you know, but it feels like you know, you are also aware of what it is not to want to come to compromise your art for money.

Way because change is slow when it comes to politics, but it does happen. We've seen a lot of different you know, things go through even we talk about like student loan reform, and people thought that would never happen. I was one of those people, right, But a lot of people did get their loans forgetting and they're working on it. But it's unfortunate league keeps on getting black. So many different things that go on. And you know what I want to ask you, since you talked about money and how that can affect how people maybe decide who they want to be in office, you know, what's your relationship when it comes to money? Because you have a song like Japanese right where you talk about vices and people chasing after money on the patients. So what is your personal relationship when it comes to money finances, what you spend your money on. I know you like nice things, you know, but it feels like you know, you are also aware of what it is not to want to come to compromise your art for money.

Which foremost for me is making sure a constant evaluation of myself that I don't love money, that I'm not putting money above anything really in my life. Like I think, I think we hear a lot of people talking about how much they love money. And for anybody that's confused, if you you know I love God. I'm a Christian. I believe in about the love of money is the root of all evil. Money yourself isn't the root of all evil. I see people confuse this all the time. Money the love of money is the root of all evil. And I just see people talking about how much they love money all the time, and it's kind of crazy to me. So that's where I start, is evaluating myself in that way. But my general perspective about money is access. I don't praise money. I don't hold money too high. It's access. Ninety percent of things you want in this world you can get it with some money, right period, So you should have a healthy respect for that. That's how I.

Which foremost for me is making sure a constant evaluation of myself that I don't love money, that I'm not putting money above anything really in my life. Like I think, I think we hear a lot of people talking about how much they love money. And for anybody that's confused, if you you know I love God. I'm a Christian. I believe in about the love of money is the root of all evil. Money yourself isn't the root of all evil. I see people confuse this all the time. Money the love of money is the root of all evil. And I just see people talking about how much they love money all the time, and it's kind of crazy to me. So that's where I start, is evaluating myself in that way. But my general perspective about money is access. I don't praise money. I don't hold money too high. It's access. Ninety percent of things you want in this world you can get it with some money, right period, So you should have a healthy respect for that. That's how I.

Feel, like, you know what I'm saying Wednesday. So I always think about the way that I was raised, like not having a lot of money when I was younger, and you know, really living like not even check to check. To get into a point where I'm like, okay, now I was able to buy a house and then invest in different things, but I still never feel comfortable, like you always feel like at some point it could be all gone. I always think that.

Feel, like, you know what I'm saying Wednesday. So I always think about the way that I was raised, like not having a lot of money when I was younger, and you know, really living like not even check to check. To get into a point where I'm like, okay, now I was able to buy a house and then invest in different things, but I still never feel comfortable, like you always feel like at some point it could be all gone. I always think that.

I think for myself, I try to make sure that you know, I pay ten percent of times. I try to make sure that I got three months, four months saved up, you know what I'm saying. And then from that point, that's my for my money. God, that's your life, that's your defense. That's what he said. It's like, you got you gotta have three months set up. You want your life insurance, you want your defense. And then on an offensive tip, like how I spend my money as long as everything is taken care of, you know, I try to be generous. I try to make sure that we're having a fun life, you know what I'm saying, Like, that's as far as money goes. That's probably as much as I think about it. We want to buy a house, all right, let's make a plan and let's stick to the plan. Cool. We want to prepare for having kids, all right, let's make a plan and stick to the plan. Cool. That becomes bills, That becomes responsibility. Once my responsibilities are taken care of, whatever I got, whatever extra we're just trying to have a good life. We're just trying to have fun. I don't ever like work too hard for the money or or oh yeah, yeah, let's let's get that last for I'll turn down shows, I'll turn down things that I don't want to do, and money is never the only reason why I'm gonna go do something. And so I think that's the best way I can answer your question, because even with this part, it's just like outside of planning, and I don't really think about money too much. I gotta be trying to do something, you know what I'm saying. Before I came to New York, I was like, all right, we gotta pay for sessions for practice. Wife. You're gonna want to do a little shop and you know what I'm saying, we gotta eat. I gotta pay for everybody ubers. I probably need this much. Outside of that, I ain't really think you know what I'm saying. That's the way that I think about money, But I don't really think.

