Page 141 - Flaunt 175 - Diana

Houston. I’m talking to him—it’s crazy how all this success, and he can still be level-minded. For me, who am I to get some success and think I want to wild out? That humbles me a lot.
How was it kicking it with Drake?
Yeah man, it was crazy. The first time we really linked up. It was amazing man, he treated us like family. Partied all weekend. He’s an amazing, amazing dude.
Wait, so are we gonna get on record?
Let’s see. [laughs]
Talk about also releasing ‘FEM’ in 2020 and what it did for the #EndSARS movement.
It felt good to be part of something. It was used as an instru- ment rather than, ‘Let’s play music and enjoy it.’ I really didn’t make that song for that purpose, but for it to turn into that and to know I was a part of that was an amazing feeling. No doubt.
Being someone with a huge platform, how can you continue to push for change?
I’m a musician, just keep giving out good music, feel-good mu- sic. Also empowering other young artists. I have young artists under me. Your legacy is really what you leave behind, the truth you leave behind. Empowering and putting on other young artists and producers, that’s what I’m mainly here for.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
I’m really urban. I really dress like a rapper. [laughs] If people didn’t hear my music, they probably would think I’m a rapper. Reason being because I was always into that. I was into hip- hop first, into rap first. I was a big hip-hop head back in the day before falling in love with African music.
Who were you bumping coming up?
50 Cent, Ja Rule, I was a huge G-Unit fan. A huge G-Unit fan. I had the game, I had the sneakers, I had everything.
Talk about your chain you have on.
It’s a little something, a little everyday necklace I be wearing. Nothing crazy. It says seven, and it says baddest.That’s my lucky number, and they call me the baddest. It’s a soccer jersey.
How was it performing on Jimmy Kimmel?
Shout out to Jimmy Kimmel, it was amazing. Performing ‘Jowo’—all of the tracks off ABT. It was amazing to see and to be given that platform. I grew up watching Jimmy Kimmel.
Were you nervous at all?
Nervous? Nah c’mon. No way!
Any goals for yourself at this point of your career?
Keep pushing the culture. Keep doing what I’m doing. No real goals, just success.
What’re you most excited for this year?
I’m excited for everything to open back up so I can go back on the road. I’m working on my next record already. I’m not sure if it’s going to come this year or early next year, but the sum- mer’s going to be hot. Someone’s home, yeah. Festivals, shows, I got some records coming out soon. It’ll be quite lit.
Anything else you want to let the people know?
Keep supporting the brand, the music. I appreciate all the fans out there pushing the culture and loving us for who we are. I really really appreciate that. Don’t stop supporting, because it’s all the way up from here.
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PHOTOGRAPHER: DIWANG VALDEZ AT SHINE AND POLISH. STYLIST: DARRYL GLOVER AT THE WALL GROUP. GROOMER DIALLO. FLAUNT FILM DIRECTOR: ZACH WOLFE AT SHINE AND POLISH.