What’s the best part about being a hip-hop artist in Tampa Bay?
Just the local love — everybody’s really supportive. Coming out to shows, buying merch, following the local bands… Tampa to St. Pete, the scene is incredible.
What do you enjoy doing besides making and playing music?
I love cooking — I’m a chef by trade — and I’m also a mixed martial artist, so I do a lot of training. Hanging out with my son, getting outdoors and going to the park with him.
What’s one of your favorite dishes to cook?
Anything Italian. I really enjoy making sauce from scratch.
How did you meet your current girlfriend?
Through music, and just being out in the same scene together.
Would you ever date a girl who wasn’t into music?
Not at all. If you tell me you don’t like any music, there’s a piece of you missing.
What’s one of your favorite love songs?
Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black.” That’s like my spirit song.
Are there any particular artists or albums you like to put on to set a romantic mood?
Not really. I just kind of get to business. Oftentimes there’s not time to turn the iPod on [laughs]).
Any of your own songs inspired by love, lust, or an object of desire?
We have a record called “Peer Pressure.” It's about letting things be, you don't necessarily have to jump right into sex or have to hang out every day. It’s about just letting that relationship, that love grow naturally.
Best place to take a date in Tampa Bay?
Anywhere there’s live music. Ruby’s Elixir is dope, in downtown. It’s a cool little cigar bar. Especially on a Thursday night, it gets really jazzy, the room’s really dark, you can get intimate at a table by yourselves.
This article appears in Feb 12-18, 2015.