I think for myself, I try to make sure that you know, I pay ten percent of times. I try to make sure that I got three months, four months saved up, you know what I'm saying. And then from that point, that's my for my money. God, that's your life, that's your defense. That's what he said. It's like, you got you gotta have three months set up. You want your life insurance, you want your defense. And then on an offensive tip, like how I spend my money as long as everything is taken care of, you know, I try to be generous. I try to make sure that we're having a fun life, you know what I'm saying, Like, that's as far as money goes. That's probably as much as I think about it. We want to buy a house, all right, let's make a plan and let's stick to the plan. Cool. We want to prepare for having kids, all right, let's make a plan and stick to the plan. Cool. That becomes bills, That becomes responsibility. Once my responsibilities are taken care of, whatever I got, whatever extra we're just trying to have a good life. We're just trying to have fun. I don't ever like work too hard for the money or or oh yeah, yeah, let's let's get that last for I'll turn down shows, I'll turn down things that I don't want to do, and money is never the only reason why I'm gonna go do something. And so I think that's the best way I can answer your question, because even with this part, it's just like outside of planning, and I don't really think about money too much. I gotta be trying to do something, you know what I'm saying. Before I came to New York, I was like, all right, we gotta pay for sessions for practice. Wife. You're gonna want to do a little shop and you know what I'm saying, we gotta eat. I gotta pay for everybody ubers. I probably need this much. Outside of that, I ain't really think you know what I'm saying. That's the way that I think about money, But I don't really think.

About it too much other than that, Why was that marriage so important for you?

About it too much other than that, Why was that marriage so important for you?

Why was marriage important for it?

Why was marriage important for it?

So some people will tell you that they don't think that marriage. You know, we could be together. Some people will be together twenty years and then end up getting married. Why did you say okay? Now?

So some people will tell you that they don't think that marriage. You know, we could be together. Some people will be together twenty years and then end up getting married. Why did you say okay? Now?

First, I was raised that way. The idea of marriage was always an end goal for me. Beyond that. I think I'm a person that needs somebody. I've told my wife that a lot. I was like, I don't think I would have in life. I think I just needed a partner from a young age, from high school age, from the that I started dating. I feel like I was always It wasn't very too long being single before I was in another relationship because I feel like I need somebody, a partner to work with. We've been together for ten years, yeah, ten years. We've been married for four this year. My first time talking to her was when I first got signed and I'm skating around New York. She's in New Orleans, just talking to her on the phone every night. You know. That ended up being three She was still in school. So we're on the phone for like three months, just loving being on the phone five six hours at a time. So for me, very early, I knew, oh yeah, this is a type of person I could be with forever.

First, I was raised that way. The idea of marriage was always an end goal for me. Beyond that. I think I'm a person that needs somebody. I've told my wife that a lot. I was like, I don't think I would have in life. I think I just needed a partner from a young age, from high school age, from the that I started dating. I feel like I was always It wasn't very too long being single before I was in another relationship because I feel like I need somebody, a partner to work with. We've been together for ten years, yeah, ten years. We've been married for four this year. My first time talking to her was when I first got signed and I'm skating around New York. She's in New Orleans, just talking to her on the phone every night. You know. That ended up being three She was still in school. So we're on the phone for like three months, just loving being on the phone five six hours at a time. So for me, very early, I knew, oh yeah, this is a type of person I could be with forever.

That's the best those beginnings. Yeah, yeah, just say we were talking to the sun came up to just be on the phone all night long, fall asleep on the.

That's the best those beginnings. Yeah, yeah, just say we were talking to the sun came up to just be on the phone all night long, fall asleep on the.

Phone, and what three years in four years? In what was it when I propose to four years yeah, I just you know, we have been through a lot, and in a sense of trying to uttering myself and trying to do better by her, I purposed in my mind at the time, I was like, all right, what are you doing? Do you want to be with this woman? Do you want to be with her forever? What are you doing that shows her that? And what are you going to do that you're not doing to make that a reality? So that was shortly before I post proposed to her, and for me, it was just evaluation. We've been together this long, you're trying to do this. What is the end goal here? You know what I'm saying like, And once I figured that out, then it was all right, make sure that she on the same page of me, and if she on the same page of me what she was, it was like, all right, in what we're doing, let's do it. I knew long before I proposed to her that that was the person that I want to be with. I love long before I proposed her to my partner, So it was just time.

Phone, and what three years in four years? In what was it when I propose to four years yeah, I just you know, we have been through a lot, and in a sense of trying to uttering myself and trying to do better by her, I purposed in my mind at the time, I was like, all right, what are you doing? Do you want to be with this woman? Do you want to be with her forever? What are you doing that shows her that? And what are you going to do that you're not doing to make that a reality? So that was shortly before I post proposed to her, and for me, it was just evaluation. We've been together this long, you're trying to do this. What is the end goal here? You know what I'm saying like, And once I figured that out, then it was all right, make sure that she on the same page of me, and if she on the same page of me what she was, it was like, all right, in what we're doing, let's do it. I knew long before I proposed to her that that was the person that I want to be with. I love long before I proposed her to my partner, So it was just time.

It seems like you hold yourself accountable just from everything that we're talking about that there's periods of time and be like, okay, what do I need to do.

It seems like you hold yourself accountable just from everything that we're talking about that there's periods of time and be like, okay, what do I need to do.

There's people, including my wife, who would say I don't all the time. You yeah, yeah, I tried to try.

There's people, including my wife, who would say I don't all the time. You yeah, yeah, I tried to try.

Guys say, now see, you're also going back to South Africa.

