Jay-Z ain't a manager; he owns a management company. He been through this, he been through the game for a long time so he knows tactics in taking artists in certain directions we need to go in.

I've always been rapping before I was making money off of it. Before I made a profit, I had always been rapping.

When I'm not in the booth, I'm one of the most laid-back guys. But growing up, I liked DMX, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and T.I. - dudes that went all out on the track. My first songs were energetic because I liked their energy.

I just do whatever I feel. Whatever the beat makes me say, I do that and I run with that.

I'm into all types of stuff. I might have on Pumas one day, Givenchy the next. I'd wear this John Elliott sweat suit to the club.

Philly gave me my ambition and drive to get more. It's a reminder to stay on top of my game. That's not a place I want to go back to.

The money turned me into a monster