1. Tell us about yourself and your music?

I'm from Atlanta, Ga and the father of 5. My name, Poke Chop, is a nickname I had since I was 7. Around that time it was a show on T.V called 'Doug'. My big brother name is Doug so one day one of his friends just started calling me Poke (Pork) Chop like the little grey dog from the 'Doug' cartoon since Pork Chop acted more like a little brother than a pet. The name kind of stuck with me and even tho I tried to create other names to use on stage people in the hood were like "Naw homie. You Poke Chop forever nigga." Eventually I was just like fuck it, it is what it is.  

I've been doing music since 2007. I've released 3 albums so far and I was featured on the Kevin Gates track "Change On Me" with Percy Keith and Kidd Kidd. My music landed on Pandora after that and my music video for 'Money Can't Save You" aired on MTV Jamz. That was pretty dope.

2. How would you describe your sound?

Very relaxed. I'm not trying to impress or seem larger than life. I can speak about the days I sold drugs and watching Anime all in the same verse and it would make perfect sense because I'm just being myself. When you're being yourself the thoughts come easy and the message is expressed in a way that you will fill like I'm sitting right next to you having a conversation. I've been told that I'm very lyrical but I don't see myself that way. I just know how to tell you how my day went in a clever way over a dope beat.

3. Talk about the experience making your single?

I was extremely "elevated" the night I created Sunshine but I remember black lights on in the studio, vapors covering the area and I could hear an eerie voice saying "You are my sunshine" over and over in my mind. I was feeling the vibe so I wanted the tone to be dark almost like despair or depression but with a subject matter to contrast it. Basically, regardless of how gloomy a situation or an environment might seem you have to be able to create your own sunshine. You are the only one responsible for your happiness. That's the whole idea behind the song.

4. What are you currently working on? Any new projects? Shows?

I will be releasing a project in a few weeks from now called 'No Swine'. I'm pretty excited about this because this is the first project I recorded in the comfort of my home. My mind really opens up when I'm at my max comfort level. There's nothing like recording music while eating a bowl of cereal in your pajamas and house shoes. I will release of version of this project on Apple music and all the other digital retailers and DJ Tone will release a version on sites like Spinrilla, Datpiff, Soundcloud, etc.

5.  What has been your biggest highlight in your music career this far?

Every move I make is a big highlight for me honestly because I'm the true definition of the underdog; No big financial backing, no celebrity cosigns, no gigantic following, etc. So if I make 2 new fans today then that's big because those are 2 more than yesterday and I made those fans. Me. My work ethic, my dedication, my ambition. Regardless of how big or small the reward may be that's just something that can't be taking away from me, my accomplishments. That's the big highlight.  

6. Name your ideal collaboration: mainstream or independent artist(s)?

 I could see myself doing a dope collab with Big K.R.I.T, A$AP Rocky or Curren$y.

7. Name something random that people do not know about you?

My grandfather is H.R.H Tom Essien Akpan Essien Ubong III Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom in Nigeria. I never got to meet him or my father before their passing but basically I'm a prince. Many people don't know this because this news is still brand new to me. Like this year brand new lol.

8.  What’s one thing you have learned or discovered while being in the indie music scene/industry?

Everything is business. Period! If there's no respect for business then everything is personal and personal shit in the music industry can get real messy. I mind my business and no one else's. I don't care who's beefing with who, who's sleeping with who or who didn't pay who. It's easy to get caught up in the bullshit in this industry but you gotta remember to stay focus on your goal, whatever that may be.

9. What can we expect from you in the future?

A lot of flame, fun and fornication.