Justin Credible sat down with Atlantic Records artist, PnB Rock, to discuss his his six year journey, his latest project and everything in between.
When he asked about how it felt to finally be releasing his TrapStar Turnt PopStar album, Rock referred to it as “his precious moment.” Since being signed back in 2015, the singer/rapper had released previous records for his fans but holds this particular project closer to his heart. “This my debut album. I know I had projects before that people probably thought was an album, but this is the album. I worked over 2 years on this.”
The “Selfish” rapper went on to reveal the one of the most important things he’s learned since entering the game. “I learned patience. Everything has a time, and this is my time.”
When asked about the idea behind the TrapStar Turnt PopStar title, PnB admitted that he initially had no concept for this project. He found himself stuck in the same pocket of music, experiencing bouts of writers block. Then turned to his fans on Twitter for the inspiration he had been searching for. He tells Justin Credible that he realized his old fans were begging for the “struggle” PnB Rock.
“But I wasn’t struggling anymore,” he joked. Nonetheless, he still felt compelled to give his day one fans what they wanted, while also showing new fans who he was and where he came from. He explained that in order for his new fans to understand him, they had to first know that side of PnB, and thus, the “TrapStar” side of his album was developed. He adds that the “PopStar” side of the project will be more closely related to who he is now, having fun, and features a different beat selection than the “trap” version.
Back in 2017, Rock was chosen for XXL’s Freshman Cover, which he credits as a door opener for him. He says the cover acted as a sort of “stamp” for him, and he feels honored to see his fellow Freshman class climbing alongside him. As for the 2019 XXL prospects, PnB has his bet on names like Tierra Whack, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, LA’s Roddy Rich, and Lil Keed. The six-year veteran excitedly admitted that “kids are coming out with some fire sh*t these days.”
The Philly native talked also discussed working with fellow artists Lil Skies and Tee Grizzley. The “I Like Girls” single featuring Skies began organically between Rock and Miami producer, Hitmaka, before the two decided Lil Skies would be the perfect addition to the track. He detailed how Skies loved the record and pulled up to the studio to lay a verse on the project.
“That song was random, we did like three songs that day,” he said when discussing the duo’s song. “‘Go to Mars’ was The One for us… Next level sh*t.”
PnB closes with advice to up and coming artists and shares that one shouldn’t expect anything to happen over night.
“Everyone’s success story isn’t going to be your success story. Nowadays it’s easy to look at someone else and wonder why it’s not happening to you, but you can’t look at it like that.”
“I’m still an up and coming artist, just grinding to get there.”
Check out the entire interview below!
