It's no secret that many famous artists claim to go through trials to get to where they are today. It seems like every entertainer says they were raised by "rats in the street," all before being discovered as undercover rich kids who invested in a personal producer.

Florida bred emcee Billy Blue knows no such tale. Coming out the city of Miami, Blue is on the grind to become a respected emcee - where his experiences serve as poetry for hip hop fans to embrace. Billy Blue, although not being the first rapper to call Miami home, is destined to succeed with undying perseverance and a drive rivaling that of a first round draft pick set out to prove his worth.

Yo! Raps felt the need to shed some light on this nifty newcomer, so getting an opportunity to converse with the talented lyricist was just what the doctor ordered. Billy Blue set out to fill us in on the man behind the name - his journey into music, working with powerhouse producers, and what it's like being a part of Poe Boy Entertainment.

I got a major exclusive coming into Yo! Raps all the way from the M.I.A. So while we here why don't you start by telling the people who you are, what you do, and why this phenomenon about to go down.

Yea man just in case you all didn't know, this is your boy Billy Blue from Poe Boy Entertainment - in here doing what I do. I'm coming straight out of Miami - Eastside.

Okay man I'm interrupting Billy Blue while he working in the studio so let's get to business.  Poe Boy Entertainment has grown into one of the most successful indie labels in the past five years. How you feel about being a part of this label?

Aw man, it's all a dream to tell you the truth. I ain't ever think I would accomplish anything to be able to get this far you know what I'm saying? Down here in Miami we never thought - us at Poe Boy - that we were legit enough to really show people that we were ready so we just kept on grinding man. We kept working in our little studio until we was like, "Yea we ready to move." And now we like on a whole another level for real. Like we are a part of an elite Miami label.

I'm loving the fact that Miami, or the South in general, is really taking over the Rap game. Different artists are doing collaborations and things. Is there any particular artist right now, that you want to collaborate with?

That's a hard one [laughs]. I would have to say Jeezy. Definitely Kanye - I think I could put something together nicely with them. I mean, but really I would like to stick to the whole struggle content in my music. Talking about the life of a gangsta, you know. Man Jeezy definitely one of my top ones.

I definitely feel that whole aspect. Newer artists wanting to come out and bring the true, struggle music. Is that one of the things you feel people will get from you in your music?

Yea I feel like that's one thing. I feel is really gonna stand out. People gonna hear my stuff and be like, "He right, I ain't never have no million dollars," you know? But when you show people that you are just like them, you got a 9 to 5, you on the block, you dealing with your baby mama, etc - people think like, "That nigga right. He going through the same shit."

Knowing that the Rap game is taking a turn, what do you feel that rap is really missing right now?

It needs to go back to its essence - storytelling, the movies, the real. Like Scarface's Never Seen A Man Cry you know? Jay-Z had it - the way he shows you is just like a story. We need to take it back to those days. Today everything about money so like, people do it just to do it. Nobody really telling what's going on. You know, like who living on Sunday, Who dying on Tuesday, who battling on Thursday.  It's not interesting to me right now. The "swagger" from people now ain't really doing nothing for me.

Government name...can we get it [laughs]? And do you feel like where you from represents in who you are as an artist and person today?

Well, my government name - first name is Real; last name is Nigga [laughs]. You know, I have one of those complicated names - I hate to give it out but I know Imma have to eventually. But, I was born in New York but I'm from Miami. Miami was my home since I was young so it really made me who I am today.

So from my understanding, you are also from a Haitian background right?

Yes, that's right!

Okay, so with all of these components, you have really been exposed to an array of music. So with your mixtapes and upcoming albums, how do you feel your musical influences will show through your work if at all?

It gives you the opportunity to get yourself around situations. Me being around different cultures - it's like I have different perspectives for things and situations, you know?

So tell us what to expect from your album...

One of the hardest mixtapes out in Miami right now. It's called 36 Reasons. I wanted everybody to have it - DJs, fans, everyone. I have a bunch of mixtapes out right now. As far as my album, it's called The Story Of My Life. Some shit got leaked over the internet recently but it's cool I guess; more promotion for me [chuckles]. But yea, my album is going to be something to talk about.

So you're building a lot of buzz. How does it feel to be a part of Poe Boy and having the chance to collab with icons like Akon, Timbaland, etc?

The good thing about it is, I'm signed with them kinda you know. Like the labels are doing joint ventures with Interscope. Poe Boy/Konvict/Mosley, you know? I just finished in the studio with Timbaland - working with him is like, making a movie [laughs]. He's that type of dude, you know, who comes and opens up like, "Yea you can spit real quick then come see me." Then he'll sit you down and talk to you bout what he tryna do with the track. It really makes you open your mind up to be more creative with him. With Akon, he the same way. He caters to the artist he works with. He trying to let you know that whatever you do, he gonna be working with you so that you can be successful you know? He be saying, "Get ready for the trip" [laughs].

It seems like you are with people that are going to take you global. What is your feeling when you hear stuff like that?

I still can't believe it. Like it's like somebody pinch me - asking myself every morning, "Will this be here the next day," you know.

So you talk about the whole "futuristic flow," especially in the South. Tell us what's really in this style - what is your take on the whole concept?

Well, that style is all in the lyrics. You know, Wayne, Kanye, Jeezy. It's like you'll hear them say something then it's like - whew! How he think of that, you know? Like I got a track called Round Of Applause. It was made to really show the critics that I'm not a gimmick or joke. They talking about spitting - Imma show em' what spitting is. Everybody gotta prove they versatility for critics at some point.

So give me the formula for your making a track. Do you always go with past experiences or whatever crosses your mind at the time?

I may go through my experiences. The past and present. I'm really one of those rappers where - I feel the beat does more of the talking. It really helps you feel how to vibe or flow with the words you hearing from the artist.

Well I can't let you go without getting your perspective on the tragedy with the recent loss of the King Of Pop.

It's just like I can't believe he is gone - expecting him to pop up on stage somewhere.

So did Michael Jackson play a role in your life at all? If so how?

He just made me happy [laughs]! Couldn't nobody tell me they ain't never watch his shows and videos and not be smiling! It's like, damn, I see why them white kids be crying [laughs].

That's the whole point. Good music transcends to all walks of life. And you have a great opportunity; already working with some credible people so it only seems to help that you are familiar with an array of music.

Most definitely.

Can you give a lasting word for Yo! Raps and anybody tuning in to this interview? Especially those trying to get into the game?

Yea man, most importantly, you got to be humble - work hard man. You have to be on point but being humble will take you a long way. Ignorance will get you nowhere. Being patient and cool will get you respect. When you sign them papers, your chill time gonna be cut out so you gotta know your team really behind you. They not always gonna understand. And keep god first! Believe in him and anything is possible, you feel me?

So where can we find some leaks on Billy Blue?

Man they got me on the net everywhere. Google me, YouTube me, call the DJs [laughs]. I'm everywhere.

- By PJ Jackson Jr. & Jovan Bland