As much as fans love the arrogant nature of hip hop, it’s always refreshing to find an artist who spews out pure humility. Houston’s own Kirko Bangz is the epitome of that. And despite not being relatively new to the scene, he has a lot to prove this year.

KarenCivil.com recently caught up with the chick magnet to discuss his forthcoming debut album Bigger Than Me, how his new single “Hoe” featuring YG and Yo Gotti came about, his upcoming tour with Houston legend Bun B and much more. –Jason Holzman

The release of your hit single “Drank In My Cup” back in 2011 was virtually the moment that started it all for you. It seemed like your debut album Bigger Than Me was soon to follow. How come things didn’t quite work out that way?
Kirko Bangz: I had to sit back and get my work ethic together. I made a lot of money, had the Lambos, Ferraris, the girls, the jewelry, going to the strip clubs and throwing 20,000 dollars and shit. I lost sight of what I really came here for and now I’m focused. I’m ready to make music and take advantage of the opportunity I have.

Just last year you were named one of the 2013 XXL Freshmen of the Year. What did that recognition do for you if anything?
KB: It was an honor. They put my face on the cover of a magazine, and where I’m from, that kind of shit doesn’t happen. I’m in Walgreens, CVS and everyone around me is happy as shit. Most of all, it was a stepping stone for my career.

You have certain artists who take these year-end lists and things of that nature very seriously.
KB: I definitely care, but it’s mainly because my friends, family and the fans finally have something tangible that they can hold onto. They’re not in the studio with me, following me around on a daily basis, so things like getting on the XXL cover are awesome for the people around me.

You recently dropped “Hoe” featuring YG and Yo Gotti to get things rolling. Talk to me about that record and how it came about.
KB: YG actually sent me that joint, so I got in [the studio], did my thing on it and sent it to Yo Gotti. People are really fucking with it and it’s getting a way bigger response than I imagined.

What other producers and artists have you worked with for this album?
KB: I’m working with the homies Rock City. They got like two or three huge records on the album. I’m still working with my little homies Sound M.O.B.; they produced “Drank In My Cup,” “What Yo Name Is,” “Keep It Trill” – all the biggest records of my career thus far. I’m also working with some young cats from the H-Town called Knock City, who are crazy with it. I also got a record on my album with the homie Ty Dolla $ign. You know, Ty’s buzzing out here right now.

In the beginning of March you’ll be joining Houston legend Bun B for a nationwide tour. When did you first meet Bun and what has his impact on Houston’s rap scene done for you?
KB: I don’t even remember [when I met Bun B]. I do know every time I see him he’s just real cool. As far as the tour, that shit is crazy. Just sitting back and thinking that I’m gonna be on tour with Bun B is unbelievable. I really grew up listening to this man and now I’m on tour with him? That’s wild. I’m still a kid with this shit; Bun is an icon. This tour is gonna be crazy and most importantly it’s another step for me to reach my goals in this rap game.

So who’s next to blow out of Houston?
KB: It’s a lot of niggas out there. We got my homie Boston George, who’s out there slingin’ right now. And my homie Propain too. That nigga be spittin. It’s a lot of niggas, but I think the next two would be them two cats. Oh, and we got Travi$ Scott.

There’s been a lot of talk lately with the surrounding regions copying the South’s style. What’s your take on it?
KB: I feel like if you’re making music, then you’re making music. People can say what they wanna say, but if the shit’s jammin’, then the shit’s jammin’.

That’s a good point. The way I look at it hip hop music goes in cycles. You have the East Coast bringing a new sound then the South coming through with something different.
KB: Exactly. You have to be a student of the game to understand that. Plus, people are shady. Instead of hoping people make it, they hope cats fall off. So what they do is they highlight all the bad that is going on with a certain region, instead of the good that they’re doing.

So I heard you were at Rick Ross’ listening session for Mastermind the other night. How’s it sounding?
KB: Aw, man. I had to leave after the third song came on! This promo run is crazy, so I had to leave out to do an interview. But yo, Ross’ shit is jammin, and it’s star-studded like a motherfucker too.

Can you give us an official release date for Bigger Than Me?
Bigger Than Me, Summer of 2014. No official date right now.