Jay Rock

I lost a lot of homeboys growing up, a lot of family, at early ages.

My craft's been rising. I'm a student of the game and I'm still growing.

Growing up in the projects, I've been around music all my life. Marvin Gaye, everything man.

From where I come from, it's gutter, dog. I look back on that and I think, 'That's strong.' Without growing up where I came from, I wouldn't be the man I am today, a strong minded individual.

That's what I used to do; I would just go into the studio and just rap. But it's all about coming up with dope concepts and dope hooks.

If you listen to the old Rock I always had one tone of rapping, but now I'm learning how to stretch out my voice and use it in different ways.

It's crazy how Tech N9ne was back home in L.A. He knew about my situation, what I was doing, trying to find other labels. He used to always call. 'Let me know what's up, man. We got room for you over here.' We appreciated it.

The hood always got my back.

I remember back in the days my Mom didn't have enough for Thanksgiving.

I took it upon myself to give back to my 'hood.

I wanted Jordans, but I had to get Rugged Outbacks. I had to take it for what it was worth, but now I'm able to give back and it feels real good.

I worked with Busta back in the days, shoutout to the OG Busta Rhymes.