In the early 2000’s as the South began its reign over Hip-Hop, there was a new breed of music brewing in Atlanta. Crunk was more than just music; it was a new culture and way of life that had quickly taken over Atlanta’s scene. Lil Jon attracted new fans and soon became the King Of Crunk, but there was a rising star that would help shape and mold the new culture.

Lil Scrappy stepped on the scene a few years ago and claimed his position as the Prince Of Crunk. He delivered several hits including No Problems, Headbussas, and FILA that played a major role in defining Crunk music.

Now a few years later, Scrappy has separated from Lil Jon and found a new home with Ludacris’ DTP label. Feeling like he’s now in more of a position to maximize his potential, Lil Scrappy is ready for the world to hear his diverse talents with his new album, The Grustle. 

The Prince Of Crunk talked to Yo! Raps about his new deal with DTP/Def Jam, his new album, and what he’s been up to since his departure from Lil Jon.

Since we last heard from you a lot has changed! Tell us about your new deal and linking with DTP.

The last time I talked to y’all I was coming out of my independent situation. We’re all in Atlanta, so they saw me still moving and working. Luda said that I was missing on the mainstream scene but that he still saw me working, so he wanted to help me get back on the mainstream level.  They really wanted me to be seen outside of Atlanta, so I took a look at the paperwork and ran with it.

So how’s the working environment with DTP?

They’re real cool people, but business wise it’s the same wherever you go. I gotta still work to get where I want because at the end of the day it’s the fans that are staying on me. So I’m working but they’re working with me.

How has the recording process been for the new album and what’s the status of it?

The album is done. The only thing I’m really doing now is adding the features on there and adding the finishing touches.

What’s the next single going to be?

The one we’re pushing right now that’s on the radio is Swoop Swoop and it’s produced by T-Minus out of Canada. And I have another one called That’s Her produced by Zaytoven and featuring Stuey Rock. It’s big out here in Atlanta and I know it’s going to stretch to the other areas.

How do you feel about the music made on the new album?

I feel like this is the one that I really put myself into. People can really feel me now because they really let me rap and be lyrical. They let me leave the old Scrappy behind on this one. At first they wanted me to do the crunk music, but I can do the Crunk and still really rap. I think there’s a change in my sound. It’s not the same Lil Jon music I was doing before, you’re not going to hear him all over the track, it’s just me.

Explain how you came up with the title for your album and what The Grustle means.

It’s grinding and hustling. Back in the day you could just grind to pay bills, or hustle to take of business. Nowadays you have to work two or three jobs to pay the house note, car note, and the utility bills. Your hustle is your 9 to 5 that you do to keep yourself afloat.  Your grind is the thing you do on the side just to get extra money. So there’s your grustle.

As far as content, what are some things you’re talking about on the album?

All I’m talking about is what I’m doing everyday and that’s grinding and hustling, and some personal stories. I’m talking about some of the things that I went through between 2007 and 2009. I’ve been gone for 3 years so I put my all into this one.

What features do you already have locked in for the new album?

Trey Songz, Gucci Mane, of course Ludacris, Tity Boi, Diamond, and that’s basically it for now. As far as producers, like I said before I got Zaytoven, T-Minus, Kane Beats, Street Symphony, LT Moe, Cool and Dre, and Don Cannon.

What would you like for your fans to get from the new music?

I just want them to suck it all in. I ain’t talking a lot about selling dope or killing people, it’s more. Everything that music can be, that’s how I come. It took to be a lame to become real. How are you going to know real if you’ve never been real. I’m showing people that having money or being a dope boy isn’t the same as being real. I’m really trying to change the game so I’m talking about everything. I want them to know that I really went out of my way to give them real music. Everything I’ve done has been real and I put that into my music. I really just want them to know that I understand what they go through because I’m real.

Do you have a release date for the album yet?

It’s supposed to be out sometime in September.

How can your fans keep up with you on Twitter, MySpace etc.?

They can follow me at www.twitter.com/scrapmerlojonez and www.myspace.com/lilscrappy.