2024-11-14 17:18:00
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Canadian rapper bbno$ is making his Mexican stage debut when he speaks at the Corona Capital music festival over the weekend.
His name is pronounced “baby no money” and he’s from Vancouver. You’ve heard some of the anticipation in the crowd.
“The only thing I know is that the Mexican public is going crazy. So I’m very excited,” he said in a video interview from Los Angeles.
The rapper talks about his recently released music and his purpose in creating art. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
AP: Can you tell us about your song “two”?
BBNO$: Sounds better for kids. Growing up in Canada, it was always, “Two, four, six, eight, who do we admire?” It was always something we sang in youth groups or something like that. So I etched that in my mind. Then I thought, why not let the kids do it? Because I was a kid when I sang this song. It makes sense and I’m happy about it.
AP: It’s also a very imaginative song. There’s a lot going on there. Are you inspired by something you see on the street or on TV?
BBNO$: We were sitting there playing with these sounds. You keep playing these sounds until you like something that sounds good. And then it’s basically like a puzzle. In short, sometimes we grumble under our breath as we walk. Sometimes you’re like, “Wait a minute, that sounds great.” I think making music is very mathematical to me.
All you have to do is add cool widgets to it. I think that’s my strength. I think the other thing I’m really good at is filling out the songs so it doesn’t get boring. But I also think one of my weaknesses is that performing live is so difficult. But at the same time, this is my music, right? So if people like it, that’s great.
AP: So you would say usually you start with the sound, the rhythm.
BBNO$: Yeah, rhythmically. Then I made the sound with my mouth. Basically, if someone in the studio comes up to you and says, “That’s cool,” then you’re okay with it.
AP: Your name is bbno$ (Baby No Money), however, “it boy” is a song about living the high life and having it all. So, is this just bragging or has it slowly become a reality?
BBNO$: This is final. A lot of my music is boastful, goofy, fun, goofy, even though I think so. I’d be an idiot if I said nothing has changed since the beginning of my career. Everything has changed. My life is amazing. Have I changed that much as a person? No, I’m still so mean in my heart. I am a frugal person. I live with my manager. I don’t have a house. I only fly first class. I spend almost nothing on myself. So I don’t think Alex’s fundamentals have changed with greater success.
AP: It’s a good thing that you’re doing lines and things that normal people do because sometimes musicians get lost in fame and that’s not good for their mental health.
BBNO$: Yeah, definitely some. I’ve definitely seen some people lose their minds, which is weird.
AP: Tell us about your musical origins. I read that you wanted to be a swimmer, but then you got injured and that’s how you got into music. Do you think it’s really your destiny to be a musician? Or how do you see dream changes in your life?
BBNO$: When I was injured, I really understood the psychological impact pain has on you and how debilitating it can be. I still have chronic pain 24/7 but I just know how to manage it and live with it. I know what it feels like to be undermined and miserable, so I thought, I’m just going to help people because that’s what makes sense. And then I started making music, and I remember when I released a song called “Help Myself,” how many people messaged me and said, “This song means so much to me, it’s so beautiful, it’s I help. I know my music can change people’s moods and make their day better, and I’ve been able to help millions of people, and I can help physically by being a chiropractor or a doctor or whatever Hundreds of thousands of people. So I kill two birds with one stone.
AP: Speaking of your ancestors. Your family is from Armenia.
BBNO$: Yeah, my dad is Armenian-Egyptian and my mom is Swiss-Danish.
AP: Have you been to Armenia?
I haven’t been to Armenia yet. In fact, I’d love to go. One day I will do this.
BBNO$: Yeah, my brother lives in Denmark now. I love Copenhagen. This is one of my favorite cities.
AP: But your heart is Canadian.
BBNO$: Yeah, I’m pretty sure he’s Canadian. I like it. I wanted to live in Los Angeles, but there was something soulless about it. You know, it doesn’t make sense. But one day, I will figure out where I want to live.
AP: Possibly in Mexico. Have you ever considered recording here?
BBNO$: I’m working on a song with two artists, I can’t reveal too much about it, but maybe it will happen. If that’s the case, then I’ll definitely be recording it.
AP: That would be great. Do you like Latin rappers?
BBNO$: The closest thing I have is Big Soto.
AP: Finally, are you working on a new album?
BBNO$: I’ve always been committed to music. I’m going to be very, very focused on making an album for the next three or four months. That’s the goal now.
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How does bbno$ maintain his authenticity and grounded nature amidst the pressures of fame and success?
**Interview with bbno$: Making His Mexican Stage Debut at Corona Capital Festival**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Canadian rapper bbno$, who is set to make his Mexican stage debut at the upcoming Corona Capital music festival. bbno$, thank you for joining us!
**bbno$:** Thanks for having me! I’m super excited to be here.
**Editor:** You’ve expressed how excited you are about performing for the Mexican audience. What are you expecting from the crowd?
**bbno$:** I’ve been hearing that the Mexican public is going crazy for live music. That energy is contagious, and I can’t wait to experience it in person.
**Editor:** Let’s talk about your music, specifically your song “two.” You mentioned that it celebrates the childhood experience. Can you elaborate on that?
**bbno$:** Absolutely! The phrase “two, four, six, eight, who do we admire?” was something I grew up singing in Canada. I wanted to create something uplifting that resonates with kids today, allowing them to connect with that nostalgia in a way that feels familiar and fun.
**Editor:** Your music also has a very imaginative quality to it. Where do you find your inspiration?
**bbno$:** It often starts out as a puzzle of sounds. I love experimenting in the studio, and sometimes I’ll stumble upon a sound that just clicks. I believe music is incredibly mathematical—it’s about layering sounds and rhythms in a way that keeps it engaging.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that performing live can be challenging for you. What’s your approach to live performances?
**bbno$:** Yeah, performing live is tough! But it’s rewarding to see people respond to the music. It’s my creation, and if people are vibing with it, that’s what truly matters.
**Editor:** Your song “it boy” speaks to living the high life. How do you balance that with your down-to-earth nature?
**bbno$:** A lot of my music is definitely playful and about bragging rights, but the reality is I haven’t changed fundamentally. I still live frugally and stick to what’s important to me. My success has brought some changes, sure, but I keep it real.
**Editor:** It’s refreshing to hear that perspective, especially since many artists struggle with the pressures of fame. What do you believe keeps you grounded?
**bbno$:** I’ve seen friends lose themselves in the craziness of it all, which is alarming. I try to stay close to my roots and remember why I started making music in the first place.
**Editor:** You mentioned a turning point in your life when you shifted from aspiring swimmer to musician due to an injury. Do you feel that your journey was meant to lead you to music?
**bbno$:** Definitely. That injury taught me a lot about pain and perseverance. I wanted to help others going through tough times, and music became my way of doing that.
**Editor:** bbno$, it’s been great chatting with you. Best of luck at Corona Capital—you’re going to crush it!
**bbno$:** Thanks! I’m looking forward to it. See you there!