So for our readers who are unaware, you were originally signed to Interscope and you guys released your hit single “Teach Me How To Jerk.” Talk about your time over there and how you guys transitioned into signing with Hit Boy’s label, Hits Since 87.

Price: We were officially signed to Interscope in 2008 and it was pretty ill back then, except for the fact that we thought we had to listen to everything they told us. We thought we didn’t have  a real voice. Other than that, it was a great experience, and since going through that, we’ve realized we can do whatever we want with this shit.

Oktane: It was one of the best learning experiences ever.

That’s what it’s all about, man. So did Hit reach out to you guys, or did you guys reach out to him?

Oktane: We actually both knew Hit-Boy since we were mad young. I’ve actually known that dude since I was like 14, and I’m 24 now. I actually met him when I was rapping, so the friendship’s been there since the beginning, the whole journey and whatnot. So when he was in a position to actually have his own label and bring us on board, he did just that.

You two have been able to achieve such great success as a duo, instead of as individual artists. Is there any plan to eventually pursue solo careers?

Oktane: Hit-Boy was the one who told us we should be a group because we were always around each other making music. Price would do his shows and I would be his hype man and vice versa, and just out of nowhere, Hit-Boy said we should be a group. As far as solo careers, I don’t know. Right now we’re really a force together and that’s what we’re focusing on. Of course we could each pursue our own solo career and pull our own weight, so who knows what the future will hold. It’s all one big team regardless and it’s always all love.

You all must have a favorite duo. 

Oktane: Outkast, man. That’s the most obvious one ever [laughs]. After Audio Push, them niggas is the best; they’re incredible. We’ve always looked at ways that they’ve been able to achieve such success as a duo and take their blueprint and add our own twist. But before anyone tries to flip that quote, realize that we do respect Outkast. This is still hip hop and it’s still competitive and we think we do have what it takes –

Price: They’re one of the best groups ever.

Oktane: When we say that, we here to be the best. We’re not here to be anybody’s second best, so I just want to make that clear.

Yeah, that’s admirable because it’s important to respect those who did it before you, but you can’t negate the fact that you guys are trying to get to the same spot that they’re at.

Oktane: Rappers are too soft, man. They’ll talk a gang of shit about [Outkast] before they back their own career, and I’m not that guy. I’m gonna be competitive about everything, so we respect Outkast but we coming and they gotta know that.

Your HS87 debut, as well as your most recent project, Come As You Are came out in September of last year. What have the last few months been like for you guys?

Price: Oh man, it’s been crazy. We actually did that whole album on the America’s Most Wanted Tour on the bus. It’s just been crazy to see the people react and embrace the “Audio” work that we’ve put our whole life, heart and soul into. We’ve been working for such a long time to find our own lane and our own sound and we finally got it. It’s been incredible to see people accepting it and rocking with us, man.

So I want to talk to you about your hit record “Shine,” which has obviously been a crazy track for y’all. Did you guys expect that one in particular to blow up the way that it has?

Oktane: When we first heard it, we just knew that we really liked it. Price came through with the hook and from there, it was just a building block until it was finished. And as soon as the video came out, it just happened.

Price: And it’s still happening.

Oktane: Right, right.

Price: Since September.

Oktane: Now we’ll put in the necessary work to make sure this type of thing keeps happening for real. Since “Shine” lasted longer than your average three-month run or whatever, that’s what I’m most grateful for. It’s still resonating with people; people are tweeting the song out like it came out last week, so that’s what I love the most about it.