2 Pistols is prepping the release of his Evil Impire-assisted project, “Comin Back Hard,” his ninth mixtape. The lead single “Know That,” featuring French Montana, recently premiered on BET‘s 106 & Park. The track was produced by Bolo Da Producer , a long-time collaborator.

His goal is for this tape to be received well, particularly in the streets: “You want people to actually ask for the album. By the end of the year I need to solidify that I’m back, and that I came back hard. This is a movement. This is me.”

Once a Cash Money artist, 2 Pistols is now releasing his music independently. He had this to say when asked what he learned from the label heads:  “The work ethic is key. When you get to a certain amount, some people can get lazy and lay down. But they stay hungry and hustlin’. Everyday you have to wake up and try to find a check. Hats off to everyone out of there who allowed me to soak up some game. They opened my eyes up to what the game is. Slim told me you can be a rapper or a superstar, it depends on what you are trying to do with this.”

2 Pistols did not intend to be an artist from the start. Instead, he had aspirations for the CEO suite. But his promotional activity brought him in close contact with talented and powerful artists and he ended up in the studio instead of the boardroom. For instance, after hearing that T-Pain would be in the Tampa area for a radio event, 2 Pistols reached out to him about an after party that night in the city. The party was successful and the two stayed in touch and eventually released “She Got It” in 2008, which peaked at #2 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

When he is not releasing music or promoting shows in Florida, 2 Pistols is taking part in Maykers, a motocross themed clothing line and website. Nevertheless, his main focus is on music and making his mark as an artist. “When I came into the game there were artists coming in and going out like fast-food. And now it’s wide open for something that is authentic.” He likens his upbringing and story to that of Jay Z in terms of the abundance of experiences he has to draw from.

Currently represented by Impire Management, 2P credits Bottom Feeder Movement for energizing his efforts. Keep your ears open for 2 Pistols’ upcoming mixtape Coming Back Hard,  due on November 12th. It’ll be interesting to see just how reloaded he actually is.

The post Interview: 2 Pistols is Reloaded appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.