Caskey, Orlando native, has been on the radar for quite some time now. With article features in Complex magazine, Hip Hop DX, All Hip Hop and many others, it’s no surprise that Birdman tracked the 23-year-old rapper down to sign him to Cash Money Records. With the completion of his Black Sheep Tour, Caskey finally had the time to chat about what and who inspires him the most in his thriving rap career.
When did you realize you had a talent for rapping?
“I realized it when I was 15 years old. My friends and I were free-styling, and I was really good at it.”
How did you end up getting signed to Cash Money Records?
“Birdman called me one day and told me to come to Miami. I came [to Miami] and he was there with a mouth full of diamonds. I played my music [for him] all night, and we just kicked it. We hit it off very well.”
How did he discover you?
“Honestly, I still haven’t got the full story, but I believe that he saw a YouTube video that me and Kid Famous (currently known as The Rockstar) had done a while back, and he really liked it and looked up some more videos. He was looking for me for a couple weeks, which is weird because, during that time, I was really broke, but at the same time Birdman was looking for me.”
Describe your rapping style.
“I aspire to be compared to the elites, the Waynes and the Drakes, and I think I’m on that level. I think I have a unique voice and a unique sound. My music is real dark and spacey.”
What type of music do you like?
“I like everything. I’ve really been getting into chill and electronica music, lately. But, of course, I listen to rap every day, all day ― it’s my favorite.”
Who are some of your biggest influences in the music industry?
“Lil Wayne. Young Thug, all of the great artists before us and anyone who pushes the culture forward.”
When do you plan on releasing your next studio album?
“I don’t know; I just got back from tour. So I’m working on my CD now. I think Birdman and I may put out another mixtape before the album, but we are working on it right now. I’ve already started recording.”
What’s been your favorite song you’ve recorded so far?
“It varies every day, but right now, it’s ‘Sun Goes Down.’ It’s about Orlando and the things that go on there ― the afterhours and the day in a life of a grimy street kid.”
Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
“Anthony Green. He’s the lead singer for Circa Survive. It’s like an Indie band, and they’re super dope.”
If you could have dinner with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
“Jimi Hendrix. I think he’s like one of the most humble artists I’ve ever seen interviewed. I think we’re cut from the same cloth. I actually have him tattooed on me.”
Do you have any cool stories about your tattoos?
“I have a Harley Davidson tattoo on my face. One day, I was in the tattoo shop, and my brother was like ‘Yo’ do you want to get Harley tattooed on our faces?’ and I was like ‘Yup.’ And that changed my destiny forever.”
Where do you see your career in 10 years?
“I see myself being the Kanye of my generation and being the biggest artist out there, but, at the same time, influencing artists to just be better and doper.”
What do you want your audience to know about you?
“I don’t want them to know anything about me. I want them to know about my music. I want them to know that I’m super appreciative of anyone who listens to my stuff. I dedicate my whole life to this, so I really care. Also, go get my music. You can stream it on Spotify and watch it on YouTube. My Instagram name is @Caskey407 and my SnapChat is @TATSONMYNECK.”
