Orlando's hottest underground rapper Wes Fif made headlines last month when he  signed  to Slip-N-Slide Records and joined a roster that includes Rick Ross, Plies and Trina.

The 22 year old has been grinding hard for years and he is just beginning to taste the fruits of his labor. We sat down with Wes to discuss being overlooked, even in his hometown, the South, and what exactly he wants to get done before he bows out of the game.

How does it feel to be one of the biggest dudes in Orlando?

Man it’s a blessing. Its so many talented cats in the city right now its cool to be heralded by some as 'the nigga' right now.

I feel it's rightfully so at the same time, because I've been out here for a minute doing my thing.

Do you feel your city is getting overlooked?

I wouldn't say that. A few people from here have popped or had the opportunity to do so. I think what it boils down to is alot of people are making music for them and their homeboys, instead of for the potential consumer.

A lot of things coming out, even that is passed to me in the street are lacking overall production wise.  As for the several cats that do have up to par music, it’s virtually impossible for them, because it’s a struggle just to get DJ support.

I grinded 4 years straight without so much as a look from DJs in my city with the exception of like 2 or 3. Anytime the machine doesn't support, it’s going to be hard for a whole scene to pop.

When you make music, who are you trying to reach?

I'm trying to reach whoever is interested in what I have to say. Whoever enjoys good street music. It’s more geared to the "streets" or the urban fan base. But at the same time that kind of music appeals to the suburban fan base more than ever now. So it’s for anybody who wants to hear good street music.

What do you want to accomplish in this rap game?

I want to be the type of artist that people anticipate my next move, whether it be a new video, new mixtape, or new album. I want to have longevity, open up other avenues of earning income. I want to open doors for the others from where I'm from to come in and eat.

How are you associated with Slip-N-Slide?

I am the newest addition to the S-N-S empire, via a joint venture with my label Clientell Music Group.

People are saying lyrics are slipping and albums are wack, how do you feel about that?

I would say they are absolutely right. I hope that in 2008 niggas put  more effort into their craft. It sounds like they go in the lab and purposely make bullshit. And what irks me bout that dawg, is that somebody is ok'n these records to be released. Whoever that person or those people are, need to be fired ASAP.

Who are some cats that influence you musically?

Trick [Daddy] is the only nigga that really really had a effect on me, not so much on my style but just on my love for music. Then u got niggas like Tip, Luda, Young Jeezy who I fuck with simply because they continue to make hot shit time after time.

You've opened up for some big dudes like Jeezy and more, do you get a lot of love from their fans?

Their fans are my fans. I wouldn't call it opening. Most of the time we're booked on the same bill. I got paid just like they did ya feel me?

How did it feel when Ozone passed you up for the Florida 'Patiently Waiting 'award?

It kinda rubbed me the wrong way at first. But not so much, my peers were more upset than I was. It just made me feel like I had to grind harder, because I knew the same time next year I'ma be past local.

Tell us about the new Dead Presidents mix tape.

Dead Presidents is the craaaazy mix tape with DJ Smallz that's out right now. Heavy in the hood right now. And even newer than that is my Money Is Power mixtape with DJ Obscene/The Empire.

Both them shits is hot, I feel sorry for other rappers. (Laughs)

What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Expect to see the new single before the year is out. Expect the album, Get Money Guidelines, expect me to be in ya face at all times. Wherever it’s poppin at, I'm there.

Anything you wanna tell the fans out there?

Shiiit, just fuck wit me for real. I love this music shit, and I put my heart into what I do. I understand you work hard for that money you buy CDs with, whether it’s the bootleg or the real thing. I understand you work hard for that money to get fresh for the club to come see your favorite rapper.

I aint here to let you down. I'm here to provide youwith hot music. I'm that next nigga, Get at me. Wesfifonline.com

How do you feel about the hate the South receives for its success?

If you don't like it, don't listen, simple as that. Why waste your breath on how much you don't like something? You want us out the way? Move us out the way my nigga. Simple as that.

Also I appreciate yall at Sixshot.com for taking the time out to hear what I have to say. 100. This Clientell shit is a lifestyle, the new nigga at Slip N Slide.