Issa Thompson started rapping at the tender age of eight. By the age of 16, he was signed to Jive Records, making him the youngest rapper to sign with the record label. Fast forward a year later and the 17-year-old MC will be releasing his second mixtape, King Issa, in just a few days. His first mixtape, Back To The Future, has already received rave reviews.
AUDIO: Listen to “Halloween”, Issa’s first single from his new mixtape
Blackcelebkids.com recently sat down with the young star to find out about his musical influences, his long locks, and more! Check out highlights from the interview now!
On his musical influences:
“My number one influence will definitely have to be my father as well as my grandfather. My dad is a rapper and he is 100% the reason why i’m rapping today. He brought the whole music thing to my life. He taught me how to rap.”
The teen heartthrob adds that he is also heavily influenced by rappers Jayz, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Eminem. “Those are my favorite five rappers,” he says.
On how he is different from other young rappers: “My work ethic, looks, and how i rap set me apart [from the rest].”
On his long locks:
“A lot of people wear locks or dread locks because of fashion or fad, but i have had my locks since I was two years old. I’ve never had them cut. My dreadlocks are the only thing i know. I feel like they are a part of me. They are a part of who i am and a part of what i represent. I might cut them off eventually, but not right now.”
On collaborating with teen singer Jacob Latimore on Jacob’s single “Like Em All” :
“We are signed to the same production label as well as major label[Crown World Entertainment and Jive records]. [Jacob] and I have a real cool relationship. he is a real cool guy, real humble.”
VIDEO: Watch Issa and Jacob in ‘Like ‘Em All(radio Version)
Last month, Issa teamed up with another label mate Justin Martin for a remake of Jay Z and Kanye’s “OTIS”. The song will be on Issa’s upcoming mixtape ‘King Issa’ , which is due out on October 31st.
Find out more:
Issa’s Youtube
Issa’s Facebook
Issa’s Twitter
