Brooklyn rapper Bajan Sparrow (formerly known as Spa77ow) presents “Vyvanse”, the new Jacob Lethal-produced single from his forthcoming mixtape God Don’t Like Ugly. Sparrow was featured in XXL’s Freshmen issue 2015 (read his XXL interview). He collaborated in 2014 with Tone Trump (listen to “Virgin Remy” on Soundcloud) and his most recent visual was for the “Stone Cold Stunna Freestyle” (Youtube). In 2009 he toured with Nike as an opening act for LeBron James’ “More Than A Game” Movie promo tour, did the Toy Drive tour in 2015 through the East Coast, and has had over 10 sold out shows in NYC at venues such as Webster Hall, Coco 66, ArmarachI Lounge. “This record is a score to everyday shit,” Sparrow says. “It’s about the fake love, the fake support, and the snakes in the grass.”
How did you get the name Bajan Sparrow? What have reactions to it been?
For a long time I was ashamed of my roots because people would tease me and call my dad African when he came to my schools. When I told my family I rap and they ask my name which originally was just Sparrow they would respond "Bajan Sparrow" an ode to the Bajan singer Sparrow. When I became comfortable with myself and my art recently. I just ran with the mix Bajan Sparrow. I think it's stunned some fans and supporters because they were so use to just calling me "Sparrow". That they didn't see the significance in changing my name. I did a lot as just Sparrow. But as I always say. The name don't make the person, The person makes the name. Besides People care about my music more than they do my name.
What made you decide to become a rapper?
I didn't decide to become a "Rapper", that happened naturally. My only decision was making it a source of income. Besides I hate the term "rapper". I'm an artist, and even that term is being abused. I’m a paramount lol. The artist that influenced me to be a music artist are Michael Jackson, Notorious B.I.G, Marilyn Manson, Jay-Z, Lil' Kim, Snoop Dogg and Lil' Wayne. They all play an important role in my artistry and I appreciate what they did for hip-hop as a whole.
What’s the first rap song you ever heard? Describe the moment.
The first Rap Song I ever payed attention to and comprehended was Biggie's Juicy. My sister played it every morning for like 2 years straight. Not only did I feel the celebration of life big was putting through the song but I saw it. I felt like I knew what success meant when big said "My mama smile every time my face is up in the Source ". I felt that line and still do today. Big was just so vivid, I felt like I can relate to what he was saying and I knew what he was talking about. Same for Wayne. When he talk I know exactly what the fuck he talking about.
How did “Vyvanse” come together?
Just everyday creative shit for an artist. I had the hook in my head for like 3 months. But I needed the right beat. Jacob Lethal sent me 5 tracks. That one was the one that stood out the best to me and was actually the cheapest one lol. I just put it together and it sounded better than I had hoped for. Thanks to my nigga Yun Nostra he mix the record. That dude got his finger on that wave I swear. We worked on the initial track in one take. But Nostra being so creative he just added subtle touches to it and it sounds way better than what it originally did. That wasn't even supposed to be the track out the gate it just came together like that off the reaction of people that heard it in advance.
What are your predictions for 2016, personally and globally?
I believe an artist can predict the future because they create it. I have the revamp of my tour with monster energy involved. A concert I'm planning with top NYC talent for the summer. And the release of my Mixtape "God Don't Like Ugly " (Formerly Toys). And to just provide more and more content to the people that fuck with me. I have to deliver just for them. My global goal is to get 1 million social media followers. If I accomplish that I should be doing something right.