Covered in tattoos and with a taste for luxury cars, Denver native Cabby is hell bent on ensuring he leaves his mark on hip-hop! Named after his dad’s favourite drink Cavers, Cabby took inspiration from his environment and admits growing up in the Mile-High City has moulded him as a person.

Cabby, who recently teamed up with Yung Joc on the anthem Left Lane took some time out to talk with Yo! Raps about the possibility of signing with a major, which artists he gains inspiration from as well as the motivations for pursuing a rap career.

Those who are unfamiliar with Cabby will be impressed with this rappers well-written rhymes and head nodding flow, which is sure to be demonstrated on his upcoming EP, Ironclad.

How you doing Cabby?

I'm great! I'm feeling real blessed right about now. I've come a long way in a short period of time. It's truly a privilege to be speaking with Yo! Raps, the pleasure is all mine!

Where did the name Cabby originate from?

My dad (R.I.P.) had a favourite drink called Cavers when I was a youngster, somehow the name was translated into Cabby and it only feels right to be called what I've always been called.

What was it like growing up in Denver for you?

I love "The Box State"… it's home forever and always will be. I remember there were plenty of short days and long nights and that has taught me patience over the years. But yeah, the Eastside of Denver is not only where I'm from but who I am!

It seems a lot of your tracks are telling a story, did your earlier years inspire a lot of your writing?

I feel that rap music derives from the streets! The hustlers speak about what's going on and rap motivates the hustlers to keep going on, so yes… real life is the inspiration.

When did you decide you wanted to pursue a rap career?

First and foremost I've been a fan of all genres of music since I could speak! I believe something that someone pursues must first be a passion, not only a dream, and then they must have a clear vision as to what they want and where they want to be prior to setting out to do anything. This way no one or no one thing can take them off that path, so to specifically answer the question... I started honestly pursuing this career a couple years ago and without Big Mike I wouldn't be where I'm at today!

Would you consider signing with a major if the opportunity arose?

Every opportunity deserves a once over, hell some opportunities deserve a double take! I've been defined as and known to many as an opportunist and I can't even say that they are lying!

I noticed in a few of your videos, particularly in Left Lane, there are some pretty dope cars in them! I take it you like your nice cars?

Absolutely! I can appreciate any well kept ol' school just the same as I can respect the newer finer luxury models. Anyone who truly knows me, knows I've put together a couple of masterpieces of my own.

Speaking of Left Lane, how did the collab with Yung Joc come about?

Scorp Dezel... shout out to the super talented producer Scorp. He was in the studio mixing the single. Yung Joc, major shout out to him as well, was in the studio at the time and he said he was feeling that joint, placed a hot hook and verse and we've been in the Left Lane ever since!

What current projects are you working on?

I'm currently wrapping up my EP, Ironclad. It's some of my best work to date; plenty of variety on this one, there is something on there for everyone. Everyone needs to have a copy of this and then go tell everyone else to get it also, it's just that serious!

Who are your favourite current rappers and why?

I have mad respect for so many rappers old and new but I've been listening lately to Rick Ross and the whole MMG crew, Yung Jeezy and 2 Chainz just to mention a couple but some others that I'll never stop riding to are 50 Cent, T.I. and Jay-Z. These greats have established themselves so well and set such precedence for upcoming rappers like myself.

Beef control: Chris Brown or Drake?

Both are major talented and I can't take nothing from either of them so they both need to keep doing them because that's what's made them both the household names they are today.

It seems a lot of artists today are getting full body tats and it’s hard not to notice yours. Do they hold any specific meaning to you?

Yes! I've been getting tattoos since I was about 14 years old. They all have sentimental value. Tattoos were an addiction for me at first but now it seems to be more of a way of life, a sort of lifestyle and I know that now more people as well as many cultures see it that way also.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Established and respected in this rap game! Overseeing a couple other business ventures that I have in mind and enjoying and sharing the fruits of my labour!

What future projects can we expect to see from Cabby?

Certainly my EP, Ironclad! Like I said earlier, you do not want to sleep on this one! I'd really like to work with some of the greats that I mentioned earlier like Rick Ross, T.I., 50 Cent, or Young Jeezy. That would certainly solidify and shut it down in my book!

Finally, is there anything you would like to share with our Yo! Raps readers?

Just again that it's really an honour to speak with Yo! Raps, so honestly thank you! Thanks to all those who've supported my single Left Lane and if you haven't already picked up my mixtape, Monopolize, make sure you all do! Also keep an eye out for the hottest EP, Ironclad, coming this fall!

- By  J David