Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Mike Rebel

Los Angeles rapper and producer Mike Rebel is bringing the world together with his music. His new single, “Paint Me in God”, is an empowering anthem for anyone who has ever been put down. It finds Mike joining forces with Wang Yi Tai and T-Pain, two other artists who let their music speak for itself. Pop Culturalist caught up with Mike to chat about the collaboration and the exciting year ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Mike: I grew up on Motown classics: Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke. My father is the one who played hip-hop records when I was a boy. By the time that I was seven-years-old, I memorized every rap song he would play—that’s when I knew I was going to rap. I would do talent shows at the neighborhood parks and join every talent show in the area. By the time I was twelve-years-old, I was writing my own raps.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Mike: From an early age, my mom saw that I was serious about music. She pushed me to start performing.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Mike: I’ve learned that the art and the industry work together, but the art exists without the industry. In that sense, it is above it. The industry is just another vehicle to push the art. I’m an artist. If the industry wants my art, we can talk.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Paint Me in God”. What inspired the track?
Mike: I like to create scenery with music. I pictured a music box and a sad, but inspirational soundtrack for anyone who’s been judged wrongfully or put down. This song is about getting back up stronger and showing who you really are—who you’ve been the whole time. It’s a realization: now, you’ll see me for who I’ve always been!

PC: The song features several different artists. How did this collaboration come together?
Mike: I wrote and recorded the song. Then, after the first draft came out, I had T-Pain in mind. It was a strong record as a solo piece, but it came out so musically, so we played it for T-Pain, and he loved it. As a fan of his, I feel like it’s one of his best verses.

I love Chinese culture, kung-fu movies—past and present. Chinese directors are amazing and groundbreaking. I also love the architecture and the food. I saw The Rap of China and I’ve seen the rise of hip-hop in the region. Wang Yi Tai has an aggression and a melodic maturity in his flow, so we reached out and the rest is history!

PC: It’s the lead single off Vibe Presents Urban Asia Vol. 2. What can you tell us about the upcoming album?
Mike: The upcoming album features the best in Asia. I’m honored to lead the charge with “Paint Me in God”, but there are a lot of amazing songs coming from this project.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Mike: In 2019, look out for Mike Rebel all throughout China. I am doing a twenty city tour in the fall and some pop-up shows this summer. I will be announcing dates through my socials. Also, I’ll be dropping an album in the U.S. that will be available in China as well. I have an album in the works, featuring some of Asia’s top talent and also a few special guest from the States. That project is almost done and is just looking for a home for the best release.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

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

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Mike: Hero and Godfather: Part 2

PC: Favorite book?
Mike: The Republic

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Mike: The Lion King

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Mike: Red Hot Chili Peppers or Bonnie Rait

PC: First album you bought?
Mike: Ice Cube’s Death Certificate

PC: First concert you attended?
Mike: Dr Dre’s Up in Smoke Tour

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Mike: Outkast’s Aquemini. Andre 3000 became my favorite artist. He showed me how to mix storytelling and melodies, and be a poetic gangster.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Mike: Any sports stadium!

To keep up with Mike, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Paint Me in God” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.

Photo Credit: Robert Maxwell