P.U.P: Prevailed Under Poverty

24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

P.U.P: I am a Hip-Hop artist by the name of P.U.P originally from the city of Trenton, New Jersey. Currently living in Japan.

24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?

P.U.P: Growing up I always had an ear for music. Never took it serious till bout 5 years ago. Listening to some of the greats like Nas & Jay-Z they have always been a major influence on me musically. I always felt that I can tell my story just as if they did but telling my story lyrically just as how they done it but presenting it for the people working that 9-5.

24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where your from?

P.U.P: Hip-Hop was always a major role growing up every influential, everything about where I’m from is Hip-Hop. I grew up in Hip-Hop when lyrics mattered. There are so many talented artist in the city of Trenton but just haven’t caught that big break. It feels as if it’s overlooked at times. A lot of artist trying to get in just as it was when I was there as a young-in one thing no one can ever say about Jersey is that we have our own style and trends.

24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?

P.U.P: I have my own sound, never resorted to using the same cadence as a lot of rappers use when they get on Southern beats. My stories are legit and I always tell the truth in my music. You don’t have to rob, shoot kill or pop a molly to get heard. I made several hits that people can recite without fabricating my life. I’mma always keep it 1hunnit all day everyday.

24: Tell us about what you are working on.

P.U.P: Currently working on my EP. P.U.P (Prevailed Under Poverty) 7 tracks which will be debut on iTunes. Followed by a mixtape at the end of the Summer.

24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?

P.U.P: I would like to work with Dr. Dre or Kanye West. I’m still in the learning stage of producing myself it would be a great learning experience.

24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?

P.U.P: Yeah I am, I see a lot of progress as far as fans definitely increasing. At the beginning stage of the career it seemed the hardest because you got to work for fans, if you not about that 24 hour grind you in the wrong field. I thought making a hot song was just it but its more behind the scenes than what most people realize. Promotion in today’s culture is definitely a must if not you wont get heard except by your facebook friends lol.

24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?

P.U.P: I used to be one of them artists who felt you gotta drop something every 2 weeks or you will be forgotten. That’s not the case its all about material. If you got a single push it 6-9 months if you got to. My goal is to give them people a hot mixtape or album every year and give them singles to them that they cant get from major artist. Give’em them hits that’s gonna last.

24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?

P.U.P: I feel it’s in a good state, but we need that 1 or 2 big names in the game how Nas and Hov had it running years ago. That’s gonna give you that album you need that is original. I know for sure I got that wave that’s gonna bring the fuel in that area we missing.

24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?

P.U.P: I am working on my degree and being a husband to my wife and father to my son.

24: Where do you see yourself going in 2013 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?

P.U.P: I plan on making relevant and great music throughout the year. My goal for this year is to get out as many visual as I can, I’m in the stage in my career where going backwards would be failure, and that’s something I can’t or wont ever accept. I feel I’m finally to get recognition but a few more projects under me would bring in the fan base that I feel I deserve. But right not I’m comfortable on how things are goin but it can always be better.

24: How can fans go about contacting you?

P.U.P: Hit me on twitter @pup08609, or for bookings or features or questions pupmanagement@gmail.com.

24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

P.U.P: Search for the music I’m on the net just type in pupnje. Get that new mixtape Now or Never Vol 2 it’s a classic Datpiff or Live Mixtapes. Fans… Again I wanna say thanks to all my supporters keep downloading sharing the music and spreading the word. Thank everyone for there support!!!!