HipHopWired:Coming out of Providence, RI, we’re sure you have the whole “smallest state in the country” chip on your shoulder. How did you even get into music?
Flawless: I had a step-father who drove tour buses for major Hip-Hop artists. He would take me out with him over the summer when I was 12-13 years old. I got taste of the lifestyle and saw how the industry worked. I was around the music so much that I started making my own music when I turned 16. I ended up on my own when I was 17 and started using music as a crutch or outlet to get my feelings off, instead of getting in trouble. I did music in my city, but we don’t have a lot of exposure and opportunities, so I packed up and went to Atlanta.
HHW: Before we get to you moving to Atlanta, tell us what intrigued you about the “lifestyle” of Hip-Hop music?
Flawless: Honestly, it wasn’t about the music, it was the love and the traveling, waking up in new new city everyday. I always knew where I lived was the smallest state in the county, the beat it into your head in school. So I wanted to know what the rest of the county looked like. It wasn’t about their lifestyle, it was about how normal and genuine people were. Destiny’s Child was opening for Nelly back then, at the peak of his career. And Cash money was opening for Destiny’s Child. They were so normal, paying ball and hanging out. I realized these are regular people and that I can do this too. It seemed more like a reality when I saw it with my own eyes.
HHW: There was a time when you were homeless as a teenager, what role did Hip-Hop play in your life at the time?
Flawless: It helped keep my mind focused on getting back on my feet. A lot of music helped me get through being homeless. I was listening to Joe Budden’s first album a lot at the time and from that I was able to learn how to channel emotions through music. I had all the time in the world because I was struggling. But instead of stealing and robbing I was trying to get myself to feel better.
