First, what are some of the new projects you’re working on now that you want people to know about – and what inspired them?
I’m always working on new music – we recently released the Rolling Papers 10 Year Deluxe album on all streaming platforms and on vinyl. I play a character in the TV show Duncanville on Fox as well as in Dickinson on Apple TV. I also have several business endeavors currently in play. I have my gin brand McQueen and the Violet Fog, my weed strain and brand Khalifa Kush, my virtual restaurant HotBox by Wiz.
I’m also partnered up with the esports team Pittsburgh Knights, and I’m really excited about my newest venture as one of the owners of the PFL (Professional Fighters League for MMA).
I know you moved to Pittsburgh when you were around nine after you had moved around the globe as the son of military parents, but how has Pittsburgh influenced your approach to life and music – the way you write and perform?
Pittsburgh has influenced me in a lot of ways. I’ve got my family there, genuine friends and fans there, and of course ID Labs where I learned from E. Dan how to structure a song – and ID Labs is where a lot of my music blossomed.
Any local influences that shaped your career and approach to music? How so?
The local Pittsburgh producers early in my career definitely had influence and shaped my music. E. Dan at ID Labs, Big Jerm, and Sledgren are who I worked with the most, and who I still work with. They really helped me come into my sound.
I know you’re big into the martial arts. What brought that on and how has that helped/inspired you in general and as a performer?
My good friends Breeze and Lonnie have always been into martial arts and they put me on game. I started going to Unbreakable Gym where Jay Glazer really took my skills to the next level. It keeps me in shape for when I go out on the road and do back to back performances.
What are your thoughts on Pittsburgh’s music community – is it tight-knit and is the city’s music scene doing enough to foster new music/talent?
Pittsburgh’s music community is doing better than ever. There’s so much talent in Pittsburgh and so much potential. I’m especially excited to see our new artists Fedd the God and Kris Hollis grow and represent the Burgh.
When did you become a Steelers fan, and what are some of the most memorable games/moments you have as a fan of the Steelers?
I became a Steelers fan when I was born because my mom is from Pittsburgh. My mom had a lot of influence on my love for the Steelers and my hometown pride will never go away.
One of my most memorable moments as a fan was definitely when the Steelers won two Super Bowls in 2006 and 2009.
Who were your favorite players growing up and why?
Growing up, Jerome Bettis was my favorite running back, and he is such a good dude. He loves bowling like I do as well.
As a proponent of legalizing marijuana, what are your thoughts on a. Marijuana use by players – how can it be helpful for players as opposed to a perceived “problem”?
Weed can be helpful for players because the sport puts their body in a lot of pain, and weed is a good way to address pain without other drugs that can be more harmful..
What are some of the more memorable/fun times you’ve had hanging around with some of the Steelers players (and who are some of the guys you enjoy hanging out most with and why))?
I’ve had a lot of fun times hanging with some of the Steelers players. They’ll come to my shows and we’ll get to hang out and talk about normal stuff. At games when they’re suited up, we don’t get to spend real time so it’s always fun when they come out to the shows. LaMarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu are great dudes, we always have a good time together and talk about everything under the sun.
You see a lot of young players looking to establish their own brands via social media and marketing and getting flak from fans and media. Why do you think this rubs some people the wrong way and do you think it negatively affects the locker room and the performance of the players?
No, I don’t think young players establishing their brands negatively affects their game or them as a player. Sometimes people are just not used to the change and they fight it, but it’s inevitable.
Looking at the team – with Ben aging and so many free agents – how do you see this team looking next season and what would you most love to see them change to get back on track?
I think our team is going to have a strong showing this year and I’m hoping for the best.
Lastly, do you think all those things that you loved/appreciated about the Steelers growing up – do they still hold true to you today as the game and team has changed over the years?
My love for the Steelers will forever continue. I think the Steelers have the biggest fanbase in the world and I love being a part of it.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
