FM: So first I gotta ask you this pun intended but growing up in Hartford CT, I think Martha Stewartville so am I correct, and if so how would that environment inspire you to become a rapper?
A: (LOL!). This is not my first time hearing that. There’s no doubt that CT as a state is predominantly suburban with lots of mansions and “old” money. It’s one of our nation’s wealthiest states every year. It does though, like every place does, have its spots. You have places like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford where it’s the exact opposite – urban, poverty, crime etc. Hartford, CT statistically is one of the poorest cities in the nation, which is pretty ironic. My high school, Bulkeley High, was fighting for accreditation my freshman year there – so was Hartford High and Weaver at several points in time. It’s pretty bad there. So to answer your question, I guess you can’t judge every book by its cover. I’d say Hartford is not represented by how CT is perceived…Lol @ Martha Stewartville though – that’s good.FM: When and What made to you come to the Chi?
A: I moved to Evanston, IL (just outside of Chicago) in the fall of 2003 to attend college at Northwestern University. I graduated in 2007 with my B.A. in Organizational Change and got an apartment in Chicago. I’ve lived in Chicago since. I got some advice from a mentor of mine who’s a promoter back in CT, Pete Higgins, that it might be a good idea for me to stay in a big city like Chicago, build a buzz for myself and get some radio spins. Whatever buzz I could create in Chicago he advised could be a good way to separate myself from artists in CT. “Hartford ain’t goin’ nowhere. We’ll be right here,” he told me. I took his advice, and it’s been working out well for me so far. That’s what brought me to Chicago.
FM: Now I love the Chi it's an hour away from where I'm originally from, tell me about your experiences there?
A: Well, I’ve lived on the North Side of Chicago and the South loop over the past 3 years. All I gotta say is Chicago is a great city, man. It’s interesting because it is very diverse so there are a lot of options in terms of places to eat, nightlife, museums. Restaurants – you got your hood classic spots, Harold’s, McArthur’s. Then you’ve your upscale spots like Joe’s Prime Steak and Seafood and Opera. (I’m big on fine dining). And Summertime Chi – there’s nothing like it bro. Every week there’s a festival or parade. You got the Bears, White Sox, and Cubs. Man my last crib was a high rise overlooking Lake Michigan and Soldier field. No matter where I end up settling down, I will definitely own a condo in downtown Chicago.
FM:What has your journey to become signed like?
A:It’s been, and continues to be, a learning process; I’ve learned a lot about the industry, it’s politics, and most importantly MYSELF. Even as an unsigned artist in hip hop, there’s a lot of pressure to conform your style into what is “hot now” in order to get the attention of labels – especially if your style and image very different from what’s “hot now” (lol). Great artists find a way to accept feedback but stay “themselves” – sink or swim! I’ve also learned the importance of a strong and loyal team. Without a team, an artist is powerless. I’ve got a great team, great product, and the journey to getting in the game has never been brighter, bro - #TEAMADII!
FM: By you being located in the Chi have you heard of Dave Coresh?
A: I’ve actually heard of him and have heard his music before – mostly virally. I’ve caught some of his stuff blogs. I’ve never met him though.
FM: Who are your musical influences on your style of flow, and are they your favorite artist and why?
A: 
So I’d have to give credit to sir Nasir Jones to having the most influence on my style of flow. When I was younger, I used to literally study Nas’ rhyme patterns, like, into actual poetical structures, and model my flow after his (LOL). He’s definitely my favorite rapper of all time. All of his albums are classics. I continue to reference them today for inspiration.
So I’d have to give credit to sir Nasir Jones to having the most influence on my style of flow. When I was younger, I used to literally study Nas’ rhyme patterns, like, into actual poetical structures, and model my flow after his (LOL). He’s definitely my favorite rapper of all time. All of his albums are classics. I continue to reference them today for inspiration.FM:Describe what the people can expect you to bring to hip-hop?
A: 
People can expect a sense of originality from my music. My music is pretty distinct from a lot of rappers in terms of image, content, and lyricism. There are some rappers today that keep Hip-Hop fun and current while still keeping a strong sense of lyricism in their work – Eminem, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Drake, J. Cole. People can expect me to help keep Hip-Hop true to lyricism and just…genuine expression. We’re not all gangstas, feel me?
People can expect a sense of originality from my music. My music is pretty distinct from a lot of rappers in terms of image, content, and lyricism. There are some rappers today that keep Hip-Hop fun and current while still keeping a strong sense of lyricism in their work – Eminem, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Drake, J. Cole. People can expect me to help keep Hip-Hop true to lyricism and just…genuine expression. We’re not all gangstas, feel me?FM: Do you see yourself doing any collabos if so with whom?
A: I’ve got some collaborations in the works right now with some Chicago artists like singers Rotimi and C. Rich and mc’s like Chris Shields, Pheave, and Roy Kinsey. There are def others but those are artists I’ve actually been in the lab with to date.
FM: What projects are you currently working on and please send links?
A: I’m finishing up my debut EP entitled “My Dream”. This is my baby right here. It’s been actually a few years in the making now, and I’m still perfecting it. We got producers from Chicago, Jersey, CT contributing to the pool of tracks we’re pulling from – shouts to NS Beat Proz, Hustle Squad, DJ Meechie & Zulu Music, and The Arsenals . I’ve got one more studio session to knock out the last batch of songs to pull the last 2-3 songs to make the EP. Very excited!
The single off the EP is also called “My Dream” and the video for it will be released on February 21st. You’ll def be one of the first to get it.
<My Dream Video *TEASER*: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgrc7viFgsE>
FM: Describe your personal style? What labels are in your closet
A:
Overall, I’m not really loyal to brands – if I see it and like it, I buy it. Having said that, what do I have in my closet? …Let’s see. I’ve got Ralph Lauren, Rugby, J. Crew (my favorite button up and blazer fit), Club Monaco, Dynastee (dynasteeshop.com), Banana Republic (peacoats and sweaters), YSL, J. Lindenberg, Marc Jacobs, that’s about all I can remember right now. I gravitate more towards “classic” than “flashy/loud”.
FM:Best Place to chill in the Chi or Hartford?
A:Wow – on the spot! Well simple and plain, Chi-Town’s got way more options; there are more restaurants, clubs, just more things to do. But for me, there’s just no place like home, man. I’m a homebody at heart. I like to chill most with family and close friends. So if I had to pick the best place for me to chill, I’d have to pick home – where the heart is, Hartford.
FM:Do you plan on venturing on any other aspects on entertainment?by that I mean fashion, acting, reality tv etc.....
A:Who knows? I definitely won’t say “No” or “Never”. It will be interesting to see what kind of brand I can create for myself as an artist once I get firm footing into this industry, and I’ll take it from there. I’ve always been one to explore all opportunities for growth. So, I guess any one of those avenues are possible in the near future.
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