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Photo Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
The rapper speaks about his past, Lebron James and even touches on Rick James.
North Carolina rapper DaBaby was unveiled as Billboard's latest cover star. Earlier this month, the rising artist's second studio album KIRK rose to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. In his new cover story, he details his background, teaming up with rappers like Megan Thee Stallion and more.
During the in-depth feature, he also candidly speaks about his late father and their relationship. He also opens up a bit about legal issues, looking up to Rick James and interacting with fans.
On success:
"I just had that mindset to never settle. That’s a credit to my pops, too. He used to say 'the sky’s the limit' every time we talked. 'Never be complacent, always strive for more.'"
On his father's death:
"When it happened, I didn’t really have time to grieve. Trying to drop this album and dedicating it to him, the cover being a baby picture and the shit being on billboards in Times Square, being able to tell the world my story -- and they’re so interested, too? Like the whole world is interested in how influential my pops was to me. This shit right here been more therapeutic than anything."
On lessons he's learned from the street that help him in the music industry:
"Not taking sh*t personal. Business is business. Do my own thang. Knowing how to deal with people. And just knowing how to move, you get what I’m saying? In the streets, you gotta know how to watch out for the police. But rap is really more dangerous than the streets, for sure."
In total, the profile sheds light on what makes DaBaby different from other emerging artists in the entertainment industry. During one point of the feature, in his own words he describes his creativity and marketability. In the past few weeks, each song from KIRK appeared on Billboard's Top 100 chart, proving that DaBaby is currently a rapper to keep your eyes on.
Head to Billboard to read the entire feature. Take a look at the cover below.
Source: Billboard
