You have a ton of artists who are afraid to be themselves because of pressure from labels to be the next big thing. How do you separate yourself from that and strive to continue “Keeping It Real” for real?
Big Cas: I don’t even really worry about that. I just do my thing. I just make my music and people are going to love it. They are going to continue to love it.


You’re being portrayed as a “soldier” bringing it to the streets. Why so aggressive in your approach?
Big Cas: Well, that’s real. That’s were I come from. I can’t deny that.


This type of style has been seen before. What makes you so different from the rest?
Big Cas: Because I’m me; I mean, this style has been seen before but what I’m bringing to the game is something different. I’m coming from North Carolina. And I ain’t coming the way most would think I would come. I’m coming in a different way…something that’s never been seen before. If you heard the Remy Martin joint, you would know that.


Yeah. I’ve heard “Call Me”. Is that the type of female rappers you like? Female’s altogether?
Big Cas: I’ve been peeping Remy for a minute. She’s nice. She’s one of the nicest females out next to Foxy [Brown]. I liked her style; seeked her out. They was wit it. She came up here and dropped it.


You looking forward to doing something with Foxy later on in the future?
Big Cas: Oh no doubt. I love Foxy. I’d love to do that.


Tons of feuds right now in the industry. Ja RULE & Fifty. Jay Z and R.Kelly. Anybody particular you aiming at or you just doing you right now?
Big Cas: I’m just doing me. But if anybody brings it I’m gonna do whatever. I’m gonna hold my ground. I ain’t gonna let nobody diss me and not come back at them.


What’s your love of Hip Hop?
Big Cas: I love it. It’s the only real music I ever listen to. Me being like 21…I grew up on rap.


What’s some of your favorite artists that made you start feeling that love?
Big Cas: Nas, Jay-Z, Snoop. I love EPMD. Public Enemy on the old school tip.


Hip Hop just celebrated its 30th Birthday. Where will you be and what will you want people to say about you in the next 30 years?
Big Cas: I’ll probably be laid up somewhere in Miami. A couple of kids and a wife. Watching BET or VH1 Behind the Music talking about how I was the future of the game. How I changed the game when I came through. I plan to leave a mark on the game. The same way the Four Fathers did before me; Big and Pac.


Is that who you aspire to be…in your own way?
Big Cas: Yeah. I think that’s where all young rappers are going. That’s what we’ve seen when we were coming up. So, we want to do what they did.


You’re so serious. Is there a party side to you?
Big Cas: Yeah. Definitely some party music. Make sure the ladies love me.


What’s next for you?
Big Cas: Doing the video, getting the album out. Just keep promoting. We’re on a promotional tour right now. All the way from now thru February. That’s going on real big. I’m in the studio finishing my album. Can’t wait till it drops. The game’s gonna hurt when it drops.