Columbia, SC rapper P Watts has been grinding for over 10 years in the music game. He’s had many ups and down, but recently he’s seen much success with his latest single, “Grown Man”. Not to mention the growing popularity of the video, which has been featured on every hip-hop site known. P Watts talked to SheBloggin.com about his struggles in the business, his deals, and his recent success.
What inspired you to start rapping?
I’m basically just a fan. I grew up on hip-hop in the early 90s, and I looked at them like superheroes. I heard a Pastor Troy record back in 99 and was so inspired, and that’s when I started.
How has the process been in building your career?
There have definitely been ups and downs. I did some work with Salt from Salt n Pepa a few years ago. She liked me and ended up signing me to her label. I had a deal with them through Rap a Lot in 2001. I did three songs with her, and one became a single. That ended up not working out so I moved on. Then a few years ago I was featured on Consequences album so that was a good look.
The South Carolina music community has always had tension for various reasons. How has it been for you?
I can’t lie; every rapper including me wants their record played. When you’ve been putting in hard work you feel like you should get played. But you gotta respect the DJ first.
Your new single, “Grown Man” has been very successful. What do you attribute to its success?
I think its because we shot a major video for it. We spent a lot of money on the video. We actually put a real production in it. Internet marketing has been a key factor too.
Did you think the single was going to be this big?
The funny thing is we never intended on putting it out as a single. But the response was good so we shot the video and went with it.
And because of the success of the single, you’ve been nominated for various awards. How does that make you feel?
It’s showing me that if you invest in yourself, hard work pays off. But you can’t be content. I can’t get too comfortable because I’m still not where I want to be.
What’s the next single?
I can’t reveal too many details just yet, but a major producer did the record, with 3 major female artists featured on it. You’ll see soon.
Are there any artists, local or major, that you want to work with?
I’m down to work with anybody that wants to work with me.
Any album or mixtape dropping soon?
I got two mixtapes coming out with a lot of notable artists on it: Boss G, Lil Brod, Carlos Cartel, Pachino Dino, and more. Then I got the Element of Surprise mixtape with DJ Burn One coming too.
Any shoutouts?
Shout out to Ms Chriss, SheBloggin, and the whole state of SC. Shouts to all the DJs that’s supporting it I really appreciate it.
