Troubles of the World: Small World

They say “pressure busts pipes.” That’s a statement proved false when you take a look at Small World. The North Carolina native and Disturbing the Peace signée has been proudly waiving the Carolina blue flag for years and carrying the state on his back, as heavy as all that can be.

Known for his distinctive voice and swift wordplay, Small has been looked at as one of the best lyricists in the south for years. Yet questions about his relationship with DTP have swirled since he signed. The message boards in North Carolina and beyond went into overdrive after Willy Northpole signed to the label. Many thought this spelled the demise of Small World as a DTP artist.

But all rumors must not have reached Small World yet. His new single “On Paper” is currently heating up the underground and he’s prepping his debut album, “World Premier” Small World took the time out to talk with Wordonthestreetsmag.com about his relationship with DTP, Willy Northpole and why North Carolina hip-hop continues to get overshadowed in the southern rap circles.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: So what is your relationship with Ludacris and DTP right now. Is everything good?

Small World: It’s all good! He’s a great businessman and a great artist. He’s an incredible lyricist you feel me. You couldn’t ask for a better.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: That’s what’s up. The streets have been talking ever since Willy Northpole signed. They didn’t know if you were still with DTP or if there was a beef with you and Willy Northpole.

Small World: I don’t have no problems with Willy Northpole. He got his self signed to DTP. I don’t have any problems with him, no problems! We’re all gonna come together like Voltron when the time is right. Willy is a cool dude. I’ve been out to Phoenix and chilled with him and he has a lot of love for me and I got a lot of love for him. Shout out to Willy Northpole, “The Connect” is in stores now.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: What is Small World working on right now?

Small World: Right now I’m working on my album “World Premier” I’m also about to drop the Carolina Blueprint album. Its not an official album, its like a mixtape. We got some dope talent on that so don’t sleep.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: Who are you working with on “World Premier”

Small World: I got Freeway, of course Ludacris. I got my brother in this, Brolic on the album. As far as production, its like a melting pot of music. 9th wonder, Writers Block, The Runners. Sean the 1st who I’m working with on the Carolina Blue Print. My album is dope. There’s gonna be a lot of surprises.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: North Carolina isn’t seen as a hip-hop hotbed. What’s good with the North Carolina scene. Do you feel fan support artists?

Small world: I feel like the scene supports the artists. I don’t have the problem as far as that. As long as your consistent and make good music and you a real nigga, the fans will fuck with you. They’ll stick with you like that. It’s hard when from a corporate standpoint because there is such a disconnect from the radio and the streets as far as what’s hot and what’s really going on. Once we bridge them gaps, then we can be the next Atlanta, or the next Texas. We on the way though. Once we connect those dots we good.

Wordontehstreetsmag.com: Do you ever feel the pressure that you’re holding down the whole state by yourself?

Small World: I love the pressure! Being from N.C. made me who I am and put me in these situations. That’s what made me who I am. I love all the pressure. I feel like I was born and bred for it. I just try to work my hardest. I’m cool with it, no problems. It just fuels the fire for me. I owe a lot of my success to that pressure.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: If you had the chance to do it all over again would you sign with DTP or would you stay independent?

Small World: I never regret anything because everything is a learning experience. . The only the obstacle in the road is being from where I am. Being the only one doing what I’m doing, I have to help the artists and set the trends and lay the ground work. I guess picked the right person to do what it do. I wouldn’t change anything. Def Jam is a good home, DTP is a good home. Who wouldn’t want to be here at Def Jam. That’s where all the icons of hip-hop have been. I just want my time. Once I get my time, its gonna last for a long time.

Check out Small World at myspace.com/smallworldpremiere and follow him at twitter.com/smallworlddtp