The Source recently had a chance to speak with rapper Paypa, this Chicago/LA repper has just dropped a new mix tape today.
The Mix tape goes by the title of – The Bottle : Henny on the Rocks 2. Picking his brain we got the inside scoop on the story behind the mix tape, insprirations, and more! Be sure to tune in, as well as download the mix tape at DatPiff.
Why is the name of your mix tape called ‘The Bottle’?
Well it’s called ‘The Bottle’ because it was really just a vent, I had all of these bottled up emotions good and bad. Regrets you know, my last two years were crazy from my big homies being indicted, to me being a father and having a little girl now. Also touring, working, and trying to take my career to the next level. So it’s really just bottled up emotions I let out.
Are there any features on the mix tape?
Yeah I have the homie Raekwon on there, Emilio Rojas, Chip the Ripper, a lot of people are on the mix tape y’all have to check it out.
Speaking of Raekwon, you’re opening for Raekwon tonight, how do you feel about that?
That’s a blessing, that’s huge for me you know I’m not one of those rappers that try to act like “I’m too cool”. I mean I grew up on Raekwon, that’s the chef.
So he has definitely been influential to you?
Sure, huge influence. I think he has been influential to anyone coming up in the rap game. So to be able to share the same stage with him at the same time, it’s definitely going to be a moment for me, so I’m excited for that.
Who are some of the producers that you’re working with right now?
Aw man shout out my big homie Bink who really is shaping my sound, he is one of my favorite producers to work with right now. As well as my man Cardiak, Cardiak is dope and The Monsters.
Were there any artists you wanted to work with that you didn’t get to work with?
On this mix tape I didn’t get to work with Rocky Fresh, I still want to work with him back home in Chicago. There are a lot of people that are poppin and on the rise that I would like to work with.
Who are your favorite artists from Chicago?
Off top, the OG Common that’s one of my favorites his consistency is out of this world. Of course Kanye, you know I think he is a little bit of everyone’s favorite.
Are there any upcoming artists from Chicago that we should be on the look out for?
Absolutely, Rocky Fresh is dope, L.E.P Bogus Boys, Knowledge from Kidz in the Hall, YP, and of course Chief Keef. Chicago has a movement right now.
Over the last few months you’ve been touring, opening up for different artists. Were there any shows that were your favorite?
Yeah, the whole smokers club tour was dope. Being out there with people like Big Krit, Curren$y, Method Man ya know all of them are dope and none of them care about anything. They’re wild and their crowds are crazy. I had a ball in Rhode Island, Boston was crazy, Norfolk was crazy, Dallas was crazy, and Chicago of course. There were a lot of dope shows on that tour.
So did you jump in the crowd?
I’m in the crowd every night I can’t stay on stage for some reason.
How do you feel about groupies?
I love them. I love and appreciate their dedication to the game. i appreciate their ability to keep going and perservering year after year. I’m not in love with them but like Jay-Z said “you have to respect the hustle”.
So you have a song on your mix tape dedicated to these “Groupies” , can you tell the people about that
Yes, it’s called ‘One Time’. In the record I’m talking about a female who started out as a seat filler at the Grammys as well as the BET awards etc who worked her way up to the front row being a groupie.
Are there any artists that are influential to you today?
Of course Jay-Z, Kanye West, Andre 3000, Scarface, Common, Drake, Wayne, anyone doing their thing. I’m inspired by any artist doing their thing, you know I see them out there grinding and their dedication. Wale, Meek Mills like these been the same dudes that have been grinding for years so to see them in the position that they are in now inspires me to take everything to the next level.
-Katherine Echevarria @xoxo_kitty
