CyHi the Prynce's time to shine has officially arrived, ladies and gentlemen. For the past few years, the G.O.O.D. Music affiliate has played an integral role in the composition, production, and execution for some of rap's (specifically Kanye West's) most esteemed works, earning credits on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, nine out of ten songs on Yeezus, and “FourFiveSeconds” featuring Rihanna and Paul McCartney.
Casual, right?
His contributions to the aforementioned works definitely gained him recognition, but the Atlanta emcee's lyrical prowess, one-of-a-kind flow, and unrivaled creative insight have gotten him where he is today. And where is that, exactly? A few weeks out from the release of his debut album (No Dope On Sundays) and on Lil Wayne's current tour, which kicked off last night in Gainesville, Florida.
The rapper's forthcoming Kanye-produced LP, which was written about a seven-day period in his life, features the thought-provoking track (and one of our favorite songs this year), "Nu Africa". All we can say is that if this lyrical gem is just a fragment of the conceptual puzzle to come, we wouldn't be shocked if the Grammy stage awaits Prynce Cyhi.
We got to briefly chat with the "Like It Or Not" musician ahead of his tour with Weezy—a run which will hit college campuses across the country until it wraps on May 11 in Detroit. Find out what song he's most excited to perform onstage, which artist most impressed him at SXSW, and who would be on his dream co-headlining tour. Then, make sure to Track him on Bandsintown to stay-up-to-date with all of CyHi's upcoming shows.
You’ve said your new album, No Dope On Sundays, is extremely personal and chronicles a specific week in your life. How did you come up with the concept?
I didn’t, God did. But that’s something I always say: my music can influence street/urban dudes to do positive things for their community.
The music video for “Nu Africa” is incredible. Do you plan on bringing any elements from those visuals to the stage on your upcoming tour with Lil Wayne?
Yes that’s a possibility. We’re going to have a lot of different vibes on tour.
What made you most want to join Weezy on the road?
Because Weezy is one of the first Southern lyricists. It would be dope to pick his brain the whole time to see how a legend works.
What song off the LP are you amped to perform live for your fans?
The self-titled track, “No Dope On Sundays”.
You’ve worked with Kanye West extensively in the past, and he also was the executive producer for #NoDos. If you had to pick two things you’ve learned from him, what would it be?
Teamwork and brainstorming.
What was the best show you’ve ever been to?
Birthday Bash when Jay Z came on stage.
You were just at SXSW performing at The Roots x Bud Light’s showcase. Are there any up-and-coming artists you caught in Austin that you think are going to blow up this year?
, J. Cole’s new artist.
Dream musician whom you’d want to go on a co-headlining tour with?
Tupac and Earth, Wind, & Fire.