Pop-Culturalist.com

Princeton Perez is back, better than ever, and embarking on the next chapter of his already illustrious career. In 2011, he shot to stardom as a member of the urban boy band Mindless Behavior, who together ascended the Billboard album and single charts.

This year, Princeton dropped his highly anticipated debut EP, Papi Chulo Prelude, solidifying his place as a household name and the future of R&B.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Princeton to chat about the release.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Princeton: I’ve always been in love with music. As far as I can remember, I loved musical groups like Destiny’s Child, Jackson 5, and B2K. I’ve always wanted to be part of a group. I would go out on auditions. I was an industry kid until I got my break.

PC: Speaking of groups, you were previously a member of Mindless Behavior. What was the biggest lesson you learned from that experience that you’ve applied to your solo career?
Princeton: I was just telling my producer last night how hard it was as a young kid to constantly work and be disciplined. It taught me how to keep on going. Also, I really learned how to multitask. Most kids just have to deal with school and after-school programs. For me, I had to do school, work, meet-and-greets, concerts, and rehearsals. Now as an adult, I know how to do seven things at once without feeling overwhelmed.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Princeton: I would say my fans because they’ve grown up with me. I’d also say myself. I’ve grown a lot in the years. I’ve seen everything that I’ve done wrong and things that I’ve done well. It’s been a great learning experience.

PC: As you embarked on this solo career, were there any nerves heading into that decision? How did you know this was the right time?
Princeton: I don’t know. Honestly, I didn’t plan on going solo. Things just worked out that way. After the group, I felt like I was cool. But once I recorded about twenty songs, I was like, “You know what? I might want to start putting an EP together.” I actually just finished a Christmas mixtape too. That was a last-minute idea. I tend to overdo ideas. My manager was like, “Why don’t we do a Christmas song?” I was like, “No. Let’s do a Christmas album.” [laughs] I had about a week to finish it.

PC: Is there anything you can tease about the Christmas mixtape?
Princeton: It’s going to be my version of Christmas. I wanted it to be topics about Christmas, but the beats are still R&B and cool.

PC: This year, you released your debut EP. What was the inspiration behind the collection?
Princeton: It’s an introduction to who I am. The album will be me coming out as an artist. But the EP is just a taste.

PC: If you had to pick one song off the EP that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Princeton: It changes often. Every day it’s a different song. I’m about to put out the music video for “Control.” So it’s probably “Control” right now. I love the music video. I’m the type of person who sees a music video and it makes me like the song more. So this video made me love the song so much more.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Princeton: Definitely performing at the White House. Mindless Behavior was the first Black group to perform there. Obama invited us back three times. That was a great experience and I don’t think that’ll happen again for a while, especially where we are. [laughs]

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed from when you were part of a group to now?
Princeton: It’s changed drastically since I was in a group. Back then, I would only spend one or two hours in the studio, since I wouldn’t have to do the whole song. But I’ve learned now that my recording process is very focused. I usually only have the people who are working on the song in the room. I have my engineer, producer, and laptop. Once I go in, I love to finish the song. There’s nothing that irks me more than starting a record and leaving the studio without it on my phone, even if it’s not mixed. I want it done. When I get in the studio, I’m in. I’ll go ten hours if I have to. I’m very focused. I don’t have TV on or anything. The one thing I have to do is record in the dark.

PC: What do the next couple of years look like for you?
Princeton: Man! I want to put out the album and go on tour as a solo artist for the first time. I know what it’s like to go on tour with a group, but I haven’t done it yet as a solo artist. I’m excited to see what that process is like. It’s my favorite part.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Princeton: Amy Winehouse and Sade

PC: First album you bought?
Princeton: Justified

PC: First concert you attended?
Princeton: It was a Hispanic band. They were my favorite group at the time. I can’t remember their name.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Princeton: Primadonna by Marina and the Diamonds. I remember buying it in London on tour when I was sixteen. I was sixteen and depressed and I’d listen to it every day in the shower. [laughs] I’d be like I’m an artist.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Princeton: Staples Center

PC: A must-have on the road?
Princeton: I’m going to keep it real: my retainer. I will not go to sleep without my retainer. That and my healing bag.

To keep up with Princeton, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or download your copy of Christmas In Malibu