Exclusive | Alabama Rapper Sullivan Talks His New Album "A Pimp Named Sullivan"
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is a dope Southern lyricist, Sullivan! This up and coming rapper hails from Huntsville, Alabama and attended Tuskegee University. Sullivan has a laid back flow that is shown throughout his music and is definitely an artist to watch out for!
We talked with Sullivan in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Sullivan: I have been making music passionately for about 4 years. I was always a huge music fan but I started when I went to Tuskegee University and met Scuzzo. If it wasn’t for him telling me I had talent I would have never worked up the courage to release my first song.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Sullivan: Personally, my biggest influences come from me growing up in the church, old school RnB, and smooth rap. Bootsy Collins, The Isley Brothers, Snoop, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, and many more.
QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Sullivan: There's plenty of artist that are talented but I would really love to collab with Curren$y and create a classic for the smokers. And I’d also like to collab with The Weeknd. I know our voices on the same track would be crazy.
QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Sullivan: This question isn't up to me lol. Its up to the listeners! Personally I really enjoy my new album called “A Pimp Named Sullivan”. This album is a product of great timing. My mind was right, my creativity was heightened, and I was really in tune with everything in the universe.
QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Sullivan: “Evil Scientist” is my upcoming project and it's something for the true smoker and true players. Be careful when you listen cuz it's gone make you like the coolest mf on the world. The album releases on Nov 30th, 2018
QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Sullivan: Before I write or record I always meditate. And smoke a little gas. But if we’re being real, artistic preparation takes place 24/7. I study science, history, philosophy in my free time. I also surround myself with as much positivity and creativity as possible. I explore myself more than I do anything else. All of these things determine what mindset I'm in when I make my art.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Sullivan: I motivate me and as long as I am still working towards something I will always be successful. Success is a direction, not a destination.
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?
Sullivan:: It’s just dope man. I don’t do much describing, I just let the tunes speak for themselves. Anybody who enjoys good music regardless of their preferred genre, can find something to appreciate about my music. Just know that only the smoothest and most playerest mfs listen to my music
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Sullivan: I believe that the formula to manifest anything good is the same. You just gotta believe in yourself. That's easier said than done but once it's achieved you realize that boundaries only exist in your own mind.
QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?
Sullivan: This rapper from Huntsville, Alabama named Sullivan
QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Sullivan: In my particular sub genre of hip hop Snoop, Curren$y, and Wiz Khalifa are the most successful. Snoop made it cool to be a smoker in the 90s and then Wiz and Curren$y pushed that even further. Now it's my time to take the torch.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Sullivan: I would say my music is dominated by the joy of being high on some top shelf gas
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Sullivan: I had to sacrifice the negativity. Straight like that. It was very hard because that shit can be addicting. Basically, I had to sacrifice my old life to get this new one.
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Sullivan: I love recording and writing but having to deal with people to get it mixed, promoted, etc can be discouraging but when it’s all said and done it is worth it.
QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Sullivan: In 10 years I am the most popular musician in the world. Watch
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Sullivan: Stop asking for advice and trust yourself! Nobody knows more about your path than you do!
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