Where did the choice to use auto-tune come in, as opposed to going without it?

The Husel: [The choice came] because I’m not known for that. Plus, in doing it, I wanted to have a different sound than what I’m known for. One of the ways I could do that was through auto-tune.

How do you feel about people associating you with hip-hop music or as a rapper?

The Husel: This is obviously hip-hop-influenced. However, this is not rap music. People get that confused a lot. Hip-hop and rap music are two totally different things. Rap music came from hip-hop culture, but there are a lot of elements that are not being utilized, and people are calling themselves “hip-hop.” You’re hip-hop by default because you’re contributing to the culture, and what you’re doing is inspired by the culture in however way. Real hip-hop music is a little different than just rap music. Anybody can rap and put a bunch of words on a beat, but that’s not to discredit it as it’s an art form within itself. Now even with those two respective cultures, what I’m doing is not rap. It’s considered rapping, but I’m not rapping. It’s rhythmic, but it’s also melodic. It’s a hybrid of rap and R&B if you really want to categorize it. But it’s neither of those things authentically. I never said I was a rapper. If you respect my bars, cool, but my intention was to never be a rapper, I’m just The Husel.

What do you think about the state of music these days? Some people say it’s wack, and some say it’s better than it’s ever been.

The Husel: I don’t think about it like that. I get asked that question a lot. It’s like asking what the state of life is. It just is what it is. If you have an opinion, either way, you are in a position to contribute to the change. I find that there are people who like to complain a lot but they don’t want to do nothing. Me doing The Husel is a representation of me doing something. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m doing something fresh and something new. There is no blueprint or reference for this. I’m kind of all out on my own. I don’t have no guide. Like people put out albums, I’m putting out personalities. The Husel is just the beginning. You might not want to to focus too much on The Husel, because I got something else coming. It’s coming out in June.