Cranking out hits can be tricky. The tracks have to be catchy enough to jam on radio airwaves. Secondly, the artist must have a unique swag that attracts the masses. While the content of a hit song doesn’t have to provoke thought, some of the best rappers (see: Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole) are able to stir up social commentary on mainstream-friendly tunes.
Enter 22-year-old D.C. rhymslinger, Issa, which means Jesus in Arabic. Listening to Issa’s latest mixtape, This Summer, it’s evident that the dreaded MC can knock a hit track off the Richter scale, mostly from his ability to infuse trap sounds with deep bars. “When I say I’m the best, I mean that sh*t,” Issa said during his visit to VIBE HQ. “Not too many people are able to talk real sh*t while making you dance.”
Whether chilling on a basketball hoop on his braggadocious track “Makaveli,” serenading the ladies on the Jacob Lattimore-assisted track “Breathe” or succumbing to his riches on “Whips & Chains,” the Good Life Music Group signee has a wealth of life material to speak on: becoming a father at 16 years old, having an “old soul” and family ties. Allow him to introduce himself below.
VIBE: In many of your jawns, you call yourself a prophet.
Issa: I’m a young prophet. My name means “Jesus” in Arabic. People should pay attention because I am the voice of this generation in all aspects. I represent and speak on subjects that relate to the oppression of our people.
The first thing that struck me about your music is that you’re able to turn up but the content is on some grown man sh*t.
Thanks, man. That’s what we want. My music is versatile, I almost feel like I can’t be placed in any particular genre because I branch off into many lanes, but I’m starting off with a style I call “Trap Conscious,” so if you had to place me somewhere, it would be around that kind of sound.
I know your pops taught you how to rap but how serious were you about it before that?
Yeah, my stepfather got me into rapping when I was eight years old but the first time I got introduced to music was through my grandfather. He was taking me to the studio with him when I was two years old. He told me that he would sit with me on top of the speakers and keep me there all day. The studio was our basement.
Another thing I like about your music is that you’re able to spit that street sh*t but not like a braggart.
I was able to see things with my own eyes as far as the streets go. My mom’s love kept me from having to turn to the streets. We struggled and had financial difficulties but my mom never let me feel it. That’s why I can speak on different subjects so fluently, I’ve seen it all.
Does it ever feel forced?
Issa: I started rapping when I was eight. My stepfather wrote me my first rhyme and said he knew I was a natural when he had me record a verse. He said after that he decided that he would put everything he had and knew into me. My motivation comes from God. I enjoy being able to move people and put people in different elements with my voice. I think that having a voice that people gravitate to is a gift and people with a voice should use their voice to inform and inspire. That’s exactly what I’m doing.
Talk about “Whips and Chains.”
I just wanted to let people know that I’m not a slave to anything. I’m aware of everything. Like, [we’ll get] cars, jewelry and stuff because some people can’t see pass that but for my fans, my music will always have a message. So just pay attention.