MIC/LINE (formerly named Sound Check) is HYPEBEAST Radio‘s music-centric show that looks to deliver in-depth conversations with your favorite artists, digging into their origin stories and asking the questions you want answered. For our newest episode, we have Blueface as our special guest.

Blueface first came on the scene with his viral hits “deadlocs” and “Respect My Crypn” back in 2018. Known for his off-beat style, the West Coast rapper has since reached billboard charts with his breakout hit “Thotiana” — a song remixed by various rappers such as YG, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj.

Standing at 6’4, Blueface, born Jonathan Porter, grew up playing football but rap became his “destiny.” After leaving a JUCO football program, Porter crossed paths with TeeCee4800 and decided to focus on music. His first breakthrough began with “Deadlocs” and from there, he amped up his following with surprise performances in various high schools near his hometown. By the time his debut mixtape, Famous Cryp, dropped late 2018, Blueface was the most polarizing newcomer in hip-hop.

While some may call his antics a gimmick, for Blueface, everything counts. He understands every opportunity —  good or bad — can be used to increase his visibility plus gained a loyal fanbase for his unique playboy-like demeanor and unorthodox rapping style.

“You gotta get people close to you to believe in you, and it’ll transfer into real followers,” he shares. “[Go] ear to ear, car to car. You gotta make someone believe.”

‘Face has garnered attention from high-profile rappers such as Drake and E-40, yet steers clear of rappers in his immediate circle. He explains that aside from music, he enjoys watching youtube and spending time in the “outside world” with his son.

Keep up with everything HYPEBEAST Radio and subscribe to MIC/LINE on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast or wherever else you enjoy your podcasts. Feel free to reach out to our host, Manny, on Twitter at @ECM_LP and follow HYPEBEAST Music for more original content and music news.