Image via Marika Belamarich
Dr. Dre’s The Chronic being listed as one of the best Bay Area rap albums is why Alan Chazaro doesn’t trust anything generated by AI.
There may not be another major city in the U.S. more collectively misunderstood than Boston. On the surface, it’s quintessentially American — not too big, not too small — adhering to mainstream values rooted in Irish Catholicism and old-world Puritanism (you still can’t even buy alcohol on a Sunday). Add to that an antagonizing leprechaun logo, the twin spirits of Larry Bird and Tom Brady, and a Red Sox team that is rigidly clean-shaven, and you get one of the country’s most white-centric spaces.
But step into Suffolk County’s streets — outside of Boston’s financial district and beyond the glamorous, brick-lined arteries that weave through downtown’s surrounding neighborhoods where Boston marathoners are cheered on — and you’ll encounter stories of invisibility and perseverance in a working-class port city. Formerly the center for radical abolitionism, the Bean is where Malcolm X got his game and where The Ghetto, one of the first ever radio programs in the nation exclusively dedicated to rappers, began airing in 1979.
As the West Coast son of Mexican immigrants who spent a few brutal winters of my adulthood working in New England’s largest city, everything I once thought I knew about the 617 — based on Jimmy Fallon rom-com scenes, Ben Affleck’s braggadocio and hyperbolic sports radio diatribes — didn’t portray the real people I met there. Luckily, Cousin Stizz does.
An ultra-laidback observer, Stizz has cooly risen like the Prudential Tower to become the region’s most notable rapper of the last decade (and arguably all-time) with effortless depictions of what the land of threes (Adidas) and trees (Tims) is about. He embodies the spirit of the Bostonians who aren’t Dockers-wearing yacht owners on the harbor or hammered frat boys clamoring at Celtics games.
Dorchester is a neighborhood where colonial architecture looms over its icy sidewalks, where the red stone and iron of a centuries-gone industrial boom dictates the cold, hardened spirit of an overlooked population. Once largely white (see: Mark Wahlberg), it’s now a neighborhood and city predominantly inhabited by immigrants and people of color. Fields Corner, specifically, is where Stizz soaked up his hometown’s lessons and gained his savvy, unapologetic world outlook. With a major subway station along the city’s busy transit line, it’s an active, fast-moving area with gritty textures that Stizz has been delivering sonically since his breakout single, “Shoutout,” off his ceremoniously titled debut, Suffolk County, in 2015.
A benefactor of internet-age pluralisms, Stizz cross-stitches influences that range from E-40 to Final Fantasy. Most notably, he introduced Southern-cadenced, crawling bass lines and simplistic, minimally effusive bars about Bape hoodies, disillusioned mortality, and discarded blunt guts to the region’s soundscape. One might mistake his tales of a hazardous underworld, out-of-state rental cars and restrained, marijuana-induced meditations on street life to be about any other urban metropolis. And maybe they could be.
But it’s the subtle specificity of his phrases and references (using New England slang like “forcing it” — a longtime Boston favorite — and filming videos in front of the Zakim Bridge or in the alleyways of Boston’s clapboard houses) that best triangulate his coordinates. Before Stizz, New England’s hip-hop was known for a robust boom-bap scene of the 90s and off-kilter, intellectual musings of artists like Apathy the Alien Tongue, Esoteric, Akrobatik, and Mr. Lif. Only Guru , Edo.G (Boston’s legendary Roxbury emcee), and Benzino (a mid-level lyricist who gained his fame through his co-ownership of The Source magazine) have reached the heights that Stizz is currently entering. But they all fell short of firmly planting Boston’s flag on rap’s lunar surface.
With his sixth project forthcoming, Stizz is entering nearly a decade of music output, approaching 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Most impressively, Stizz’s solo ascension has been lackadaisical and unconcerned with fame, casually documenting street happenings over bell-heavy, anime-glazed productions supplied by collaborators like Snapz and Xair. With his two latest singles, “The Fan” and “Comin For Everything,” it’s becoming clearer than ever that what Stizz is doing for Boston is akin to what Curren$y has done for New Orleans or what Larry June has done for San Francisco — who are providing independent blueprints for their cities while enjoying a low-profile existence dedicated to money and music. With Stizz, it turns out, it’s that f*cking simple.
