Dave East may be a newer name to some, but he is not new to the art of hustling for success.

The New York rapper is swiftly making his powerful mark in rap, proving that lyricism is just as important as it ever was in the game. Originally driven to make basketball his profession, playing for Towson University and getting NBA attention, East always had a love for writing rhymes, which he eventually pursued instead of the sport. Despite his shorter past of making music a full-time gig, it hasn’t hindered his spitting game from being at expert level, landing him a record deal with Nas’ Mass Appeal label last year.

Having been brought up with a love for all things ball, family, and his closest friends, the emcee wears his lengthy list of hardships on his sleeve as he takes us to visit his most memorable spots. From his grandmother’s building in East Harlem, to his Aunt’s apartment at the Ravenswood Houses in Queens, we get to hear the full story of Dave East, hip hop’s not-so-secret weapon.

We even get a chance to experience some of his infamous ball skills on his home court at Thomas Jefferson Park.

From his close relationship with his mother and his late Aunt, to his thoughts on how New York is represented in the rap game and where he stands, Dave opens up on everything in our intimate interview.

Watch Dave East’s “Welcome To My Neighborhood” episode above. –Lindsey India