Papoose truly embodies the essence of hip-hop in every way. Ahead of the release of his new album this month, the Brooklyn-born mainstay discussed his unwavering passion for the culture, ageism in the rap game, jumping into the booth with his girlfriend, legendary boxer Claressa Shields, and more in a new interview with XXL’s Talk It Up series powered by DistroKid.
Pappus has over two decades of elite lyricism under his belt, but he remains a student of the game, driven by his love of the game, not money.
“Hip-hop is what you live, rap is what you do,” Paps firmly explains in the video below. “I’m part of the culture and it’s a word that everyone talks about, but I grew up in the culture. So, growing up in the culture, it’s different than being attracted to money. People don’t understand. Guys like me, and a whole bunch of other guys, we’re going to do it without a dollar involved. It’s a lifestyle.”
While Papoose prides himself on mentoring emerging artists, such as his Wynn Records signee CuhDeeJah, he believes the common notion that hip-hop is a young man’s game is just a narrative many less skilled artists use to avoid talent.
“I don’t think there’s an age limit on hip-hop,” Pap told XXL. “Your age doesn’t make you nicer, your skill and talent does. Those of us who are really doing this, we know it’s competitive from day one. I think over time, some people who realize they can’t compete start using age as an excuse. They realize they can’t compete with the guys who are really talented at it.”
Watch Papoose’s exclusive interview with XXL, where he discusses making new music with Claressa Shields, following in the footsteps of his mentor, the late DJ Kay Slay, as head of hip-hop at Wynn Records, and more below.
