Hopsin Interview
Youth Village Africa had the awesome opportunity to chat with Hopsin, an American rapper and record producer from Los Angeles, California about his career,his top five rappers and producers of all time, the current state of hip hop, his love for skateboarding, his forthcoming album Knock Madness and more! Check out the interview below.
You are originally from Panorama City in Los Angeles. How would you describe your childhood?
My childhood was depressing and lonely. I was an outkast.
What inspired you to start rapping?
I wanted to be cool.
What were some of the challenges you faced before getting your first big break?
Rejection from labels. A million haters. And being broke.
When did you get your first big break?
When I dropped my album Raw in 2010.
You are an avid skater, what drew you to skateboarding?
Some kid in 7th grade, he told me to bring my board to school and he would show me how to ollie. So I did, and then I never put down the board since then.
Hopsin – ILL MIND OF HOPSIN 5 Video
What would you say is the current state of hip hop?
95% of it sucks.
You are known for your deep lyricism, Why is it important for you to do music with a real message?
Because a real message got me to where I’m at right now, and I want to help others get to a better place in their life.
You are also a producer and you have produced quality music with FL Studio which is widely used here in Africa.. What are your thoughts on digital music production quality? Is it about the kit/gear?
I never used the other stuff so all I know is what I know. I don’t see myself ever not using Fruity Loops. Digital quality is good if you have an ear for mixing.
In February 2012 you appeared on the front cover of XXL as part of their annual “Top 10 Freshmen list” is this something you anticipated?
Yes, I anticipated that. I knew I was going to get it. There was no other option.
Your forthcoming Album Knock Madness, what can we expect?
The return of Hopsin in full beast mode.
You have had acting roles on TV shows such as John Tucker Must Die, Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire and That’s So Raven. How do you balance acting and music?
I don’t. The acting was my past, rapping is my future.
Your music has been well achieved, what do you attribute this success to?
Because I study just like a college student studies whatever they are studying to be successful.
Who are your top five rappers of all time?
Eminem, Busta Rhymes, 2Pac, Ludacris, Big L
Who are your top five producers of all time?
Dr. Dre, Eminem, Neptunes, Timbaland, and whoever produces for Adele.
What advice would you like to give up and coming musicians?
Do whatever the heck you wanna do on planet earth. The only thing that matters is what you want to matter.
How can your fans connect with you or buy your music?
They can go on myfunkvolume.com, www.facebook.com/hellohopsin, or www.twitter.com/hopsin, or come to a show.
