Describe the typical 88N8 fan.
The typical 88N8 fan is most definitely one who is into lyrics. I'm not knocking this new wave of music at all, but I feel like the people who listen to my music are into similar artists, such as Fabolous, Eminem, J Cole, Kendrick etc. I definitely am not one to put myself in a box and say that I'm one dimensional and can only make one style of music. That's not me at all. For that reason alone I truly believe the typical 88N8 fan is going to evolve as my music continues to evolve. As of right now though I would say the typical 88N8 fan is the male/female that's into the emcee with a more lyrical approach to his/her music.
What do you think the old school can learn from the new school and vice versa?
That's a good question, I came up on early Dmx, Eminem, juvenile, just 90's rap/hip hop. With that being said, I consider myself old school because that's old school to me so I'll answer this personally. What I'm learning from this new generation is how to utilize the internet to create attention around my music and my brand. Back in the 90's there was no internet! All those acts I just named had to rely on the label for marketing/promotion etc. The internet has changed that! I think some of these old school acts are learning from the new school acts and rebuilding their brand via internet. Cutting out the middleman and making their music direct to fan. New school acts are teaching you this, maybe not intentionally but if you pay attention you can definitely learn something. Old school generation can teach the new school generation how to move in this industry. Old school generation could really be mentors to the new school simply because they have an ample amount of experience. Honestly that new 4:44 album from Jay is a true gem for the new generation; they seem to not be rocking with it though. Seriously though, just watching and observing the likes of P Diddy, Jay-Z, Dr Dre and moguls like that who have had a major impact on music could really teach the new generation on how to expand their brand and take their career to the next level.
What's the number one thing you want people to know about 88N8?
I'm true to this! I'm really really true to this music shit! That's what I want people to know about me, the fact that I'm not just in this shit for fame and a chain or the money and the bitches. No! Absolutely not. I love music, I love creating new content, challenging myself to try something new in the studio it's all just exciting to me. I love all music, I don't just listen to one genre i listen to anything I can get my hands on that sounds dope to me! They say do what you love and love what you do, and I'm living by this quote every day that I'm doing music. That's the number one thing that I want people to know about 88N8!
What do you prefer about Chicago and Las Vegas and vice versa?
Well both destinations are home to me just in different ways. Vegas is home to me because I live there. I love living there, it's a ton of shit to do, the people are friendly and it's a great place to network and meet creative minds who can really have an impact on whatever it's you're trying to do artistically. The city is so lively especially at night, everything is damn near open all night long, if you leave the club and want Chinese food at 3 am, the only thing stopping from getting it is you! Plus, The raiders are coming, you think it's lit now, then just wait! Chicago is home to me because it's where all my family is! I'm welcomed with open arms every time I touch down! When I leave it just feels like I never left, I link up with my friends and we hit the same corner stores we use to, chill on the same porches, hit the river oaks mall, it's just a really good vibe man. Chicago is a vybe! I love going back in the summer cause a Chicago summer is the best shit ever! The trees are green, the weather is humid, the girls are thick as fuck! And my cousin is on the grill! I just love the city man. It's been a while since I've been back, I might have to make that trip soon.
What are your thoughts on America's current political climate?
I don't even like answering political questions because I'm a straight up conspiracy theorist and anything I say is gonna make me sound crazy as fuck. I just leave this kind of talk for the music and I address it on certain records. I will say that I'm not rocking with Trump! I don't believe he's a racist, but his supporters definitely are! I fear for my people while he's In office. That's all I'm going to say.
