In light of all the hip hop 50 celebrations this year, do you feel like the culture received proper recognition?
Hell yea… All the flowers we gave [Lil Wayne] this year and even the flowers I gave Nelly. The awards did a great job — from the BET Awards to the Grammy Awards. It’s been a beautiful year for hip hop.
Did Nelly approve your record “It’s Getting Hot”?
He loved the song, and I feel he was happy I even thought about him to do the record and sampled the song. We received great feedback and performed it at the VMAs, so it’s been great moments.
Name one artist you’re proud to see take off and explain why.
Sexyy Red – to meet her in person and feel her vibe, she’s a cool girl and has kids she’s feeding. She has female rap on her back right now.
What’s something you learned from another celebrity?
I learned to save my money. I learned that from a lot of athletes.
You show off your children so much. What’s the best part about being a dad?
The best part is to see them live (laughs). Seeing them smile and be in my presence is always a treat. I take fatherhood very seriously.
What did you always want as a kid but didn’t receive until you became an adult?
I always wanted to have kids (laughs). I always gravitated toward kids at an early age… I would always want to be someone’s big brother and I’ve always tried to be that type of person.
What are three things you feel you MUST accomplish in your career?
Multiple awards from the Grammys, BET, and the Oscars. I would also say multiple No. 1 records as well as solidifying myself as the greatest. Those are my three main priorities.
If you wanted a guaranteed No. 1 record, which artist would you put on the track?
I would say Drake. I always wanted to work with him.