I caught up with Boston’s Fresh Prince over the phone before he went into the studio — on the exact day that marked the 8-year-anniversary of his first album’s release. With the liberated ease of someone who is living on their own terms, he wanders from expressing gratitude to reflecting on his maturity to the Zelda game we’re both currently playing on Nintendo Switch. Just like his music, there’s no pretense, no grand entrance. Instead, it felt like linking up with a favorite cousin after months of being separated and catching up on all the good shit.
It’s been eight years since you dropped your seminal project, Suffolk County. What stands out to you when looking back on your early Fields Corner days?
Cousin Stizz: Man, I’m just super blessed and super grateful. I’ve evolved, as I should. I grew. As a man, as a brother, as a son, as a friend. I just try to be better for everyone around me and let the music do what it does.
What keeps you grounded through all the difficult moments and industry bullshit throughout your career?
Cousin Stizz: It’s the family aspect. My family and friends, keeping those same people around me early on from the beginning. The people who look at you different? I dealt with all that early on. That’s not in my day-to-day now. I just keep my head down, put in the work, spend time with family and friends, and stay true to who I am. I’ve been doing that for a minute now and it works. It’s that simple.
You’re out on the West Coast now, but I know you go home to tap in when you can. If you only have one night in Boston, how are you spending it?
Cousin Stizz: It depends. If the Celtics are playing, we’re going to the Garden. If not, I’ma call my boys. I’ll train; I like to box. Then kick it with my boys after. Get a sub somewhere. Dino’s is my favorite, in the North End. It’s kinda out of the way, but that’s my favorite steak and cheese in the city. Chillin’ after that. Stop by Bodega, see what’s up with Concepts. Hang out over by Newbury. Check on my guys in Dorchester. Then springboard back to the arena if the season is going. We’re sitting courtside and taking a dub. That’s a regular day for me in Boston, literally.
Dope. It’s an underrated city. Your music has definitely helped bring major attention to the scene there. Recently, you’ve been dropping new singles. Is your sixth album on the way?
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah. I’m suuuuper excited, I can’t lie to you. For real, for real, bro. It’s gonna be good. I can’t even really… I’m just excited, I’m smiling about it right now. I don’t always have that feeling anymore, not since I was young and wide-eyed in the game with Suffolk County and Monda. But this music really feels special, I’m just happy. I’m really proud. It’s an evolution of my sound. It’s gonna be a really dope summer, for real. I’m gonna drop and tease a few more tracks soon.
Will we get the album by the end of the year?
Cousin Stizz: Roughly, the timeline might be the Fall. Roughly. We still got some work to do.
What feels different about making this album compared to your last five projects? You have more experience now, so has anything about your process changed?
Cousin Stizz: I’m hitting this space where I’m just so comfortable and confident with how I’m making music. You can hear it. I love it, bro. I’m for sure hitting a different stride and evolving. I’m taking a lot of different things and putting it all into this project. I’m just growing as an artist and implementing new things, and that opens up my ears to more pockets.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
What keeps you grounded through all the difficult moments and industry bullshit throughout your career?
Cousin Stizz: It’s the family aspect. My family and friends, keeping those same people around me early on from the beginning. The people who look at you different? I dealt with all that early on. That’s not in my day-to-day now. I just keep my head down, put in the work, spend time with family and friends, and stay true to who I am. I’ve been doing that for a minute now and it works. It’s that simple.
You’re out on the West Coast now, but I know you go home to tap in when you can. If you only have one night in Boston, how are you spending it?
Cousin Stizz: It depends. If the Celtics are playing, we’re going to the Garden. If not, I’ma call my boys. I’ll train; I like to box. Then kick it with my boys after. Get a sub somewhere. Dino’s is my favorite, in the North End. It’s kinda out of the way, but that’s my favorite steak and cheese in the city. Chillin’ after that. Stop by Bodega, see what’s up with Concepts. Hang out over by Newbury. Check on my guys in Dorchester. Then springboard back to the arena if the season is going. We’re sitting courtside and taking a dub. That’s a regular day for me in Boston, literally.
Dope. It’s an underrated city. Your music has definitely helped bring major attention to the scene there. Recently, you’ve been dropping new singles. Is your sixth album on the way?
