The Interview: Boii.McCoy

Author: Justin Grome

Where are you from? Have your surroundings shaped you in a creative sense, and in what way?
I’m from Pensacola, Florida. Yeah most definitely, a lot of people don’t make it out of my city, so I use that to motivate & inspire me. I wanna be an example that if you put your mind to something and work at it, you can do it no matter what anyone says. It’s inevitable.


What’s your background like? Where do you stand on the music scene in your area?
I come from a diverse group of people where I’m from. I’ve kinda always been able to float in between different crowds, I believe that’s why my taste in music is the way it is. In my area, I feel like I’ve made my own lane. I don’t sound like no one else. I pride myself on that. 


What did you start doing first, producing or rapping? How did you get started?
I just rap, but producing is something I plan on learning and crafting as well. I’ve wanted to rap since I was 18, but I didn’t grow up with rapper friends or that push to start, so I never got into it. When I was 21 or 22 I started writing raps but I never did anything with them. I met one of friends named Darrion aka Wa$h when I was 24 and I’d always talk to him about rapping and how I wanted to get into it, and I lowkey persuaded him to start rapping with me and he did, and we’ve been at it ever since. 


Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor? How has their help or advice shaped you?
Yeah, I would say Jay Z. Even though we’ve never met or spoke. He’s my favorite artist, and his approach to life in general is what I’m out to achieve. That boss mentality.


What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are today?
I went through somewhat of a crisis around the age of 19. A lot was going on in my life. I was learning a lot about myself spiritually and I alienated myself from everyone. Everyone thought I was going crazy, and I was on the low. But it was just cause I was taking in so much. I found my way out of it a couple years later, and it changed me for the better. 


What do you hope to accomplish this year?
2019, I want to make music at a even higher level. I feel like as artist you should always be trying to outdo yourself. I wanna put out my 1st collective project After The Smoke, also put out some music videos for it. And benefit from it all, and keep growing as a artist overall. 


What does your work aim to say?
It says a lot. I’m a pretty layered person. So I go through a lot of different moods. Every song I put out has it’s own message in a way.


Who are your biggest influences and what do you like about them the most?
My biggest influence is Kid Cudi and Jay Z. Kid Cudi because to me he’s like his own genre, he’s always stayed true to who he is through his music. These days there’s a lot of variations of the same artist, but there’s only 1 Kid Cudi. I love that. Jay Z for the reason I mentioned earlier, he’s a boss, and gives off that vibe that ‘I can’t be touched’.


How would you describe your own style?
I would say I have a versatile approach to music, because my music tastes varies. Sometimes I have a villainous style, others chill, and I wouldn’t say that I make love songs, but I like to show that side every so often. 


In what ways has your newest music changed from when you first started?
I’m definitely more comfortable, and polished. A lot of people would say I’m a quiet and reserved person, and it’s fairly true, but I knew once I started making music I’d have to come out my shell and show more emotion. I read a quote that said “the fear of looking stupid will stop you from being awesome” and that’s true, so I put more of myself out there now. 


What are the main inspirations for the lyrics you write?
For the most part it’s my every day life, past relationships, current relationships. All of my experiences till this day. Sometimes I feel like I’m overlooked, so I kinda write with a chip on my shoulder. 


What would be your dream venue in which to perform?
Any venue that can sit 40,000 people in it. Seeing artist perform in front of that many people gives me goosebumps, everyone raging with you, in sync with you. That’s what I need. 


What’s a song you have stuck in your head these days?
It’s a song by ‘Comethazine’ called ‘Mans’. I walk around my house telling my dog “come and get your mans, I got this AK, I might just pop him like a Xan”. The ignorance in the song is magnetizing. ​