RESPECT. Interview: "Game Theory" featuring Prospectt

Growing up in the hood has always come with a certain stigma, sometimes passing off this idea that young black males are limited to either sports or music as a means of making it out. While that’s not necessarily the case, we’ve heard millions of stories about the ones who did make it, taking one of these routes, citing that it would’ve been death or jail otherwise

This isn’t one of those stories.

Prospectt, a Miami emcee, by way of Brooklyn, New York has been bubbling under the radar for a while now, and has been maintaining a pace that’s sure to make him a household name sooner than later. I was recently able to catch up with him to discuss his grind, the Miami music scene, and his latest project, The Theory. Keep reading.

I read that you’re originally from Brooklyn, New York. How and why did you end up in Miami?

Yeah, I was born in Brooklyn but my parents wasn’t feeling the cold weather and the snow too much, so they decided to move to Miami to raise me. I was like 3 years-old at the time.

We are all blessed with the ability to flourish in different lanes. At what point did you realize rapping was what you wanted to pursue, on the level that you are now?

In high school, when my varsity basketball coach asked me to pick the team or my music. I was so focused on recording and doing shows, trying to get myself out there, that I started slacking in ball. So I just decided that music was where my heart was at, and that was what made me most happy. I haven’t looked back since then.

You come from a Haitian background and stated Wyclef Jean as one of your influences. How important would you say he is to the Haitian community, and how has he inspired you?

Wyclef is important to the Haitian community because he has made himself an international superstar; especially coming from the part of Haiti he comes from. People barely survive there. Also during the time Wyclef came out and said he was Haitian, it wasn’t cool to be Haitian. People would make fun of Haitians, so majority of people who were Haitian kept quiet. But Wyclef still went hard. I remember when he wore the flag around his head on the red carpet. Talk about bein’ real. Now everybody wanna be a ‘Zoe’ and got Zoes (laughs).

Do you keep up with the Haitian Hip-Hop scene, at all?

Yeah, I do but there’s actually not that many Haitian rap artists. We’re mostly known for Kompa.

Miami has always had a musical presence, going as far back as Trick Daddy and as current as Rick Ross. But Miami hasn’t made as big a splash as places like Atlanta and Texas. Why do you think that is? Do you see that changing over time?

Actually, it doesn’t start with Trick Daddy. We go as far back as Uncle Luke and 2 Live Crew. JT Money, Trick Daddy, Trina. Then comes the most recent era with Pitbull, Rick Ross, Flo-Rida and DJ Khaled. So I feel like we have had a big presence. We just need the younger generation to continue to keep the movement, because the door has already been kicked down. There are a few guys in the city, other than myself, who I believe the world will be hearing about very soon!

2015 has been a crazy year for music, so far. Who are you listening to right now? Who are you checking for?

I’m checking for any and everybody putting out good quality music. Any genre. I’m just a fan of music. J. Cole, Drake, Future; just to name a few.

Your EP, The Theory, is in the streets now. Tell me a little about it. What was it like making such a project?

It was great; especially being that it’s my first body of work that I ever put out. I feel that people got to get a taste of my style. I try to be as original as possible, even with my flows and melodies on the project. People always ask me what ‘Theory’ means. I tell ’em ain’t no meaning to ‘Theory’. It can mean anything you want it to mean; money, girls, life, hustle, work. So with that being said, you got The Theory. Every song sounds different and gives you a different vibe. I’m a strong believer that versatility keeps the listener entertained. Who wants to watch a movie with the same scene playing the whole time?

On the production side, you’ve worked with The Runners. You’ve worked with Dun Deal, as well as many others, but is there anybody you haven’t worked with yet, that you’d really like to?

Of course there is Boi-1da, Benny Blanco, Stargate, and Heavy Hitters. But I’m just getting started. Certain producers I haven’t had a chance to meet and I feel like I still got a lot more work to put in. In due time, though.

I got hip to you, via the song “Real or Not”, which is a dope joint. With all the gimmicks and stunts that take place in Hip-Hop today, how important is it that an artist stays true to themselves and their reality?

Very important. Just be you. Any record I do, I either lived it or that’s just how I’m feeling at the moment. Some days, I go to the studio and drop a feel good record ’cause that’s how I’m feeling today. I make the type of music I wanna make, no matter the sound. I don’t try to be like nobody or sound like nobody but myself.

Has anybody ever told you you look like Russell Westbrook?

I get told I look like a couple of people, but nah never Russell Westbrook. He can play some ball though.

All jokes, aside, you’re making some pretty good and authentic music. You seem like you’re on the right track to becoming a household name. What advice could you offer to someone chasing their dreams, like you are?

Focus on your craft and your product. Never feel like you made it or you’re the best at what you’re doing ’cause there’s always room to grow and get better. Stay humble, grind harder than you ever did in your life. Build a strong team and most importantly, invest in yourself and if you can’t afford to, find someone who can support your vision and help take you to next level.

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Prospectt’s EP, The Theory, is available now. Check it out, below.