Man, it means everything to me. I can remember the days when most folks thought Hip Hop was just a flash in the pan type of genre. But, look at us…50 years and stronger than ever! It took a young man from the ‘hood and saved me from only God knows what..

To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?

My immediate goal is to finish this South Central Cartel project, RESPECT THE REAL!! It was previously going to be titled Cartelifornia, but due to some internal fuccery I had to change the title.. Other than that, I’m back in my studio making classic music. Not following trends, just feeling a vibe and flowing with it.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?    

I’m very happy with the current state of Hip Hop. Because the way I see it…it’s wide open. If you’re ready to put the work in, you can build something special right now. I think people are hungry for something authentic. They’ve grown bored of everything sounding the same.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?     

Just being myself. Not trying to change me to fit in. There’s only one Big Prodeje. So why would I try and be somebody else? I’m 1 of 1. I’m going to embrace that.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

My future plans include a lot of traveling and creating in amazing places. I’m just finna to be the music again. Flow with the inspiration. I’m sorry my mind is mostly consumed with making music. I also like to just travel to experience life in different ways and different cultures.

What’s an average day like for you? 

Man, I treat my fans like good friends, period! I have the upmost love and respect for my people. So anytime they reach out, I try to respond in a timely manner. Some of my fans have become close friends of mines.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is being in control of my own time, that’s priceless to me. My least favorite is the way the powers that be try and limit the potential of artists / producers by boxing them in. They only put their money on what’s currently hot. That’s super wack! Let us create out here. Keep it fresh and new.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps? 

Do you! Stay true to that fire that’s burning inside of you. Don’t get side-tracked by what’s on the radio or internet. Stay in yo own lane. That’s a Bar right there!

What’s up with South Central Cartel? 

Right now, the SCC is finishing up what will probably be our final full album. The title will be Respect The Real. We will never, never stop making songs; we might even do an EP here and there. But, this may be our last full album. We recently dropped the 1st single, “Set N My Ways,” so go and check that out if you haven’t already.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?  

10 years from now, I hope I’m still in my studio vibing and loving this Hip Hop shit, Word!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?        

Currently the SCC members are Big Prodeje, Big Havikk, LV and DJ Domino.

Any “parting” words for our readers? 

Don’t let this social network era swallow you up. Stay authentic, stay official, stay you. You don’t need to be a carbon copy or be some one else’s example of what cool is. The coolest muffucca you will ever know is in the mirror. And, that’s 1Hundid 4 that jazz!