FEATURE
Infamous Billa: Undefined
How did you get your stage name?
My older brother originally gave me the name Billa. It’s in the vanity fair article. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/03/malcolm-abbott-billa-rapper-college-admissions-scandal/amp.
I got the name Infusion for my entertainment company actually when I was high. I rolled blunt infusing moon rocks and wax and just knew it was a dope name.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I have always been influenced by various musicians but even though I’m a New Yorker, Tupac’s lyricism was what really got me wanting to pursue a career myself. When people always ask me how long I’ve been rapping I always tell them “just a few years before I was born.”
To whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I accredit my sense of style to Big Pun, Big L, Pimp C, Biggie, Tupac, and definitely the new drill sound. I think that drill is really creating a movement like no other in the UK and NY. For years New York rappers were struggling to come up with their own sound, but what’s dope about the drill movement is that it’s putting New York back on the map.
We took what Chicago did and amplified it. Drill to me isn’t always about catching bodies or murdering people. It’s the sound. It’s 2020. It’s the bass and vibe to it that shakes your chest
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
I am working on a debut mixtape at the moment. When I was thinking of my style and how I define myself as an artist I realized that I was unable to put any label on it.
I am not a drill rapper, I am not a boom-bap rapper, trap rapper, conscious, or anything else. My voice comes directly from my experience to your eardrums. I also go into great depths about my own crazy ass life. You’ll get it when you listen. No need to really go into depths. Make sure the kids are asleep.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
My biggest challenge is definitely getting rid of women at my crib late at night. My greatest attribute when it comes to my work ethic is that I love what I do and am addicted to creating. It’s not a challenge for me to create. Shit gets me high. Honestly, I’d say my biggest challenge is sleeping.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
Art is objective. I’ll let the people decide that. But honestly, we had Tupac. So Na-there is pioneers. For example, without DJ Kool Herc, my form of creative expression wouldn’t exist.
What are your plans for the near future?
I am working on Undefined. I am also a perfectionist so it definitely can be time-consuming sometimes especially when I am working through discussing some of the more complex topics that deal with my dirty laundry, who Billa is, the challenges, as well as the triumphs that have occurred on my 23 years on this earth.
I have been talking back and forth with Vice News about a short film in the making. Quarantine isn’t slowing down SHIT! Between these different elements of my career, my goal in 2021 is to have the world know who Infamous Billa is.
Even if they hate me. I always want to forge a career for myself so that when I’m 60, I can still do what I love. That never stopped greats like Sinatra. Rap is just newer. I think that the possibilities are literally endless.
Is there anyone you’d like to shout out?
God, my family, my second family the Wilders, my manager Jah Campo, Dripset, KillaMoe for willing to believe in me enough to do a feature on my first video (such a talented rapper), the one and only engineer I work with Bodé Vaz, and Afrikillz, even though he’s mad at me. Also, I think B Jizzle out of Harlem is so dope. I have been wanting to work with him.
How can fans find you?
Google “blunt smoking rapper” or Infamous Billa on any streaming platform-it’s really up to you.
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Get addicted to your craft and your potential is limitless. Also, believe yourself and your opinions-I mean take constructive criticism, but if people take the time out of their day to hate on you then you’re doing something right.
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