Channel Trestook his last shot of alcohol in 2021.
I dont need to get high anymore, he says.)
The following questions and answers are edited for clarity.
Julian Burgueño*
What does Head Rush mean?The general definition to me is its a euphoric feeling.
You get that head rush.
Some people get it when exposed to nicotine, depending on what you do.
Your first track Head Rush delves into growing up in Compton.
Ive always had those conversations going on in my head.
I dont really know how to reconcile a lot of that.
I go to therapy.
But, I thought everybody was better than me.
I never really looked at myself as somebody who was dope.
Thats what you call yourself?I dont believe Im a celebrity.
I live a regular life.
I know if I pop out to certain places, people will know who I am.
But celebrity to me is Michael Jackson shutting the mall down.
You dedicate your last track, Here to your friend and producer August 08, who died in 2023.
I was doing my 9-to-5 sessions and we got the call two days before.
He was just like, just put everything into the music bro.
Just put everything into the music.
Even if it sucks just put everything into the music.
And, I just did that.
I wrote it off the top of my head.
It wasnt thought out.
All that stuff is just true.
What specific verse did you write off the top of your head?The whole song.
Its like a freestyle, and I didnt change anything or do anything.
I would drum for the choir, I did all the assemblies.
He was just in there jamming.
Thats how we met.
He was a church kid, and musician, and I was the same way.
It was like finally I met somebody that was able to share in the nerdiness of being a musician.
Talking in your phone voice, talking in a low tone, and just letting the record breathe.
Kanye West production, he was my favorite producer [and] also a genius.
You dont just have to be one thing, you could be a producer and an artist.
Dont let people put you in a box.
Thats what I learned from Kanye.
Theres a lot in there.
Im sorry I have to talk about it.
Despite the controversy around him, hes still an idol?
Youre able to separate the art from the person?I dont really get into it.
I met him for the first time this year.
He was cool as fuck.
He offered me some sushi.
I met [his wife] Bianca [Censori] and it was all cool.
We were talking about music for like a couple of hours.
I got more important shit to do than get involved in other peoples lives.
Trying to sort through something thats fabricated or real, you just never know.
Its accepting of everybody, so I tried to get down to the core of that.
The safe spaces that were provided for me is the reason why Im where I am.
So, I just want to also be a safe space for anyone.
