VIBE: At 19 years old, you’ve stayed strong on your grind as a part of YMCMB and you’re rapidly developing as a standout artist. What do you owe your success to thus far?
Lil Twist: I’m just having fun. We had it all planned out, as far as me being with Lil Wayne for 5 years. I’ve been with Lil Wayne before you guys even knew who Lil Twist was. So I was just building myself up as an artist, just having fun and we all had it planned out.
How would you describe the family element within YMCMB?
It’s definitely a family. I don’t even feel like it’s a label, especially when we all get together. It’s very tight knit. When we come together it’s always fun and amazing.
[Laughs] So, you’ve been hard at work prepping your debut album Don’t Get it Twisted. Do you feel like 2012 is your year?
The whole world better not get it twisted because this album is amazing! I worked really hard on this album. It’s me blowing up on 14 tracks. I have crazy collabs on there. And yeah, I do feel like this is going to be a strong year for me, especially when people actually open up their ears.
When can we expect Don’t Get it Twisted to drop?
Don’t Get it Twisted is set to drop this spring.
You recently collaborated with Justin Bieber on one of the tracks off the album. How did it feel to work with one of pop music’s top artists right now?
That’s my friend. I’ve been with Justin before he even dropped “Baby” and took off. Justin and I were recording on our Mac Books before then, and just to see where he’s went, where he’s at, and to do the record now, being able to hear the record, knowing what it’s going to do with him on is amazing.
Who else have you collaborated with on your album?
Besides Justin Bieber, you have 2 Chainz, Tyga, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, The Dream, Young Nation, the list goes on.
As an artist that appeals directly to the younger generation, as you continue to develop musically, do you feel your audience will change?
I think I’m doing that now. With the music that I’m putting out now, I don’t talk about nursery rhymes or I don’t put myself in that young box. I talk about stuff I’ve actually been through, actually street stuff because of where I’m from. I mess around with both aspects now.
Do you have any key musical influences?
My favorite rapper is Andre 3000 and of course my brother Lil Wayne. He [Lil Wayne] influences me in everything that I do.
Speaking of Andre 3000, how do you feel about the recent statements he’s made to the media about another Outkast album not being in the works for a while?
That would stink if they didn’t do another album soon. I hope they do. I mean, I want to hear Andre. Whatever he wants to drop, I want to hear it. I keep watching one of his commercials, his shaving commercial. [Laughs] I just love him. [Laughs]
You’re currently on the road with Tyga as a part of the Carless World tour. How has the experience been thus far?
The tour has been fun! It’s been great. The Careless World Tour is fun and is the second time my brother Tyga and I have been on tour together. We did the Closer to My Dreams tour last year together and he brought me out on this one. Promoting both of our albums has been great!
Do you have any favorite cities?
So far, I will have to put Milwaukee and New York at the top.
Do you have any interesting stories or memorable moments from being on tour with Tyga?
As far as these last tours, no; but when we [Tyga and I] were both on tour with my brother [Lil Wayne] on the I Am Music tour, we used to have BB gun wars and kidnap each other. We’d run to each other’s hotel rooms, get the keys to each other’s hotel rooms, and shoot each other while we’re asleep. We haven’t had that yet, but I’m sure it’s going to come.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
At the top; I would love to see myself at the top, records sold, everybody finally listening to what’s going on. I think if people open up their ears now, I’ll be close to the top.
