Interviews

Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Wang Yi Tai

Wang Yi Tai is an up-and-coming rapper who has quickly caught the attention of the hip-hop world with his unique style and flow. He’s featured on the brand new track “Paint Me in God”, which finds him teaming up with Mike Rebel and T-Pain. Pop Culturalist spoke with Wang Yi Tai about the single and his musical inspirations.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Wang: I’ve been in love with music since I was in school. I listened to a lot of music in different styles and watched a lot of different hip-hop performances during my study abroad. Since then, I’ve found hip-hop so attractive. I decided to go back to China and become a rapper.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Wang: There are a lot artists, from Boss X to TY. TY brought me out to perform a lot in the beginning when I started to do hip-hop. I met a lot of friends who love hip-hop during that time. In 2018, I went on Rap of China and more people got to know me. I really appreciate all the help from my friends and brothers—they’ve helped me get my music out there.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Wang: There are so many different styles of hip-hop and I can show that with my personal style and flow techniques.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Wang: I’ve learned a lot in 2019. I met a lot of friends who have inspired me to produce. I look forward to working with more great musicians, and of course, the new album, which will be released later this year.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Wang: Game of Thrones

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Wang: Bohemian Rhapsody

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Wang: The Phantom of the Opera

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Wang: Queen

PC: First album you bought?
Wang: Eminem

PC: First concert you attended?
Wang: Young Thug

PC: An album that changed your life?
Wang: Illmatic

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Wang: Madison Square Garden

Pick up “Paint Me in God” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.

Kevin

Kevin is a writer living in New York City. He is an enthusiast with an extensive movie collection, who enjoys attending numerous conventions throughout the year. Say hi on Twitter and Instagram!

Recent Posts

SXSW Review: ‘In My Blood’ Is a Gripping Portrait of Ambition at Its Breaking Point

Winner of the SXSW Grand Jury Award in the Independent TV Pilot Program, In My…

1 week ago

Exclusive Interview: Curtis Lum on ‘The Audacity,’ Timely Themes, and Leading His Feature Film ‘New Diamond Restaurant’

Curtis Lum has built his art around stories that feel timely—projects that mirror the world…

2 weeks ago

Win Tickets to an NYC Screening of Lee Cronin’s ‘The Mummy’

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Warner Bros. to give away tickets to…

2 weeks ago

Exclusive Interview: Josh McKenzie on ‘The Hunting Party’ Season 2, Shane’s Journey, and What’s Next

There’s a grounded, intentional quality to the way Josh McKenzie approaches Shane in The Hunting…

3 weeks ago

Exclusive Interview: Jen Lilley & Dan Jeannotte on ‘A Royal Setting,’ Romance, and Finding Your Own Path

Some love stories are written in the stars—others are cut a little deeper. A Royal…

4 weeks ago

Exclusive Interview: Sean Kaufman on ‘For All Mankind’ Season 5 and Alex’s Defining Journey

Few series operate on the scale of For All Mankind, yet what continues to set…

4 weeks ago