Hella Juiced: P1
P1 says he’s going to be the next West Coast legend, the exact message he delivers in his newest single titled “Big On Big.” Signed to Treacherous Records, the South Central Los Angeles recording artist is best known for his ability to combine hip-hop and melodies, fusing them into one as he captures your attention with each note. Read more…
The name P1 could stand for anything you wish, drawing influences from the late great Prince. On the hook, he sings “dropped that bag and went crazy, showed you how to go big on big.” The lyrical content is both motivational and inspirational, detailing P1’s upbringing in the city of Angels through his own lens and perspective. With each release, he proves anyone can go after their wildest dreams through hard work, dedication, and passion.
Why should people fuck with you?
Because it’s raw. It’s me. I have to give them music they want to hear of course. But at the same time if you listen to me, you get the music you need majority of the time. That’s what’s going to separate me: giving them what they need. Giving them what they can feel as opposed to hear.
What part of LA are you from?
South Central. The East side of South Central. We use the 110 freeway as separation from the East and the West side. I’m on the Eastern side of the 110.
What were you seeing growing up?
[whistles] Everything. I’m trying to do a turnaround from it.
Who were your biggest influences growing up?
I grew up with football, so it was mainly football at first. As I started getting into music, Lil Wayne. Just the quality bars he’d give up was the type of shit I want to do.
At what point did you think the music was for real?
I grew up in a music family so I started off doing it as a kid, but I didn’t take music seriously until about 2 or 3 years ago. I was always the kid when they found out there was a new rapper at the school, they’d send them to me to battle rap. I was always known as a rapper so when I started taking it seriously, it was nothing for people to really start fucking with me.
You just released “Big on Big,” who or what inspired this record?
It was my mood at the time. I’d went to a bar up inside North Hollywood. It was a smoking bar, they sell food but you can smoke on the inside. The vibe was so crazy. They had some music playing that lowkey reminded me of that beat. I remember the vibe of that night, that’s how it made me feel. When the track reminded me of that, I’m like “okay, live and maintain.” We living life. We playered down. We coolin’.
What’s the best memory from shooting the visual?
I loved the whole thing, because I worked with the directors on a day-to-day basis. It was mainly kicking it with the homies the whole time. I really had fun the whole shoot. Maybe the lights, when I saw how crazy the lights were looking in that room. Those red lights for sure.
What does it mean to live and maintain?
Live and maintain means you don’t have to be the top tier. You don’t have to be flossy. You don’t have to be the best, the alpha, nothing. You do what you can, live day by day. That’s it. Stay cool. Stay out the way. Do what you have to do to maintain.
What is it that you want fans to get from your story?
That anybody can do it. I don’t know anybody who made it from this side of town I’m at: East side. It’s a couple now, but at first it really wasn’t. Not speaking Compton, Compton is technically a different city within LA. I’m talking South Central, not too many except for now G Perico and RJ. That’s it. Because we really don’t have the money. We don’t have old heads embracing us, showing us the game like that. If people like us could do it, anybody from any situation can. That’s with anything, not just music. I started off playing football so I had that same mentality when I was playing football, that I was going to do it.
What can we expect music-wise?
Musically, I’m dropping a tape on June 6th. That’s going to be my third project. It’s a trilogy so far, this is the third June Madness. Each one, you see P1 progressing. As far as the stories I’m saying, the type of shit I’m talking about, and my craft as an artist. I look forward to growth, new messages, new stories. Music that you need.
What’s a normal day in the life of P1?
I’m all about vibes. I’m player! That’s mainly me. I like to go out to places, see new shit, try new foods. Earlier today, I tried octopus for the first time. Some spot up in Glendale. I’m big on textures, so that shit didn’t sit well with me. I just be on player shit on a normal day. I might go see a movie. I like to go somewhere, I like to get dressed and look nice everyday.
3 things you need in the studio?
I need weed, a dope beat, and P1. That’s all we need and we gon’ make it happen for sure.
Favorite person to follow on Instagram?
Probably O.T. Genasis. I fuck w/ O.T. heavy. His personality: he’s not too extra’ed out, but you can see he’s a funny guy. I actually met him before and he was cool when I met him.
Why’s your IG name @GrandCampPeeskee?
My name’s P1, PeeSkee, that’s all the same shit. I got a label called #GrandCamp and we all push that label. GrandCampPeeskee is another way of promoting us and showing that’s our uniform. Our jersey.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?
Football. I miss it every day. I had injured myself though so that’s what really hindered me from playing. But if I could still to this day, I’d be out there. I look forward to it one day. Maybe not professional or anything, but play some flag. Getting out there and testing it out.
Best encounter you’ve had with a fan?
A little boy walked up to me in the mall and started hugging my leg. I’m like “who’s kid is this looking at me?” He said “your name P1?” I said “yeah!” That look in his eyes, to see I’m really a star to him just blew my mind. This kid isn’t even old enough to understand most of the shit I’m talking about, that’s wild to me. He was young, probably 7 or 8. We were at the Fox Hills Mall, that shit’s crazy. I was with my homeboy, he was tripped out too because he ain’t seen no shit like that. We’re just kids off the Eastside, so shit like that means everything to us.
Most played artist on your phone?
P1. I make so much music, that’s the reason I listen to just me. I got enough in my catalog to bump me. Lil Wayne, that’s really it. DaBaby hard as hell. NBA Youngboy, Roddy Ricch, that’s the most shit you’ll hear me play.
What’s your favorite Lil Wayne song?
This song called “Glory” he dropped 2 years ago. It was strictly on Tidal but it was bar after bar. Metaphors, pen going crazy. That’s my favorite one because I pay attention to bars. It’s bars within bars!
Dream collab?
Lil Wayne. When I get something with Lil Wayne, I’d be satisfied. I’m for sure coming with a banger because I’ve been waiting for that moment my whole life. Either him or Drake, I fuck with Drake too.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully still doing music but at the same time, I’m a realist. At the minimum, giving back in some type of way. I’ll have some young kids signed to me, giving them the same opportunities I was given. I’m not trying to say an activist, but being somebody in my community that means something. A difference maker.
Anything else you want us to know?
We just dropped “Big on Big,” tune into that. Stay on the lookout for our new song called “Street N*ggas,” on the real.