“I’m not ashamed to say I turned down $400K from a label out of NY but I’m real loyal and it isn’t just about me. I got a team of people some that’s been rocking with me since 2001-2002 and when I eat I want to make sure they eat good right along with me. Loyalty is the best policy in my book.”

When an independent artist can say that his music has reached as far afield as the UK then you know that artist is a grinder. New Jersey born rapper Snook Da Rokk Starr, who now resides in South Carolina, has achieved just that and his list of achievements doesn’t stop there. This humble rapper has worked with artists such as T-Pain and Lil Boosie, has opened up shows for artists like Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Trey Songz, and Ciara to name a few.

Having garnered a buzz by keeping his thirsty fans replenished with a plethora of mixtapes, Snook shows no desire of slowing down. A headstrong go getter, who knows what he wants out of this game, the only way is up for Snook Da Rokk Starr.

Snook Da Rokk Starr is an interesting name. For the fans that may not know, describe the origin of your name?

Well for starters not many people know my government name and it’s not because I didn’t share it, but after my mom gave me the nickname Snook, I’ve  just kind of been stuck with it. This is no lie, all throughout school growing up till this present day teachers, family, friends and my fans know me as Snook so it’s not just a character or a make believe name that I came up with one day. Now “Da Rokk Starr” is like an alias because “Snook” is already trademarked so to keep myself out of any legal lawsuits “Da Rokk Starr” was created until I’m able to holla at whoever owns Snook and buy it from their ass.

You are no stranger to the mixtape game having released numerous mixtapes on your own. How important do you think mixtapes are with creating a buzz with today's hip hop artist?

In order to stay relevant and current in the music game, mixtapes are a must! Not just for the industry who’s who, but also for the fans. My fans ultimately create my buzz and help to maintain it. So for the other indie artists out there on their grind, step up your mixtape game, trust me it’s worth it. I got one of the hottest mixtapes out in the streets right now titled Smoke House, hosted by my big homie DJ Sean John -- go download it off DatPiff.com and then holla at me. Don’t just take my word for it.

With hits records like Models and Untouchable under your belt, describe what the process of making a hit record is? Does it just happen?

Hell nah....hit records don’t “just happen”. Just like with everything else, it’s a process. T-Pain already had the track and hook done and someone close to him got the track to me. One night while at a T-Pain concert I just had it playing over and over in my headset and before I knew it Untouchable is what I came up with. I must say that by far it’s one of the deepest most talked about tracks I’ve ever recorded. Models featuring Lil Boosie was like magic; he heard what I had did, went into the booth and it was a wrap! Models has been the biggest record radio-wise for me and has been placed on mixtapes all over the world. So none of these records just happened, it was all about the process and timing.

Being from South Carolina and with artists like J. Cole (from North Carolina) gaining mainstream success, is it a big difference in sound between the Carolina states?

North and South Carolina both have their own distinct sounds. The northern part of North Carolina has more of the sound like you hear from up top, New York, New Jersey, Philly...more on the hip hop tip. South Carolina is more on the raw, dirty, deep South, straight out the trap sound. I can remember recently going out to Greensboro/Durham area of NC and I went to this little club and the shit was like a cultural shock on the type of hip hop they were rocking out to. But, they still showed love to me. I feel as long as it’s good music both our states are going to shine because we’re up next.

You hear the argument about "underground" and "mainstream" but in your opinion what do you feel is the difference? What makes an artist "underground" or "mainstream"?

I mean honestly if you’re not on the T.I., Jeezy, Drake, Gucci, Wayne, Ross, Diddy level of this music world then you aren’t really seeing money. Underground/independent people are getting money because you don’t have to worry about the big boys recouping that bread they done kicked out to you for videos, marketing, promo and all the other sh*t they hit you with before you see a dime of your record sales. Just do the math, if you’re underground you get the largest piece of the pie but if I was ever presented with the right situation for me and my team, I wouldn’t turn down the opportunity of going mainstream. I want a $500K video by Hype Williams and a budget to promote overseas.  

