“Way Back” is a reflective record. What headspace were you in while creating it, and what were you trying to express?
I was in the headspace of personally outgrowing people and becoming more comfortable with the person I was turning into.
“Way Back” is about accepting that you can’t go back to that old version of yourself or the people that came with that version of yourself. Once you grow past that, there’s no going back. Though this was a personal song, I also said it in a way that could be relatable to someone going through these different stages in their life.
“Way Back” is the second single leading into the Limitless EP. Why was this the right record to follow up with?
I knew Way Back was the right single because not only was it the catchiest but it shows the overall message of “Limitless EP.” “I can’t find my way back” because this new version of myself can accomplish whatever they put their mind to.
You’ve developed as a producer and engineer over time, how hands-on were you in shaping the sound of “Way Back”?
When it comes to shaping the sound of “Way Back” I was extremely hands on. I mixed around 90-95% of the record before sending it over to the homie Waavy to get it mastered at Swanton Studios. Since singing isn’t something I do a lot, the hardest part I had engineering was just getting my hook vocal stacks sounding the best it could possibly be. But after the feedback I’ve been getting on the song it made me realize that I should probably start singing more.
This record was produced by Tom Rabbit, s.lyre, and Hugo. What did they bring to the record creatively?
Tom Rabbit sent me the beat and as soon as I heard it I knew it was the one. Tom went crazy on the drums while s.lyre and Hugo went stupid on the vocal sample/melody. To my knowledge it was actually s.lyre’s vocals on the sample but Tom flipped it in a way that fit my style perfectly.
Since releasing Sky’s The Limit, how do you feel you’ve evolved both musically and personally?
I feel like I evolved a lot in both aspects. Personally, I’ve learned how to maneuver through the industry a lot better. Musically, I’ve started using beats that I wouldn’t have necessarily used in the past. That showed me that there is no limit to what I could do musically, hence the Limitless EP.
You’ve stayed consistent with releases instead of chasing quick viral moments. Why has that approach been important to you?
I think being consistent is really important because I know I'm going to build a lot more of a core fanbase than I could by just chasing those moments. Moments come and go, while I’m trying to build something that lasts a long time.
How much of “Way Back” is rooted in your real-life experiences?
I don’t want to go too much into detail as I’ll save that for the music. But everything I said in the song was very personal to me. Whether that be old relationships, old mindsets, or old lyrics, I can’t find my way back to where I was in those moments. It’s all about growth.
You’ve received co-signs from artists like DDG, WESTSIDE BOOGIE, and Futuristic. How do you balance that recognition while staying true to your own sound?
The co-signs are dope and I’m grateful to each and everyone of those guys. I always see each co-sign as validation for what I’m building. It tells me what I’m doing is working, so I just double down on being myself instead of trying to chase someone else’s lane.
What can listeners expect from the Limitless EP as a whole compared to your previous work?
They can expect a lot more maturity in my raps, growth in my lyricism, and me trying new stuff. All in a cohesive EP that gives you straight chill vibes perfect for a late night drive.
When fans hear “Way Back,” what do you want them to take away from the record?
Some people are in your life for seasons while others are here for a reason. Weave those people out of your life and keep the ones that will truly motivate you to be where you want to be. With the right people by your side and with the right mindset, you can truly accomplish anything.
Finish the sentence:
“Way Back” represents ________ for you right now.
Only the beginning.
