As many local fans are aware, Florida has one of the most overlooked Hip Hop circuits, not only in the region, but the entire country. While it can be tough for local creatives to break out from the scene, Citrus Rap makes strides to continue to uplift the Floridians who are on their way up. Said creatives, seen all over CitrusRap, can be found making moves statewide— some even venturing out of state. Still there are several unanswered questions for these rising stars, so we went ahead and formulated a questionnaire to clear the air. This is a new interview series we call “Florida’s Natural,” so that fans can gain insight on the individuals who we believe have the juice.
List your current Alias(es):
CellDope or just Cell.
Where do you reside; what’s your hometown?
Born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Houston, Texas. Right now, I’m currently residing in Orlando, Florida.
Why do you rap/make music?
I rap as a way of therapy; to say things I wouldn’t normally just tell anyone in a face-to-face conversation, so I do it with music.
How old are you now and how old were you when you first released your music on the internet?
I’m 22 now, and when I first released music [on the internet] I was probably 15. On some young shit. [Laughs] Uploading Youtube freestyles.
What 3 albums of 3 different genres shaped you as an artist?
Three albums that have shaped me from Rap are Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter 3, Kanye West’s College Dropout and Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon. From R&B, Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia Ultra, Profyle’s Whispers in the Dark and The Internet’s Ego Death. From Pop, Thriller, Pure Heroine and Kauai.
What do you bring to the live stage setting that captivates crowds?
I do a lot of interaction. I love keeping the crowd involved during my live sets.
How do you portray your personality in your music?
A kid far from home trying to still find himself.
Do you care about social media?
Somewhat. I just think it’s just there to keep you preoccupied and distracted from what’s really going on.
Is it ever difficult to express yourself?
Not in music but when I’m doing things like this! I’m bad at interviews. [Laughs]
What song describes your current mood?
“Elevators” by OutKast, for sure.
What is your next big release and when can we expect it?
My next release is an EP I plan to drop in Spring. Aiming for early March and you can expect just a better Marcellus in a musical sense, better production and better songs.
Anything else to add?
E.L.I.T.E, which stands ‘Everyone Lives in The End.’ Don’t forget that.
