So Chris, you’re from Connecticut, how much has that influenced your music taste?

There's not much music coming out of Connecticut getting recognized these days, aside from a chosen few including my dude Apathy, but I have definitely been influenced by east coast hip-hop. East coast rappers tend to be very heavily focused on their lyrical content; punch lines in particular. Lyricism is the most important ingredient in a rap song in my personal opinion. "Swag" is overrated.

Who were you’re earliest influences?

I grew up listening to everything from the Beatles and Eric Clapton to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. When I got a bit older I discovered hip hop. My parents weren't too excited about it at first, but over the years I've schooled them on the intricacies of good rap music and they've grown to appreciate it. My earliest hip-hop influences were Eminem, Jadakiss, and Xzibit to name a few.

When did you first begin to rap?

I started to rap in 6th grade. Being a kid who was always good with the English language, it came fairly easy. Granted, I sucked when I first started, but I genuinely loved it. I had never felt that way about anything else when I was growing up. I was never big on sports or academics.. even other musical instruments couldn't keep my attention. I played piano for a few years, and my dad offered to teach me guitar on several occasions. Hip-hop was the only thing that I could maintain focus on. I just got that ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

When did you realize that you could make a career out of it?

A couple years ago, after I got arrested and kicked out of college. I fucked up my plan B, so at the point it was either hip-hop or nothing in my eyes. Once I started to really develop a fan base and get booked at a few local shows, I realized that this could actually work. I've always had it in my head that I would make it, though. That's the way you've got to think on your way up. Even when I was performing at sweet 16's and high school graduations way back then, I knew it was only a matter of time. I just stayed hungry and never got too comfortable at the level I was at. The grind never stops, and I still have a long way to go.

What is it about your lyrics do you think that your fans relate to?

I'm myself at all times. I'm a goofy, rough around the edges white kid who's really into Ninja Turtles and Super Mario. And because I don't try to be something that I'm not, members of both sides of the racial spectrum tend to fuck with what I'm saying. I try to speak for our generation. Every song is different. While in one song I may be catering to fat boys playing beer pong and smoking weed, the next song will be aimed at the kids who are going through family or legal issues and feel like things couldn't get any worse. I've been in both places. I like to have fun and fuck around, but I have been through some rough times as well. It's important to have songs for everyone.

How does the process of freestyling compare to writing music?

I would compare freestyling to playing an instrument. It takes years and years of practice to get good at, and usually requires a little warm-up to ensure that you're not rusty. Freestyling is very difficult, and that's why a lot of these rappers nowadays are scared to do it on camera. That goes for all you rappers.. we all know when your shit is written. Stop trying to pass it off as a freestyle. That's a pet peeve of mine. Writing music, on the other hand, is a much different process. Anyone can write a verse, but to have the rhythm and voice cadence to make it actually sound good is a whole different story.

You have a few interesting tattoos, is there a story behind any of them?

Yeah, I have a shit load of them now. And most of them are what most people would consider to be "stupid." But I think they're cool, so fuck those people. Most of them I got just because I thought they were dope (Raphael from TMNT, Super Mario, Autobots logo, Mortal Kombat logo, ect.). I'm like a big 7 year old.

What’s been your most memorable performance?

The last show I had at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT, was out of control. Nothing sicker than a sold out hometown crowd. People were getting crazy. My boy Ryan Sasloe played the drums for the second half of the set, and my dad even came out and rocked on guitar for a few songs. It was off the chain.

Can you name the 3 things you can’t live without?

My ipod, my laptop and my PS3.. I'd settle for my Wii if need be.

What are your favorites places to hang out in the US?

The most fun I had on the road was probably in Miami. That city parties nonstop.. I'm surprised I survived a full week. After the stress and craziness of being on the road, though, nothings better than being back in the quiet suburbs of CT. While it may be what many would consider to be boring, it's essential to take a step back every once in awhile and regain your sanity. I post up on the couch and play video games all day. Back home, we refer to this intense state of laziness as “melting”.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A marine biologist actually. I still have a deep appreciation for nature, and try to be as environmentally conscious as I can. There's no way I would have been able to get through the schooling for that shit, though.

What would you be doing if you were not a rapper?

Probably working a shitty job for minimum wage and melting in my down time. Most likely nothing of substance. My parents would hate me.

What advice would you give to the people that want to break into the music industry? 

Stay humble and never forget where you came from.

What was the best & worst advice you were ever given?

Best advice - always wear a condom. Worst advice - being told to change my style and aim for a more mainstream sound. Fuck that. I do me, and if that doesn't get me a #1 single on the top 40 charts then so be it.

Something people don’t know (or expect) from you?

I've been told by a lot of people that I'm way friendlier in person than they would have expected. Apparently I sound like an asshole in my music. I'm actually a nice kid; I treat everyone I meet equally. But if I don't like you, I won't hold my tongue about it.

Something you want to do before you die?

Make passionate love to Mila Kunis. No doubt.

One of your songs is called ‘Trouble Maker’. When was the last time you got into trouble?

I've done my best to stay out of trouble since I got arrested and kicked out of Hofstra University a couple years ago. The abridged version of the story is that my friends robbed a drug dealer, I drove the car thinking it was no big deal, and got ratted on and arrested. It sucked real bad, but everyone involved ended up getting off more or less unscathed. It was a huge wake up call though, and I've tried to keep away from trouble since then. I try at least.

Who is your biggest IDOL? Why?

Super Mario. He is a fellow Italian American who rose to the occasion when opportunity knocked. It takes a certain kind of dude to defeat Bowser.

Interview: Bianca Spada

Words: Natascha Chetna