Interview by Nancy Grace.
You’re one of the most successful rappers of all time with more than 100 million albums sold across genres. You’ve worked with superstars including Akon, T-Pain, Jennifer Lopez, and Eminem, to name a few. What was it like to work with artists like J.Lo and T-Pain?
I see so many people that still think rap is just this music that does very little or nothing. But that’s not true. I knew that I would have to reach out to some other acts from this genre and really show them what I’ve learned from people who have been around much longer than me. I’m not doing this for just the sake of doing it, I’m doing it to share my knowledge and legacy.
How do you think you’ll be remembered?
I hope that I can live on as an ambassador for rap and for the African-American culture and community. I hope that I can be an influence of knowledge and wisdom and inspiration that will help young people make the right decisions for the right reasons, not for wealth or fame. I hope that I can always be remembered as a role model for the younger generation.
Recently, after your father’s passing, you decided to go out on the road and give people a different perspective of your father and the music he created. Why did you want to put on this tour?
Everybody tells me about how good and cool my dad was. So many people feel like they knew him and have heard stories about him. But, I didn’t really know him and never felt like I did. So, I felt like it was very important for me to be able to document my father’s legacy in an honest way. I’m releasing videos through this tour and doing things like auctions and a documentary. So, I just feel like there’s a need for this and that I’m doing my part in honoring his legacy.
Where did the idea for your new book, The Kingdom in The City, come from?
This book is actually a collection of 11 songs from some of my favorite artists, singing the gospel hymns that were sung in the gospel churches around the country when I was a kid.
What was the response like when you opened for Beyonce?
When she invited me to come out and sing with her on the Destiny’s Child record we did, it was a complete surprise. Her promoters hadn’t even told me that was coming together. It was definitely a highlight for me. It’s something that I will never forget and will always cherish.
Ruthless, released on Epic Records in 2016, established your legacy as a rapper and opened the door for other artists. Do you think other artists can emulate the rap music that you created?
For me, it just shows you that you can try and do anything you want and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. It’s about faith and focusing on your end goal. I believe in the vision and what I’m trying to achieve. So, for other artists to try and emulate me is possible. There’s no reason why they can’t do it because I did it myself.