With Chief Keef’s music, it linked with me fairly early rising up as a result of I moved round loads. On the time, it felt prefer it was the top of the world each time I needed to transfer. I used to be like, No, my finest pal of my complete life, I’m leaving. I’m by no means going to have the ability to come again to this. [Chief Keef’s music] was simply unfastened, carefree. Simply the perspective and spirit of it was one thing that I may at all times escape to. I might say these two are the largest influences at this level.
I like Frank Ocean, too. Simply with the ability to really feel one thing, listening to each one in all his songs. It’s poetic however not overly unhealthy in-yourface. You may nonetheless join with it.”
[The 2016 XXL Freshman Class] was huge for me as a result of I listened to all of them. Actually simply SoundCloud stuff. I really feel that’s a legendary one.
I had information of all people [in the 2016 class]. I’m pondering of the one cypher as a result of I used to be accustomed to all people who rapped on that, however I had by no means imagined any of them in the identical place, on the identical time, doing the identical factor. And it looks like that was a yr the place all people was on the very same web page about it.
It was like ad-libs coming from folks within the again. They have been laughing and stuff. It simply appeared like one of the simplest ways to carry everybody collectively. I really feel like generally rap could be fairly cliquey. It’s identical to everybody dropped every part.
All of them had tremendous totally different swag occurring, too. The suits have been all very totally different. I keep in mind that jacket [Lil Uzi Vert] was sporting. It was the jean vest with the massive Pokémon character. That was the good factor ever, holy sh*t. It was simply good power there. I’m excited to see how this cypher goes. Largely, simply type of inquisitive about assembly all people for the primary time. I do know a few of us right here, however I’ve solely seen everybody else on my telephone and stuff.
I do know I’ll be capable to rap, and I do know all people else right here can rap, however what the vibe goes to be. Are we going to be like, ‘OK, it’s my flip now,’ or is it going to be like, ‘Hey, we’re having enjoyable with this’? I’m ready for no matter, but it surely’s simply an attention-grabbing factor to sit up for.
I’m specializing in the freestyle, but it surely’s additionally the cypher and the freestyle. That’s how I take a look at it. I really feel like they go hand in hand. I’m excited for it. Thanks for having me.”—Bianca Torres