Last week, I talked on the phone with my friend and local up and coming rap artist, Pharaoh.

I’ve known Pharaoh for over six years now after meeting him at my first high school job working in a grocery store. Our love for music brought us together and since then, we’ve become very close.

I wanted to ask him a few questions about his music, how he got into it, and what we can expect from him in the future.

Below is our conversation, edited slightly for clarity:

How and when did you start making music?

It’s funny, because I never really wanted to rap. It all started New Year’s 2011 – I wanted to make a diss track about my friend and my other friends said I wouldn’t do it. So, the next day I woke up and recorded my diss track on an MP3 player, released it on MySpace, and from then on I just started making more music.

Wow, so you’ve really been at it since the days of MySpace and MP3 players. What rappers and artists are you influenced by?

I have a ton of influences ranging from older artists such as Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Jadakiss, and Jay-Z – to newer artists, such as Playboi Carti, XXXTENTACION, Lil Uzi Vert and JG. The newer generation really shaped what my sound is like today.

What do you have out right now for music?

Currently, I only have one project out. It’s called “Pharaoh,” and it just celebrated its five year anniversary back in January. There’s a lot different from the music I make now, but I’ll always treat that project like it’s my baby – I’ll always be proud of it.

When can we expect something new?

I plan on dropping my album “Trap Pharaoh” sometime this summer or fall. With the pandemic right now, it’s difficult to record and piece all the necessary parts together to construct a proper album. Studios are closed and I can’t access the people I need. I have enough material to drop three albums today, but I feel like it’s just not the right time. “Trap Pharaoh” is my most important album coming out, I want this release to go perfectly.

I understand that, timing is everything and it’s important to be prideful of your work. How is this new music going to be different than your old stuff?

Well, back when I started rapping, I wanted to be known more as a lyricist that can spit bars and interesting flows. But after listening to artists like Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert, I felt that type of sound represented me more as an artist. I gave it a shot and have made some of the best music I ever recorded, so I’m grateful for exploring my interests to the fullest. I suggest every artist do the same, it’s really rewarding and it changed me forever.

What is your writing process like? Do you write before you go to the studio or freestyle while you’re there? 

Usually I’ll write before going to the studio, I like having everything prepared 100% before locking into the booth. I am getting more comfortable freestyling songs though. Before, I would just spit nonsense, but now I’m actually rapping cohesive and clear, thoughtful sentences.

What’s the toughest part about making a song for you?

I would say the toughest part would be staying focused on one song at a time. Most of the time if I get stuck on a song for more than five minutes, I’ll start working on another song. I probably have about 10-15 uncomplete tracks for this reason alone. It’s a stressful process for an artist to not be able to finish that many songs.

I’m sure it is. What would you say to motivate another up and coming rapper making music who finds themselves getting stressed or overwhelmed?

Keep doing you. Work hard, master your craft and image, and lock yourself in the studio if that’s what it takes. There is an 18-year-old in his parents’ basement right now trying to take food off your plate. Go in 110% and never doubt yourself!

Thanks for your time and advice, I really appreciate it and I’m sure others will, too. Anything else you’d like to add?

“Trap Pharaoh” coming so, so soon! Privacy Records 2020, get ready!

Connect with Pharaoh on Twitter: @PharaohPapi and Instagram: @ronaldo.1700