On Friday, rising Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB put out a new song and video with Drake called "Look Alive." He'd been picking up momentum with his buzzing single "Shoot" and its accompanying dance challenge, but the Drake collab brought a new level of attention in the direction of the 21-year-old. "Look Alive" currently sits at No. 2 on Apple Music's song chart.
So, how did this collaboration happen? In his first interview with The FADER published Monday, BlocBoy explains that the connection happened through Instagram after Drake posted "Shoot."
"OK, so, he had posted the song [on Instagram], and as soon as he posted it, I had replied 100," BlocBoy says. "And then he was like, 'My favorite rapper! We gotta cook.' As soon as I said, 'OK,' he called me. And then the next day, he sent me his part of the song. He knew my producer [Tay Keith] already so he was already talking to him and he got the beat from him, sent it to me early in the morning. I jumped straight up and went to the studio. Then about two or three days later, he was in the city and we shot the video. It still seem fake, like a dream. I could pinch myself and not feel it."
BlocBoy is still independent, but The FADER points out that he's been taking meetings with labels in New York City. Asked if there's any truth to the rumors that he's signing with OVO, Blocboy responds, "Somewhat. I'm trying to see what’s my move."
The Memphis rapper also shared the best advice he's received from Drake, explaining, "I told him, 'Man, you get tired of taking pictures? ‘Cause I know I get tired of taking pictures.' And he was like, 'The worst thing that could ever happen is they don't want to take a picture with you.'"
You can read the full interview here and continue for the "Look Alive" music video if you haven't seen it already.