Speaking of which, what is your current label situation? Are labels calling for your services?

Currently, I signed to Lavish Ent., right here in Columbia, SC and we’re doing well for ourselves. Yeah, I’ve had a couple of opportunities that I turned down just because the situation wasn’t right with me and my team. I’m not ashamed to say that I turned down $400K from a label out of NY but I’m a real loyal n*gga and it isn’t just about me. I got a team of people some that’s been rocking with me since 2001-2002 and when I eat I want to make sure they eat good right along with me. You feel me? Loyalty is the best policy in my book.

What artists have inspired you coming up in hip hop?

Where do I start…all these artists in their own ways created a style or element that was unique and shaped me in some kind of way from Tupac, Biggie, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, A Tribe Call Quest, Run DMC, The Sugar Hill Gang, Ice T, Doug E. Fresh, Method Man, Goodie Mob, Mobb Deep, Onyx. Hell, even the female rappers like MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Gangsta Boo, Roxanne etc. just to name a few. I can hear Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince right now and just ride to that sh*t! [Laughs] If it wasn’t for these artists and several others that I missed, the foundation of hip hop wouldn’t be as we know it today. 

If you could do a record with anybody in the industry who would you work with and why? What type of record would you create?

For some reason people love asking this question and the only reason I can think of why, is to just show people what kind of style or quality track you would put out if given the chance. Personally, I’ll go get Zaytoven on the beat, holla at Gucci and then make an anthem for all the trap stars but something that the ladies will appreciate.

Your song Presidential Freak has gotten exposure across the country, even being an anthem for clubs and women. How has the reception been since the release of the record?

The ladies f*ck with it, hands down. If the ladies like it, then the fellas f*ck with it as well as the clubs, and radio. I still don’t think I got the support from all parties that can dictate the buzz of a record, to make it as big as it could and still can be. My fans love it!

Timing is everything in hip hop. How much importance do you think "timing" plays with album releases, song selections, and collaborations?

Timing is very important just because you don’t want to release a track, mixtape, or an album when there’s a backlog of new tracks, mixtapes, and albums. If that happens then you might get put on the back-burner or in the backs of people’s minds. I’m always trying to be and stay relevant in the minds of anyone that listens to hip hop music. But timing is important even in life in general that’s why I live by the motto, “Make your next move your best move.”

Are you currently working on your debut album? What can fans expect to hear from it?

No, not ready to drop the debut album yet but in due time you better believe it’s coming- But what you can expect is more mixtapes at least one or two more with me solo by the summer, and also the Lavish Boyz mixtape with me and Lambo Lotto. Also, be on the lookout and casting call for my first official video and you can expect a new single within the coming month or so.

Do you currently have anything new coming that your fans should look forward to?

My team along with some outside promoters are planning a little 15-25 city tour, mainly in the southeast markets. We haven’t come up with the tour name or anything right now but it’s in the works. Like I said before expect two new mixtapes…The Spaniard maybe 16 Zips and the Lavish Boyz mixtapes are all coming soon… just keep your ears to the streets.

How can fans stay in contact with you?

You can always get in contact with my via the web on either my MySpace page at www.myspace.com/snookmusic or Facebook... just do a search on the name. Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/SnookdaRokkStarr as well! If you want a feature, interview, book me for a show, some music material, CDs etc. call Kyle at (803) 413-7128.

Thank you for taking time out for Yo! Raps today, good luck and much success to you in the future.

Yo! Raps, I just really want to thank you all right not for this opportunity to speak to some of my old fans but many new ones. So since I’m done blowing on this loud, I think I’m done with this interview. Shoot out to my Lavish family including Mixx, Diggs, Kyle, Shields, Zone 6, Miss Selena, Lambo Lotto, and Yung Gunna.

- By Eric Merriweather