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah. I’m suuuuper excited, I can’t lie to you. For real, for real, bro. It’s gonna be good. I can’t even really… I’m just excited, I’m smiling about it right now. I don’t always have that feeling anymore, not since I was young and wide-eyed in the game with Suffolk County and Monda. But this music really feels special, I’m just happy. I’m really proud. It’s an evolution of my sound. It’s gonna be a really dope summer, for real. I’m gonna drop and tease a few more tracks soon.
Will we get the album by the end of the year?
Cousin Stizz: Roughly, the timeline might be the Fall. Roughly. We still got some work to do.
What feels different about making this album compared to your last five projects? You have more experience now, so has anything about your process changed?
Cousin Stizz: I’m hitting this space where I’m just so comfortable and confident with how I’m making music. You can hear it. I love it, bro. I’m for sure hitting a different stride and evolving. I’m taking a lot of different things and putting it all into this project. I’m just growing as an artist and implementing new things, and that opens up my ears to more pockets.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
You’re out on the West Coast now, but I know you go home to tap in when you can. If you only have one night in Boston, how are you spending it?
Cousin Stizz: It depends. If the Celtics are playing, we’re going to the Garden. If not, I’ma call my boys. I’ll train; I like to box. Then kick it with my boys after. Get a sub somewhere. Dino’s is my favorite, in the North End. It’s kinda out of the way, but that’s my favorite steak and cheese in the city. Chillin’ after that. Stop by Bodega, see what’s up with Concepts. Hang out over by Newbury. Check on my guys in Dorchester. Then springboard back to the arena if the season is going. We’re sitting courtside and taking a dub. That’s a regular day for me in Boston, literally.
Dope. It’s an underrated city. Your music has definitely helped bring major attention to the scene there. Recently, you’ve been dropping new singles. Is your sixth album on the way?
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah. I’m suuuuper excited, I can’t lie to you. For real, for real, bro. It’s gonna be good. I can’t even really… I’m just excited, I’m smiling about it right now. I don’t always have that feeling anymore, not since I was young and wide-eyed in the game with Suffolk County and Monda. But this music really feels special, I’m just happy. I’m really proud. It’s an evolution of my sound. It’s gonna be a really dope summer, for real. I’m gonna drop and tease a few more tracks soon.
Will we get the album by the end of the year?
Cousin Stizz: Roughly, the timeline might be the Fall. Roughly. We still got some work to do.
What feels different about making this album compared to your last five projects? You have more experience now, so has anything about your process changed?
Cousin Stizz: I’m hitting this space where I’m just so comfortable and confident with how I’m making music. You can hear it. I love it, bro. I’m for sure hitting a different stride and evolving. I’m taking a lot of different things and putting it all into this project. I’m just growing as an artist and implementing new things, and that opens up my ears to more pockets.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Dope. It’s an underrated city. Your music has definitely helped bring major attention to the scene there. Recently, you’ve been dropping new singles. Is your sixth album on the way?
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah. I’m suuuuper excited, I can’t lie to you. For real, for real, bro. It’s gonna be good. I can’t even really… I’m just excited, I’m smiling about it right now. I don’t always have that feeling anymore, not since I was young and wide-eyed in the game with Suffolk County and Monda. But this music really feels special, I’m just happy. I’m really proud. It’s an evolution of my sound. It’s gonna be a really dope summer, for real. I’m gonna drop and tease a few more tracks soon.
Will we get the album by the end of the year?
Cousin Stizz: Roughly, the timeline might be the Fall. Roughly. We still got some work to do.
What feels different about making this album compared to your last five projects? You have more experience now, so has anything about your process changed?
Cousin Stizz: I’m hitting this space where I’m just so comfortable and confident with how I’m making music. You can hear it. I love it, bro. I’m for sure hitting a different stride and evolving. I’m taking a lot of different things and putting it all into this project. I’m just growing as an artist and implementing new things, and that opens up my ears to more pockets.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Will we get the album by the end of the year?
Cousin Stizz: Roughly, the timeline might be the Fall. Roughly. We still got some work to do.
What feels different about making this album compared to your last five projects? You have more experience now, so has anything about your process changed?
