26AR: Leveling Up

Let’s hop right into this single / video, the Rob49 assisted, “Hottest In My City” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it actually come to fruition?

I wanted to add someone on the song that’s really like that in their city, too. Rob is turning his ‘hood up, so my team hit his people and we made it happen.

Of course “Hottest In My City” comes courtesy of your just about to be unleashed project, FLYEST OOTA — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

I’m the Flyest Oota in the world, and that’s how I carry myself. Flyest Oota really means you’re the best at anything you do — you can be the flyest oota on the court or the flyest oota on the block or anywhere. For me, it represents being the best at what I do.

How then does FLYEST OOTA either differ and / or compare to previous efforts?

The new tape is just a level up from my first project. I experienced a lot of new things in between the time I recorded both. Flyest Oota represents how I’m living now, and where I’m trying to go.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

My everyday life — shit I’ve experienced or things that I’ve seen.

What particular string of events even led to your current signing with Def Jam Recordings?

Every label started calling after my first project dropped, so I had to make a choice. Def Jam represents my city, and most of the artists I listened to growing up were signed there. They believed in my vision.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for 26AR?

When I was in jail, basketball was supposed to be my way out. I was supposed to go overseas to play, but the warden denied it. Then I started hearing about Drill music from my friends back home. I took a book and started filling it with songs to record. I went to the studio the first day I came home. That’s where it started.

Now you’re a native of Brooklyn, New York, correct? So growing up in Crown Heights, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Jay-Z of course, because he grew up nearby.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Wocky! I don’t think anyone sounds like me, but they try to. I’m just the Flyest Oota in the game.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

From my ‘hood. They used to call me Aaron Rodgers, so that’s where AR comes from. ’26’ is the block.

Switching gears here…

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Performing at Made In America.

What’s an average day like for you?

It’s never an average day. No two days are alike — sometimes I just chill, and other days I have a full schedule.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I love my fans. I used to invite them on my Instagram live, so they can perform for everyone watching. I still show love online, in comments, and I always try to repost when they support me. They notice me in the streets, too, so I show love when people approach me.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

I love creating music and being in the studio. I like to travel and see new cities. My least favorite part is politicking.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just keep going — never give up. You never know what could happen.

Lastly, what’s next for 26AR?

We’re in album mode already. They steppin’, I’m stompin’ about it and I’m not letting up.