Guys say, now see, you're also going back to South Africa.

I love it. Yeah, shout out South Africa. They are my most voracious fans. They be on my comments, they be on my YouTube, every social media. God, they be on there. And I always know because I get up early and the time difference. There's an influx of South African comments and social media engagement at two, three, four in the morning, so they be active. They are literally top three. They go from one to two and three all the time when we look of fans downloading, buying, purchasing, whatever. So I love going out to South Africa. The first time we went out there, we did a show and then we were able to do a show twice the size just off word of mouth two days later.

I love it. Yeah, shout out South Africa. They are my most voracious fans. They be on my comments, they be on my YouTube, every social media. God, they be on there. And I always know because I get up early and the time difference. There's an influx of South African comments and social media engagement at two, three, four in the morning, so they be active. They are literally top three. They go from one to two and three all the time when we look of fans downloading, buying, purchasing, whatever. So I love going out to South Africa. The first time we went out there, we did a show and then we were able to do a show twice the size just off word of mouth two days later.

That's huge.

That's huge.

They love me out there.

They love me out there.

So I love y'all right back, and I love it there too.

So I love y'all right back, and I love it there too.

Yeah, that's the camp right there, y'all. I love y'all too.

Yeah, that's the camp right there, y'all. I love y'all too.

Was it life changing for you the first time that you went to South Africa. The first time I went, I was with my bunch of my friends came. They were like, we're gonna come to since I got bucked to do something, and literally like started crying as soon as we landed.

Was it life changing for you the first time that you went to South Africa. The first time I went, I was with my bunch of my friends came. They were like, we're gonna come to since I got bucked to do something, and literally like started crying as soon as we landed.

Uh not that not that deep, but but no, but there were moments where you just kind of sit back and be like, wow, Like I am in Africa, you know what I'm saying. And even I got some homies in Ghana and Nigeria. I was like, no, not the real Africa. Shout out David. Though you didn't go to the real Africa. I'm like, I went. That's where I was, you know what I'm saying. So, man, just seeing all the black people being in a black country that is a black country, you know what I'm saying. I'm sorry, continent, but the idea of home motherland, all of those things kind of start as an American start hitting you while you're surrounded by all of this culture. Yeah, I think about that a lot most of the times when I'm overseas though, I have those kind of thoughts. I'm very I mean, you should be aware of how the world views America, good and bad, and so those are things that are usually on my mind when I'm out the country. So I'm still in the myriad of ways in South Africa.

Uh not that not that deep, but but no, but there were moments where you just kind of sit back and be like, wow, Like I am in Africa, you know what I'm saying. And even I got some homies in Ghana and Nigeria. I was like, no, not the real Africa. Shout out David. Though you didn't go to the real Africa. I'm like, I went. That's where I was, you know what I'm saying. So, man, just seeing all the black people being in a black country that is a black country, you know what I'm saying. I'm sorry, continent, but the idea of home motherland, all of those things kind of start as an American start hitting you while you're surrounded by all of this culture. Yeah, I think about that a lot most of the times when I'm overseas though, I have those kind of thoughts. I'm very I mean, you should be aware of how the world views America, good and bad, and so those are things that are usually on my mind when I'm out the country. So I'm still in the myriad of ways in South Africa.

Nice, that's so dope. Been there once and I'm dying to go back. That's a long flight. It's a commitment.

Nice, that's so dope. Been there once and I'm dying to go back. That's a long flight. It's a commitment.

Yeah, yeah, I'm used to traveling though.

Yeah, yeah, I'm used to traveling though.

So yeah, I have to be here, you know. But I want to talk about this too. Now, let me see if Mick Jenkins is being messy when you put a song by Freddie Gibbs featuring Freddie Gibbs and then Benny the Butcher right after. Yeah, now, is that something you even realized when you did it?

So yeah, I have to be here, you know. But I want to talk about this too. Now, let me see if Mick Jenkins is being messy when you put a song by Freddie Gibbs featuring Freddie Gibbs and then Benny the Butcher right after. Yeah, now, is that something you even realized when you did it?

Oh? I realized it.

Oh? I realized it.

Ok, you did it on purpose.

Ok, you did it on purpose.

I didn't know they were both going to give me my verse. That was the issue. I had been chasing Freddy for like a year and a half, seeing Freddie out multiple times. He from Gary, so you know, basically a Chicago nigga, all love. But every time I hit him to do the record, no response, which is typical in the industry. Niggas to sdap you up, chop it up, smoke with you, but when you want to work, you ain't getting no response patience. So exactly, so all right, cool, Freddie not hitting me back. My label loves Benny. The label want to get Bennie. I'm like, all right, go ahead, get Bennie. Almost really, almost the same day, we get Bennie. Two am that morning, Freddy sent me the verse just out the blue, no no heads up, no nothing. I'm like, damn this nigga sent the verse? All right? Cool? So I'm like, damn, we really got a Freddie and a Bennie verse.