Cousin Stizz: I’m hitting this space where I’m just so comfortable and confident with how I’m making music. You can hear it. I love it, bro. I’m for sure hitting a different stride and evolving. I’m taking a lot of different things and putting it all into this project. I’m just growing as an artist and implementing new things, and that opens up my ears to more pockets.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
What feels different about making this album compared to your last five projects? You have more experience now, so has anything about your process changed?
Cousin Stizz: I’m hitting this space where I’m just so comfortable and confident with how I’m making music. You can hear it. I love it, bro. I’m for sure hitting a different stride and evolving. I’m taking a lot of different things and putting it all into this project. I’m just growing as an artist and implementing new things, and that opens up my ears to more pockets.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
What’s an example of how you do that?
Cousin Stizz: I started recording myself and I’ve been learning about that for like the past year. I’m trying to stay focused on that. Keeping my head down and just recording myself more.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Has learning how to record yourself influenced your approach and mindset as a rapper?
Cousin Stizz: Definitely. Putting in that extra work and recording yourself, that’s a big one. It helps to create a daily routine. That’s how you stay disciplined making music. It’s a routine; every day feels normal. It’s part of what I do to record music, so it doesn’t just feel like it’s random or out of the blue when I do it. There’s real life me and music me, and they can be turned on and off, but it doesn’t feel like a big build up or some special process. Recording myself forces me to just go in there and do it daily.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
You’ve been steadily grinding and have built an impressive discography by putting out music year after year. But you mentioned having other sides that you can turn on and off. How are you spending your free time these days? I know you’ve been f*cking with that new Zelda game on Nintendo. I heard it takes over 900 hours of gameplay to finish.
Cousin Stizz: Literally. I’m pretty damn far. If I showed you how deep in this shit I am, it’s kinda sick (laughs). I’m knocking at the doorstep of fighting Ganondorf at this point. Doing hella sidequests, stacking my hearts up, doing mad shrines. Really trying to conquer the depths. I don’t always like going down there, it’s mad dark, but there’s lots of armor sets down there. I’m just the sidequest king right now, then I’ll take out Ganondorf and see what’s up with those three-headed dragons (laughs).
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
How does the soundtrack of that game — and just video games in general — influence your own sound? Your production, especially recently, reminds me of a retro video game.
Cousin Stizz: Video games definitely have influenced my sound. Especially older video games. Those games have helped shape some of my sounds, for real. The Final Fantasy games. The old Kingdom Hearts. Those soundtracks, those textures, I’m still drawn to that today. I’m trying to emote those types of feelings when I was a kid. It’s nostalgic, feel me?
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
When you’re not playing Zelda, you’re definitely outside making moves. You just went on tour with Tony Shhnow, who appears on your latest single, “Comin For Everything.” How did you link up with the Atlanta rapper?
Cousin Stizz: I heard his music one time, it was really early on when he didn’t have too many followers, and I DMed him and told him his music was dope. I was f*cking with him. I just hit him up. That’s also how I set up the tour. Just called him and he hopped on. That’s how his verse on “Comin for Everything” happened, too. I hit him and he got it back to me the next day. That’s my brother.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
You have an ear for underground talent. In 2016, you featured Larry June on “Really Down Like That” before he really blew up. How do you find these artists and producers for your projects?
Cousin Stizz: The whole music thing, that’s just who I am. I appreciate my team letting me do me. They trust my ears. I really just listen to people, and I try to find them really, really, really early on. My team knows that and I just trust my gut. I do that with producers, too. Over time those become the homies who know me better than most other people. My music sounds the way it does because they know what I’m trying to do. It’s that trust.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Which producers have you been messing with lately?
Cousin Stizz: Xair. Snapz. He’s damn near on everything. Matter of fact, he’s on “The Fan” and “Comin for Everything.” Also, Dilip and Aziz. Those are the ones. Those are the GOATs.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Are those Boston dudes?
Cousin Stizz: Nah. They’re from all over. Not even sure where they’re all from, to be honest. I know Snapz is from Michigan, from Grand Rapids. He’s the homie. He’s over every day, working. We just make music all the time. Xair had just DMed me one day. He was like, “I’m f*cking with your sound, I got some shit for you.” Usually, I don’t check those types of DMs like that, but his delivery was like, I think he might have something. He’s been snapping for real for real. I’m excited about all of the joints they’re producing.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
I read about how your dad was an audiophile who always played different kinds of genres in your house and exposed you to more than just rap.
