See also "Stalley on His New EP, Mixtape and Album Plans"
When Crossfade spoke with MMG's unstoppable Stalley earlier this week, he gave us exclusive info about his release plans for the rest of the year. He also told us about how he had been "getting back in the groove of recording after being on the road, just trying to vibe out and laying vocals."
So much for that. He'll be down in Miami tomorrow night to headline a Maybach Music Group evening at Grand Central and he also wasted precious studio time talking to us about dumb shit. Sorry. M-m-m-m-maybach?
Anyway, after the cut, find out about if Stalley and Rick Ross really do share beard picks and who wins in one-on-one, Stalley or 2 Chainz.
On "Power Circle", we learned that the square root of a kilo is Rick Ross, which means Rick Ross squared is a kilo. What is Stalley squared?
Man, that's a good question. Maybe a couple kilos. I think there's a lot that weighs on me. In person and in my life. Music is taking chances, and I put a lot on the line. That can be good or bad for people. It's more that I take chances in what I write. I don't worry about what's hot. I don't chase features from people who are "hot" and it takes a lot to grow on a fan when it's just you.
What have you put on the line?
Well, when some people are used to a certain something, they want that something. But I'm very cautious in what I write about and say and how I'm seen. I feel like I have a lot, not myself personally and but faith in myself and the city I'm from. I've never met anyone famous from my town.
You are the are the most successful musician from Massillon, Ohio since Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees.
Yeah, exactly.
What has it been like coming up in his shadow?
Really, we do different music and do different stories. And have different perspectives. There's never been any competition. In Massillon, we have pride in what we've done. Some people are even scared to move to Cleveland cause they're used to that one area. But I'm hoping I can give the youth in my town and others the hope that if you take a chance on a dream, you can make it happen.
Have you ever actually used the same beard pick as Rick Ross, like he says you do in "Party Heart"?
Nah, I haven't. What we do use is a pick that's similar. Not the same brand. Ross uses a metal comb and mine is all plastic. They're both black.
As your fortunes increase, will you upgrade to metal?
I'll stick with the plastic.
You played Division I basketball at Michigan and 2 Chainz played at Alabama State. Who wins in one-on-one?
We've never played but I would never say anyone could beat me in one-on-one. That's just the competitor in me. I don't get to play as much as I want to, what with recording and touring but he wouldn't beat me.
How about in HORSE?
He might win in HORSE. Maybe. I was never that good at it.
Omarion got a tattoo when he signed to Maybach to prove his loyalty. What does your MMG tattoo say?
I haven't got one yet.
What are you narrowing it down between?
My body is valuable real estate, and a lot of it is taken because I'm just into art and tattooing. I'm not saying I won't get one, just that I haven't gotten around to it yet. I definitely respect the brand and Ross.
Stalley is featured all over Maybach Music Group's Self Made, Vol. 2, which drops June 26. His fourth mixtape, Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, is out now and it's awesome.
Stalley with The Maybach Family. Friday, June 22. Grand Central, 697 N. Miami Ave., Miami. Doors open at 10 p.m. Advance tickets cost $25 plus fees, but admission is free with RSVP before 12 a.m. Email [email protected] or text 786-333-9159. Call 305-377-2277 or visit grandcentralmiami.com.
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