Hip-hop is almost single-handedly carrying the music industry on its shoulders. What is it about this moment that has propelled the genre to the center of the culture?
I feel like it’s the history that has led us to this domination of music. I wonder all the time. If you look at the top charts of streaming platforms—which really determines who’s listening to what—the top 10 is always rap music. It’s crazy and I really don’t know why. I honestly do not know why. I like all types of music. Even though rap music is 80 percent of what I listen to, it’s not the only thing I listen to.
How have your friendships with people like Drake, Kanye, and Donald Glover influenced your own art?
It’s really changed. I always felt like Little Homie before and that allowed me in all of their circles. But now that I’m on the charts next to them, I’m not really Little Homie anymore.
So you’ve earned some acceptance?
No, it’s more like, “You can’t hang out with us anymore. We didn’t know you were making an album this whole time. We thought you were just Little Homie giving us free water and shit. You’re not really cool with us anymore.”
Do you think the Soundcloud rap movement is the future of hip-hop or do you see it as something that will fade away?
It depends on what Soundcloud does. First it was going away, then somebody bought it, then it was subscription-based. I think Soundcloud is just really confused. But if they stick around people will still use it because people love some off-kilter shit.
