Interview: Minnesota Based Rap Artist Cocaine Carii

Cocaine Carii is a St. Paul, Minnesota based rap artist who we've connected with for an exclusive interview. She recently dropped her latest video "Diamonds" and it's been a huge success so it's only right that we see what's really good with this talented artist on the rise.

Enjoy the Q&A then be sure to stream "Diamonds" on Spotify and follow Cocaine Carii on her social media. 

How did you start out as an artist and who/what inspired you to initially pick up the pen and pad?

I started rapping at like 3 says my mom but to me I didn’t start taking it serious until last year. I always looked up to the OGs such as 50 Cent, Master P, and Jay-Z, you know real hip hop. My greatest inspiration today is Kevin Gates. I picked up the pen when I noticed I actually could do something with this talent, like if they could, why can’t I?

Congratulations on the success of your new single/video "Diamonds". Tell us about how this song came to be and why did you decide to shoot a video for it?

I shot "Diamonds" because it was catchy honestly; I wasn’t gonna shoot it until my cousin was like “nah let’s shoot that diamonds it’s a banger". I didn’t really have faith in the song at all. I wrote the song while I was driving on a freeway on the way to the studio literally. I needed something upbeat and catch and look now we have "Diamonds".

What do you enjoy most about being an artist and what do you hate the most?

I enjoy the part of being able to create what actually happens in your life and turn it into a song. I just hate the attention that it brings, sometimes it’s good and bad. 

What's the Hip-Hop music scene like in St. Paul, Minnessota? Why do you think that there hasn't been a Minnesota based rap artist to get mainstream success?

I think the Minnesota rap scene is not far because a lot of people where I’m from hate on each other they hate to see ppl succeed and when you do, your either in jail for it or somebody hates on you and kills you. So tbh if I do make it, I’m taking my first flight out of here.

This past February Kendrick Lamar dropped a very dope soundtrack to Black Panther. If your music could be the soundtrack to any movie or TV show, which one would you pick?

I think I would want my music on Power, Shameless, or Love and Hip Hop.

What are your goals musically for the remainder of this year?

My goals for this year are to reach a million by December, take off with my clothes/merch and really just make myself a boss. I’ve accomplished so much already, I’m just ready for more.

Stream/Download "Diamonds" on Spotify

Connect with Cocaine Carii: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram