I’ve managed to sustain over 3 decades is because of my consistency and authenticity and being able to adapt to the times and transition of Hip Hop. I never veered away and switched up my style. I have tried different sounds along the way. I have stayed humble and listened to others on my creativity but remained authentic and that what`s kept me relevant for so many years.

Oklahoma has a rich musical history with artists like The Gap Band, Garth Brooks, and Carrie Underwood. How has being from Oklahoma influenced your music and career?

Coming from Oklahoma makes your struggle and grind harder to gain recognition because Oklahoma does not have any major labels and because we are not known for Hip Hop. Gap Band was one of the originators of the G funk sound, and with that sound it has been enhanced and heavily influenced by West Coast Artist. So, when hip hop music became popular, they considered our sound West Coast. Being able to navigate through the grind and the struggle has influenced my journey and music career coming from Tulsa Oklahoma.

You’ve made a mark internationally in countries like Japan, Germany, Australia, and the UK. How did you build such a diverse and global fan base?

It`s definitely a blessing. I would have to revert back to being authentic and having my own unique style and flow. It did help that my first record deal in the early 90s the record label was selling our music globally and that helped me become more popular in those markets as time progressed. I was one of the first artist with an MP3 and Australia and Japan’s technology was more advanced, so they had MP3s before the United States. Putting out quality music has always helped build a diverse fan base as well. Folks support my music from all ethnicities.

Your educational background is in Broadcast/Journalism from Langston University. How has this influenced your approach to the music industry?

Langston University being the only HBCU in Oklahoma allowed me to meet some amazing people from all across the world. I didn’t find out about the race massacre in Tulsa, my hometown, until I attended Langston. It also assisted me in my creative process because we were on some Gangsta sh!t in Tulsa. Being a broadcast major helped me with articulating words and understanding the process of radio, of course radio has evolved so much since I was in college, but attending Langston gave me a perspective in the beginning stages of hip hop music.

Oklahoma’s hip hop scene has evolved over the years. What changes have you seen, and where do you see it heading in the future?

There were just a few artists from Oklahoma, but now there is a plethora of artists. The younger generation of artists have the opportunity to promote themselves globally without relying on a label because of the internet. I would like to see more Oklahoma collaborating together. Music is dope, but I feel like there needs to be more unity amongst the artists. It`s been a couple of artists signing major deals out of the state, and I believe once the world hears more of what Oklahoma has to offer Hip Hop wise. The sky is the limit.

Let’s talk about your new single and video, “Diamonds.” What was the creative process behind this project, and what message do you want to convey with it?

The Diamonds record is a celebration song for me and how far I have come musically. It has an international feel because the production came from a producer from France. It`s fun, clean, nice sounding record and I just wanted to convey that message at this point, This is how it feels to be a Star and have worldwide notoriety. The video was filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Guap Production (ie. Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound) and features model Naloni Takenaka, @soysaucemamii, I am just having fun at this stage of my career.

You’ve worked with the group DPNG (Dogg Pound Next Generation). What’s the current state of the group, and what are your plans moving forward?

DPNG are my brothers, 6 Different faces from 6 different places. Look forward to hearing more music from the group coming end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. We are still reppin Oklahoma, Atlanta, Oakland, Los Angeles, Vegas, and the DMV. Very solid movement orchestrated by Daz Dillinger and Arnold Bigg A White. More to come from DPNG.

Freedam Records has been your label for a while now. How has running your own label impacted your music and business approach?

Freedam Records is my baby. We all know the music industry is 90% business and 10% talent. So, every record I record I think of the marketing perspective and how to generate income from streams, shows, BMI royalties and mechanical royalties. I also sale physical cds that are still on sale for 25.00 to 50.00 a pop overseas. Being able to pivot as a label owner and an artist is crucial to your success in the music business, having your own label and publishing is the best way to go. DPNG is on Freedam Records, with more acts to come.

The short film “100 Stacks” is another creative venture of yours. Can you share more about this project and its significance to your career?

The movie 100 Stacks is in its incubation stage and will focus on my journey in the music industry. We are looking to turn it into a series. Everyone has movies on TUBI, I want to join the party.

Looking back, what was the experience like being featured on the Arsenio Hall Show and going on national tours with Partners-N-Rhyme?

Being on Arsenio Hall back in 1991 brings back many memories, this has been a hell Uva journey and has been filled with highs and lows, but I wouldn’t change my experiences for anything. Partners in Rhyme is what catapulted my career and I am forever grateful for that experience as well. We have so many memories of being involved in the industry and watching the whole game evolve to what it has become today. Lessons have been learned and seeing the world is a hell Uva experience. Music saved my life. It could have easily gone another way.