Nearly two years ago, brothers Lou Phelps and Kaytranada shared their mixtape Supreme Laziness as The Celestics. Now, 22-year-old Lou is paving a way for himself as a solo rap artist. His upcoming project 001: Experiments is scheduled to drop sometime this year and his latest offer from the project, “My Forte,” was shared earlier this week. We spoke to Phelps via e-mail, so get to know the rising star below.

What would you be doing now if you couldn’t make music for a career?

I’d be at school studying marketing or something in the business branch.

Do you have any other hobbies you turn to when you have a creative block?

I like to play basketball or do some physical activities to get me tired. I get really inspired when I’m tired for some reason.

Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I would love to extend my range of artistry and make more than just music, collaborate with clothing designers, people that make furniture, painters, etc. But on the music side, just to name a few, I’m a huge fan of Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar, the old Kanye lol, Anderson .Paak and Madlib.

What can we expect from your upcoming project Experiments?

Hard ass beats and dope ass rhymes. I took a lot of time off from rapping to guide myself and this is the first project that shows a small part of my style.

Do you have any features on the project?

I got Bishop Nehru, Innanet James, and CJ Flemings.

What’s your slogan for life?

Do you, be yourself, but don’t f–k yourself.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

At first I wanted to be a rapper or an NBA player. Then I got to high school and I got realistic, so I wanted to be one of the guys that comes up with video game concepts. Then I got to college and I realized I actually hate computer science and programming, so I was gonna be an accountant but I dropped out to follow my passion.

What are the most inspirational words/advice someone has told you?

Don’t try to please people; be yourself.

If you could bring back one item from your childhood, what would it be?

My old computer, there was a bunch of musical gems me and Kay recorded.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I don’t. Hahaha I don’t know to be honest.

What are a few songs that have inspired you or helped shape you as an artist?

What is your favorite book, TV show, and film?

I don’t read (I know I should). I love comedy shows like “The Wayans Brothers,” “Martin,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and my favorite film is The Departed.

If you could go back in time, what time period would you visit and why?

I’d go to Africa, the moment right before slavery started, to tell these niggas not to sell our niggas.

Anything else?

I’m a dope ass DJ, so holla at ya boy if you want me to play at your Bar Mitzvah.