- Was this your first time working with Japanese producers?

Yes, but I don’t think it will be the last. They produced amazing music that transcends cultural boundaries; it could be from anywhere, much like from where I’m at in Texas. It was a fun experience, and I feel fortunate to have collaborated with such talented producers.

- How did you get to know Shu?

I met Shu for the first time when I came to Japan years ago. He often came to America for work, and when he came to Houston, I introduced me to some people and things. As we built our relationship that way, in 2019, he organized a Japan tour with Le$ and and invited us. Shu has a deep respect especially for southern and LA hip-hop culture. It's heartening to know someone like him supporting artists like us who may not produce as much music as we used to. Despite that, we can still come to Japan and find appreciative fans, which is truly gratifying.

- That’s great. The tour begins tomorrow. What do you want your fans to expect from the shows?

Having been here before, I've seen decent crowds, but this tour is about more than just money; it's about cultural exchange. I aim to bring a piece of my culture to Japan while also embracing Japanese culture.

- Is there any specific aspect of Japanese culture you particularly like?

Absolutely, I'm particularly fascinated by Japanese fashion. Japanese people have a distinct and unique style. Apart from school uniforms, you won't find people dressing alike. Exploring fashion in places like Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, and Harajuku is always a highlight for me.

- Will you be doing some shopping yourself?

Of course! In fact, we have a song on the album which is about shopping in Shibuya.

- That sounds great! Now, I'd like to ask about your childhood. You grew up in Texas, what kind of environment did you grow up in?

I grew up in a small town called Port Arthur, just outside of Houston. It was an industrial town, quite small and economically disadvantaged. Achieving anything significant required hard work and determination. Growing up in such an environment taught me the value of focus and dedication, lessons that continue to resonate with me today.

- When and how did you get into hip-hop?

Hip-hop was something I observed the older guys in the neighborhood participating in and listening to, and it seemed really cool. I wanted to be part of that culture too, but I wasn't sure if I had what it took. For a while, I merely listened to and supported the music. It wasn't until high school when some friends started making music that I decided to give it a try myself. I wasn't very good at first, quite the opposite, but with hard work and practice, I eventually improved, and now I'm considered one of the best.

- Definitely! Did you meet Pimp C in high school?

Yes, we had a mutual friend, Mitchell, who was in a group with Pimp C at the time. We met through Mitchell and ended up becoming close. Although Mitchell eventually pursued football, Pimp C and I continued with music, which led to the formation of UGK.

- Was this in the 80s?

We started in high school, but we didn't release any music until 1992.

- That's the year you released the first album, "Too Hard to Swallow."

Yes, things moved quickly for us. We found someone interested in signing a group, they liked our music, and the rest is history.

- What was the hip-hop scene like in Houston back then?

Houston's hip-hop scene was on the verge of exploding, thanks in part to labels like Rap-A-Lot Records and groups like Geto Boys. By 1992, Houston was gaining recognition worldwide, which provided us with valuable exposure.

- It's been over 30 years since you started. Looking back at your career, what would you say were some pivotal moments or memories in each decade?

In the 90s, a pivotal moment for us was parting ways with our first manager, who was taking advantage of us. Pimp C's mother stepped in to manage us, and her involvement marked a significant turning point, forcing us to come together as a cohesive unit.

In the 2000s, being approached by Jay-Z to collaborate on "Big Pimpin" was monumental. It became one of my biggest commercial successes, allowing us to tour internationally and reach audiences worldwide.

In the 2010s, being introduced to Drake by Jas Prince (Son of James Prince, the founder of Rap-A-Lot Records) was another pivotal moment. Supporting Drake's career and watching him become a global superstar has been incredibly rewarding.

In the 2020s, organizing the "All-American Takeover" concert series has been a highlight. The growing attendance each year is a testament to my career's longevity and the continued support of my fans.

- That's fantastic. How do you feel about the changes in the hip-hop scene over the years?

I appreciate the increased autonomy that artists have today. With social media and streaming platforms, artists can connect directly with their fans without relying on traditional gatekeepers like record labels and radio stations. This shift has empowered artists to earn more from their craft and receive the recognition they deserve.

- Do you listen to current hip-hop? Who are some of your favorite artists?

I'm currently enjoying artists like Boldy James from Detroit, Symba from the West Coast, and artists like BigXthaPlug and That Mexican OT from Texas.

- What about international artists?

I'm just starting to explore international artists. I recently came across CzTIGER from Japan, who did the remix some of our tracks. Collaborating with artists from different countries is exciting, and I'm eager to discover more talent like Yuki Chiba, whose song "Team Tomodachi" is getting a lot of buzz in the States.

- What does it take to survive and thrive in hip-hop?

You have to be realistic. Everybody is not gonna be famous all the time so It's essential to maintain a strong connection with your fan base, even during less successful periods. Being approachable, respectful, and appreciative of your supporters is crucial. Remembering that they're investing their time and attention in you is humbling, and it's important to reciprocate that respect.