You really showed people what you’re about and what you’re good with. I kinda wish “Ice and Rain” made it, but-You know, that’s the thing- I knew that [there would be] great discussion on a lot of the records that didn’t make the album that I put out myself earlier. I knew there would be a lot of discussion and that’s what I wanted to do because, for whatever reason, sometimes the artist’s favorite records are not the ones that the label, or the management, or whoever is co-calling the shots like the most. So I made sure that I put them out regardless ‘cause I think the people deserve to hear it.
And you kind of put yourself out there. You tell people a little bit about your childhood and what it was like growing up- especially on a song like “Shades.” I’m biracial and…that song hit me really hard. People are really getting a good picture of you.
Yeah, because I don’t really think the single did a good job of letting people know who I am and…I wish it could be different in the music industry, but that’s what I had to go with. It’s a great song nevertheless, but I just wish people got an understanding of who I am and the type of music that I make. That’s just one small element of hip-hop: the party. And that’s what that record was for.
You’re on tour right now with Jay-Z, N.E.R.D and J. Cole. How’s that been so far? What’s that been like?
A lot of fun. The markets have been great- I didn’t know that I was as popular in some of those markets. Calgary was a good show. Vancouver was good. It’s just interesting to see where your music is reaching.
Anything crazy happen so far?
Naw. When you’re on tour, it’s pretty much the same thing.
How was it doing a song with J. Cole on the album?
Well, that was supposed to be Cole’s first album appearance. We did that record before “A Star Is Born” was out. That’s why I was rooting him on the song- as if it was to say, “Welcome to the big leagues.” And why we gave him 32 bars and all that. It was setup like, ‘This is Roc Nation, here’s the new guy, you’ll hear about him soon.’ So yeah, it was a good look for him and the song came out great.
I know that you’re Nigerian and you talk about that in some of your songs. Sometimes it seems like Africa is going through so much yet doesn’t get the attention or assistance it needs. What do you think it would take for more people to help out and take action?
I think everything comes in time. It could be one or two…like a concert done there or something like that, because then it would be the trendy thing for Hollywood people to talk about. I mean, you know how that stuff goes, in the world of celebrity. When it becomes a trend, then that’s when the world pays attention to it.
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