SLOANE: What are the top 5 things you couldn't live without, and what purpose do they serve in your life?

SUIQE: A pair of denims – can you imagine the fade on the one pair of denims I couldn't live without by the time I'm out of the game? Denim takes all the hits and only gets better and more beautiful the more it goes through and the more stories it has to tell. They reflect a person's walk of life. If clothes reflect the self, a good pair of denim serves as my reflection.

My journals. Since elementary school, I've used them to capture ideas, break down complex thoughts, and outline game plans. Journaling clarifies my thoughts, prioritizes goals, and tracks progress, keeping me grounded and focused. Every month, I start a new journal, rewriting and refining old plans, incorporating fresh insights, and archiving unfinished ideas. I also carry a secondary 'rough draft' journal with me at all times. This process enables me to stay updated with my thoughts and maintain focus. Plus, my journals double as sketchbooks. (I'm still excited to start writing in that denim journal you gifted me!)

My headphones are really important to me. My wire broke recently and since I can’t use them much for the time being, I’m realizing just how much I really do need them for certain things. Everybody knows that my headphones are basically sewn onto my head, anyway. They’re comforting to have on, and they cut the noise.

Laptop, I do everything on here. Making and mixing music, editing videos and photography, designing, cyber bullying, etc… i’m on here right now!

My backpack! I’ve got to be able to carry all this stuff, right?

NICO: Is it important for people to understand what you're conveying through your art? If so, why?

SUIQE: What's meant for you, you'll get. And if the shoe fits, wear it. I prioritize creating for myself, not solely for others. I don't create with the expectation of being understood or heard by strangers. Instead, I hope those closest to me gain a deeper understanding of who I am and where I'm at in that moment.

When sharing a meaningful message or belief through my art, I believe clarity isn't always necessary, as long as I've authentically expressed it. I prefer inspiring through example, rather than dictating interpretation or response. That's why I'm openly direct and straightforward.

Whether you understand something or not, it still influences new thoughts. And hopefully, the right person will grab the baton and keep spreading the word. That's enough for me.

SALIMATA: Did you feel as though it took time to become a part of a community, or were you lucky to start with one?

Also, I know you to be very intimate in your approach to music and collaborations. Are you still?

SUIQE: When I look back, mostly what I had was community. Thankfully, following my passions has always led me to where I needed to be at the right times. Growing up, photography played a significant role in helping me connect with others. I spent a lot of time outside, capturing moments and taking photos of artists, friends, and strangers from all around. My freshman year was when I reconnected with DJ PHAT, who attended the same middle and high school as me, and 2oo4, a group from Elizabeth, NJ. I remember it was a school night when DJ PHAT introduced me to them, and we all ended up in an Atlantic City hotel overnight, where they went to record a project. At the time, nobody knew I made music, but that was my first experience seeing proof that you can accomplish things with your friends and family, especially in New Jersey. Once everyone found out that I made music, I kept it in-house from there. Since I was young, I've understood the game, the good and the bad, so I prefer to collaborate with those closest to me, rather than reaching out too far beyond my circle. For me, building a relationship first is important before deciding to create together. My uncle taught me, "Collaborate with another artist only if you respect them. Then the art is guaranteed good." While art isn't always ‘good,’ creating with someone who shares mutual respect makes it more valuable, and to me, more fun than just a "placement." All of my work stays with me and within my world, so working with my close friends allows me to create comfortably without complications. Also, I tend not to speak much, but collaborating with people close to me allows me to express myself through them without forcing anything. I'm very grateful that's the case.

XANBEENDEAD: When it's all said and done, what do you want to be remembered for?

SUIQE:

CARLOS: What are 3 songs you can point to that directly influenced SUIQE?

SUIQE: ‘You're Da Man' by Nas - I've loved Stillmatic since I was a kid, and this song made it my favorite Nas album. This is my favorite beat ever. I grew up on this; it's the first track in all of my playlists. I still can’t believe that Large Professor popped out to my NY performance. I read online that ‘You’re Da Man’ is actually his favorite track he’s produced.

'Graduation Day' from Kanye West's 'The College Dropout' - My favorite song of all time. It’s been tradition to write the verses lyrics to this song in the first few pages of my journals ever since middle school. Ever since I can remember, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up – an artist. I have no work experience, never sold drugs, and i’ve gotten kicked out of school a few times. But I've always had something going on, stayed committed to what I love, and trusted the process and my friends. Thankfully, it's taken me far. Throughout my life, I've faced a ton of challenges, both in and out of home, but I've always fought to protect and stay true to myself, standing on what I'm passionate about and what I believe in. This song makes me proud to be who I am after all i’ve went through to be me.

Soundtrack 2 My Life' from Kid Cudi's 'Man on the Moon'' - This was the first song I ever fell in love with, and I still vividly remember calling my sister at 8 years old on the house phone to ask, 'What's that song's name that I always ask to play in the car?' Back then, we'd drop her son's father off at work, and in her car, she had a collection of burned CDs; one of them only had two tracks: 'Soundtrack 2 My Life' and 'Where the Hood At?' by DMX. I've always been drawn to vulnerability in music. Music makes this big world feel a whole lot smaller, It brings comfort in knowing that you’re not the only one who feels how you feel or thinks like you think - That someone, somewhere, understands and can share an identical perspective through music.

HIO: What role does vulnerability play in your music, both in sampling and rapping? Do you ever feel challenged in sharing too much or too little of yourself?

SUIQE: Throughout my life, I've prioritized self-expression and openness, ensuring I'm understood and avoiding misunderstandings. Vulnerability plays a significant role in revealing who I am and my experiences as an individual. Understanding me and my experiences requires vulnerability. 

Although I may be reserved, I'm an open book when you speak to me. Similarly, I'm unfiltered in the way that I create, as it's all a reflection of myself. I've never seen vulnerability as an obstacle, only an opportunity.