Since his rise to stardom, Post Malone has found himself at the topic of several heated debates, often regarding topics such as race and cultural appropriation. While some have taken hostile stances toward the artist, especially in the wake of his seemingly flippant brush-off of lyrical and emotional substance in hip-hop, the man himself seems genuine in his intentions to create enjoyable music. However, his varied influences have caused some skeptics to question his authority in making hip-hop music, and clearly feel some type of way about "Rockstar's" success. In a recent interview with GQ, Posty opens up about his journey, and touches on some of the criticism he's faced in the past.
With Beerbongs And Benteleys due out early this year, Post reveals a little bit about the project's potential direction, revealing some of his current influences - Nirvana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hank Williams Sr., and Fleet Foxes. Not exactly "hip-hop," which will no doubt add fuel to the fire for some of his critics. However, that doesn't change the fact that Post has been trying to make it in music since twelve years old, and opens up a little about his struggles moving to LA:
“When I was young and I came out here, I had a super dark time. I didn’t have a fucking…I was sleeping in a closet, I didn’t have any money, and I would just fuckin’ scrounge in my fuckin’ friend’s center console for quarters so I could buy cigarettes, or buy fuckin’...an ounce.”
Eventually, the interviewer asks Post how he feels about "working in a primarily black-identified genre of music." In response, Post stated "“I definitely feel like there’s a struggle being a white rapper. But I don’t want to be a rapper. I just want to be a person that makes music. I make music that I like and I think that kicks ass, that I think the people who fuck with me as a person and as an artist will like."
For more from Post, check out the full interview right here.