Cousin Stizz: Exactly. My plan with this project, it’s about all of the things I’m into just coming together in one album. It’s all about evolving but you gotta be yourself and find a way to bring it all together. It’s hard, it takes time. It doesn’t come right when you want it to, but if you’re patient, it’ll come when you don’t expect it. With time, anything works, for real. You’ll change and grow. It’s maturity, bro. The music is no different. That’s how I approach it. Putting in work over time, putting in that love, that’s growth, that’s change. It seems easy but it’s not. It’s not easy. People come in this shit thinking that my shit is easy like that, but it’s work. I’m just happy to be where I’m at, for real.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
It’s paying off for you. You just performed at TD Garden for the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I have to ask, what the hell happened against Miami? And more importantly, what was it like to perform for your hometown squad?
Cousin Stizz: Man, that was special. I brought my dad to Game 5 and my mom to Game 7. It woulda been dope if we won both. We had to watch that Game 7 L. Bro, JT got injured 26 seconds into the game. They massacred my boy. It was tough to watch man, I don’t want to relive it yet, to be honest. Game 5 was dope, though. Huge win. Shout out to the Celtics for having me. Those are the homies, for real for real. Performing at the Garden for a pivotal playoff game for the Boston Celtics? That’s for sure huge. The energy was crazy. I’m not just saying it ‘cause I performed that night either. The energy was just unreal. I’ve been to games my whole life and I never heard the Garden rocking like they were for that game. But yeah, I’m not watching sports for a little bit now (laughs). I’m kinda checked out. Maybe I’ll watch the last games of the Finals.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
You got Miami or Denver?
Cousin Stizz: I don’t have a horse in this race. Actually, Bruce Brown is from Dorchester, so I’m rocking with that. I’m rocking with him. There’s my horse. I do want him to get a ring. Shout out Dorchester.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Speaking of Dorchester, who are some Boston artists you think deserve more shine right now who are putting on for the city?
Cousin Stizz: The streets is going crazy right now. All of Mass, shout ’em all out. There’s people here, people coming out. Millyz is doing his thing. He’s from Cambridge. Michael Christmas. There’s Kei, Clark D. The kid’s coming up. I feel like once someone comes through on a super duper level, it’ll happen.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
You’re the closest thing. Are you still with RCA? What are some of the struggles of being from Boston and maneuvering the music industry?
Cousin Stizz: I been independent for about three years now. The struggle is not having a giant ass budget, but besides that, bruh, I don’t have too many cons, man. I can’t think of too many cons brother, I won’t hold you. My life hasn’t really changed much from me being signed or not. I fill my day up with what I did during the pandemic time. That’s when I had to do what everyone did and do more things for myself, and that’s still what a normal day is like for me. It’s kinda the same life besides having a giant ass budget to do shit with, like projects, videos, things like that. That costs money. Studio budgets. But now I learned to record myself and that’s my process. I been so self-sufficient for so long that when I got out of [RCA] it wasn’t shocking. I kept on going like I’ve been doing.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
Now that you’re in L.A., I’m sure there are other opportunities, too. I saw Jack Harlow was in the new White Man Can’t Jump reboot. Have you watched it yet?
Cousin Stizz: I haven’t. I didn’t see it. To be honest, bro, I haven’t really been watching too much TV. Just been out and about living my life. Doing my rap thing. Maybe a year or two ago I woulda had more time to watch TV but I been moving around. The world’s open now, so I move accordingly. Have you seen it? Was it good?
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
It was trash. But it had me thinking about movies with rappers in them. You got any favorites?
Cousin Stizz: Damn, lemme think. Paid in Full, obviously. That’s a cheat though. Lemme think. Cradle to the Grave. Romeo Must Die. Classics. Super classic. I’ll have to think on that.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
All good. I would just add Above the Rim with 2pac on that list.
Cousin Stizz: Hell yeah.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.
You’re now a certified veteran in the rap game. You’ve accomplished a lot and stayed hella consistent. What does “coming for everything” mean for you at this stage in your career?
Cousin Stizz: I want it all, bro. I’m coming for it all. I can confidently say that, man. I’m happy with the music, with the way it sounds. Everything is evolving. Just gotta continue to be me. Feel me? I’m coming for everything.