Written by RWD on 6 Sep 2010

When you think of the West Coast what comes to mind? It’s probably rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Ice Cube and Game which pop up, but now there’s another name to add to that list and he goes by the name of Nipsey Hussle. Leanne Petersen caught up with the South Central Rapper for a quick chat going back home to Eritrea, his upcoming album A South Central State of Mind and drinking before a show.

For those in the UK who may not be familiar with you, please could you introduce yourself.

I go by the name of Nipsey Hussle, I’m an Eritrean American and I’m a hip hop artist from Los Angeles, signed to Epic Records since 2008. I’ve dropped three mixtapes latest being Bullets Aint Got No Name Vol: 3. I’ve been on tour with Game and recorded with Snoop and Drake.

Growing up who did you listen to?

I listened to Snoop, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Tupac, Biggie, Lauyrn Hill, Fugees, Outkast

When did you realise you wanted to be a rapper?

I can’t even remember, I just always thought I was a rapper. Even when I didn’t write raps and was rapping other peoples s***, I started going to the studio around the age of 14, and really got into it from then.

Your first album A South Central State of Mind is released later this year, did you do anything differently when making the album in comparison to the way you make your mixtapes?

I don’t really think I can separate the two, when I go to the studio I don’t set out to make mixtape songs and album songs; I just go in and try to make the hottest s***! But when you catch that vibe, you know it’s a special record and they’re the ones I save for my project.

So what’s the new single Feelin’ Myself about?

It’s about celebrating the fruits of my labour, the album coming out, finally got a release date. I’ve been working hard for a long time, from going to jail, to getting out, to doing the mixtapes, to getting signed, to having my album played and staying relevant, The record basically just talks about my struggle and how we at a point where we can just feel ourselves, really celebrate our hard work.

You’ve worked with a lot of big names in the industry already and you’ve collaborated with Lloyd for the first single who else would you like to work with?

DJ Premier, I think he’s one of the most excellent hip hop producers in history and him being an East Coast sound and brand and me being such a West Coast sound, I think it’ll be surprising. But I’m a hip hop head so I think I’ll be able to show the fans something they aint seen before on the premo beat.

Now you’re doing a few shows whilst you’re over here, how do you prepare for a live show?

I learnt a lesson early on; you got to prepare for your show. From my experience doing shows, I kind of gage what the crowd likes, so I connect with them, I try and give a high energy show. I know all my lyrics, and make sure I control my breathing so I don’t run out of breathe. I don’t get drunk before going on stage, I don’t get too high, I might  smoke a blunt, but I don’t really drink, I like to drink hot tea before I go on stage or at least try to, when I can get access to it. I take the show serious; it’s a part of your delivery and your craft.

Us English love a cuppa, what tea do you drink, how do you like it?

I like shahid tea, it’s the tea I drink back home, with the spices, my grandma makes it for me.

What was it like going back home to Eritrea, having grown up in LA?

Going back home in 2004 was alot of things; I had culture shock, because I’ve been raised in America, my whole life, and you know it’s such a different experience. All the material things you value out here it was none of that out there, so It was hard for me for the first couple of weeks, but then I started getting into the culture and the people, and understanding that the way of life. Back home is really the way of life you know, the emphasis towards family and life.

Look out for Nipsey Hussle’s debut album A South Central State of Mind which drops on 21 December.

Also you can check out more of Nipsey Hussle’s tunes, show and events on MySpace.com/NipseyHussle and you can follow him on Twitter on @NIPSEYHUSSLE