BIO: Like Mike first made some noise on the underground scene with the release of his debut project RAW in early 2010. Since then Mike has continued building a steady buzz & immaculate online following by releasing multiple visuals to his follow up project STILL RAW in 2012. Like Mike plans to continue dominating the underground & to attack the mainstream with the release of his LosHoustonAngeles EP out now.

 Interview:

1) How old were you when you first decided you wanted to do music?

Like Mike: I was around 16 when I knew for sure I wanted to do music. Growing up as a kid there's a lot of things you find yourself into but music was something that I had more interest in than anything else.

2) Who would you say inspires you the most as an artist?

Like Mike:I'm inspired by the Greats. 2pac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Scarface just to name a few. Any artist that strives to be great inspires me. Even though I’m a rapper, I’m inspired by Beyonce. We're from the same city & the same side of side of town for the most part. So to see her come from where we from to being one of the biggest stars in music or in the world period inspires me. That alone lets me know it happen for me too.

3) Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Like Mike: That's a good one. In the next 5 years I want to be & see myself being an impact player in this game.

4) What artist would you like to collaborate with?

Like Mike:Avril Lavigne. I'm a huge fan of her music and I think together we could make some dope music together. There's many other's of course but she's at the top of the list for sure.

5) What would you say is your biggest accomplishments?

Like Mike: Besides being a Black Man in America & living to see 25...I’d probably have to say opening up for Drake was a big accomplishment. That was an experience I'll never forget. Then getting off stage and watching him do his thing and having a sold out crowd there cheering for him and knowing every single line to every single one of his songs. Small things like that inspire me because at the end of the day every rapper, singer, entertainer experience that feeling. I know I do.

6) What is the biggest thing in your life that you regret and wish you could change?

Like Mike: I like to think that everything in life happens for a reason so every decision I’ve made molded me into who I am today or how I live my life today so there's really no major regrets. But if I just had to pick I’d probably say dropping out of college and messing over a few good girls here & there are about the only things I regret.

7) What is 1 thing that you want fans to always remember you by?

Like Mike: That I was passionate about the art I created and that I always strived to deliver quality over quantity.

8) What is the hardest thing about being in the music industry?

Like Mike: The hardest part about being in the music industry is first the come up. Nobody really cares about you until everybody else cares about you. They don't see the long hours and blood, sweat & tears you're putting in around the clock in order to be put in position for you to be successful in this game. Then once you're finally in you got to deal with the bullshit on the other side of those doors. The media trying to break you down just to build you back up. The politics. Fake industry friends who only really fucking with you because you hot then they're off to be buddy with the next new hot artist. The same groupie that you couldn't get a simple "hello" from a year ago now wants your autograph & a picture so you're somewhat obligated to smile for it and take it or else you're considered to be an asshole. Ha. It's a gift & a curse.

 9) What separates you from other artist out right now?

Like Mike: Plain & simple I'm an individual. I can't tell nobody story but mine. I never used auto tune in any of my songs because it was popping at the time. I don't wear skirts and leggings because it's quote on quote the "new cool" thing to do. I never skate boarded in my life. I'm an individual so I’m gonna always let it be told honestly from my point of view. That's my responsibility as an artist. I'm gonna give you just enough of what you want to hear and a lot of what you need to hear.

10) If you weren’t doing music what would you be doing?

Like Mike: If I wasn't doing music personally I’d be doing something that pertains to the music business. Maybe and executive or something like that. I got a good ear for dope music so I think I’d make a good A&R too.

11) When it comes to music what is one thing you wish you knew five years ago?

Like Mike: That Social Media and a strong independent hustle would be a few of the main keys to success today.

12) Who are some of the producers you worked with on your new project and do you have a name and date set for its release?

Like Mike: LosHoustonAngeles EP is available right now for a free download. The project in its entirety is produced by BKS and MiG L Beats.

13) What is some advice you would give to someone thinking about going into the music business?

Like Mike: Know your business. Don't follow trends or else you'll fade out with them. Do your own thing & stay consistent. There's always room for improvement so always strive to get better.

14) What advice have you been giving about the music business that has really stuck?

Like Mike: Don't get caught up in your hype. That you're only as big as your latest hit because at the end of the day this is a "what have you done for me lately?" business.