Lil Wookie on being inspired by Atlanta Legend Lil Jon as a child, to Collaborating with Rap Superstars Future and Young Thug while navigating the Music Industry.
How did you get the name wookie?
My original name street name is really “Woo” but my friend’s Mama use to always call me “Wookie”. One day, I just said “Wookie” when I was doing my adlibs in the Studio. Everytime I would hear that adlib “Wookie” just stuck out to me… so I ran with it.
How/why did you start rapping??
My Dad was apart of the entourage for “Lil Jon and The Eastside Boyz” because my Uncle Lil Bo is one of “The Eastside Boyz”. While growing up seeing my Dad with Lil Jon all the time… naturally I was inspired so I used to rap Lil Jon and Master P’s lyrics all the time. When my Dad saw that I memorized the lyrics he told me “You know you can be a Rapper too… you just have to make your own music.” Every since that day, I’ve been rapping my own lyrics.
You have a close relationship with Future, Casino and Cord Dibiase. What are some words of advice that each of them has given you, that you cling to?
-Future always taught me to stay hungry no matter how much you got or how good it’s going. Stick To the same formula as I did even when I didn’t have nothing. NEVER STOP WORKING!
-Dibiase gives me advice on being patient and the always thinking before I react . He always gives me insight on how to invest my money.
-Casino is constantly reminding me to stay focus and stay consistent. The Business Comes First !
You have amassed a list of features that most Artists could only dream to have. You already have songs with Future , Young Thug and ATL Jacob… what is it like recording with them ?
In the beginning, even though Future is “bruh” , I would kind of get nervous and freeze up. I would try to record my verse in a separate studio room from him. Then, Future would push me to do my verses immediately in front of him so I can get comfortable. Now, that I’m accustomed to doing music with him “it’s a vibe fasho”.
Young Thug is “my mans” he is extremely creative and one of the realest I have met! Young Thug is soo talented he can rap and engineer (laughs).
Actually, I’ve been one of the first people to work with Atl Jacob. Atl Jacob started out with me and Casino. My first songs I did when I came home in 2017 were produced by Atl Jacob.
What keeps you motivated while navigating the highs and lows of the music industry?
The reaction I get from my supporters, my kids and how everybody around me believes in me. I just feel like I would fail them, if I don’t keep going. It’s like I’m their only hope .
You have lots of fun content, even though the subject matter of your music can oftentimes be no laughing matter …why is it important for you to convey that balance?
It’s just really the energy yea feel me…I can be on that type of time…but I keep it playa at the same time. It ain’t always gotta be gangsta and mean muggin. I’m happy so it’s always going to be good vibes .
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