Unlike many, Billionz is coming into the game with no gimmick. He doesn’t exaggerate and he doesn’t pad his bio with stories of murder and drug dealing. All he’s coming with is talent and good music. Heavily influenced by Jay-Z, this southern rapper, and combines witty wordplay with a Down South twist.

 After years of grinding, Billionz was signed to hip-hop legend Scram Jones. With a new album in the works and the right co-sign, 2008 should be a big year for Billionz. SixShot.com sat down with Billionz to discuss his hometown, and what we can expect to see from the next wave of hip-hop coming out of North Carolina.

Sup Billionz, how's everything?

I’m good, grinding. Finishing up the album.

I know you were born in New York but you moved to North Carolina at a young age. What was your life like as a youngster?

I had an average life as a child. Alot of times you read interviews where artist horrify they life for entertainment. I’ve lived though struggle and hard times growing up but God brought me beyond that and its a blessing. So no complaints.... all learning lessons in life.

How would you describe you style?

I’m the best of both worlds. I got hard, witty lyrics that are missed in hip-hop today, and a southern accent with slang that’s loved now a day . There isn't anything as artist that I'm not able to do and I only hope to improve.

Who were some of your musical influences growing up?

Growing up I was big fan of Big Daddy Kane. I was also big fan from Buckshot. My cousin played "Enter Da Stage" all day everyday. I think my biggest influence has to be Jay-Z. I was raised off every Jay-Z album. Even today I learn alot lyrically and about life in his music. I don’t really think its just me... its the whole generation that was raised off Hov, Nas, B.I.G.. That was lucky enough to get a chance to hear good music growing up. If we don’t do the same, we depriving our kids from hearing good music.

When did you first get into hip-hop?

I was 5 yrs old, I seen my first episode of Yo! MTV Raps was in love ever since then. The music connected with me. At that young age I understood what they saying it touched me.

When did you decide that rapping would be your career?

When I was 16. I formed a rap group with some friends called Illspittaz. All 3 of us were so talented and the music we made came out so good. We thought we could make music better than what was out and was able to compete with other artist that was out. I felt I had something different to offer and I wanted to touch people with my music.

Tell us about the mixtape Back On My BI.

Back On My B.I. was a learning experience. I really learned how to create quality music and I also found my lane. It was more songs than freestyles, and it was the turning point from just spitting a million punch lines and using them in a song to make good music.

Is your buzz crazy in your hometown?

I gotta pretty crazy buzz around my area. 2 songs in radio rotation, and I was just nominated for lyricist of the year from the North Carolina Underground Music Awards. I’m respected by other emcees and have a strong fanbase out here.

How did you hook up with Scram Jones?

Long story short, I worked with Scram's partner Vin Da Chin. He let Scram peep somo of my work and he was feeling it. He sent me some tracks I and killed 'em. Its been family ever since.

How does it feel to be aligned with a dude who's done so much in hip-hop?

Its a great feeling, you figure gotta be on the right track to have you work respected by a producer of this caliber. With Scram and I, it’s bigger than music. He's like a brother. We created 16 songs in a 2-day period last January. We have a good chemistry together. I feel he is one of the best producers in the industry today. He deserves alot more respect than he's getting. I think working with me is like a new start for him, a different challenge. We make great music when we in the same book. We don't have to be on the same page.

What are your goals are far as your career goes?

I wanna be able to change lives with my music. Create different companies that can provide jobs. The power to be able to touch people. Make a difference.

What can we expect to hear on your debut album

Classic material. I’m working on a masterpiece. Great production across the board. Scram will be all over it of course. I also got tracks from other great producers and some great features, so look out for that.

What projects do you have coming up?

Working on the Illspittaz album, which will be out in the spring of 2008. I’m also working on a mini movie with an EP to go along with it. We still in the beginning stages, so no dates on that.

You've shared the stage with some big time artists. How were those experiences?

I’ve actually learned more than I thought I would from watching other artist perform. Alot on how to keep the audience attention. You also get to show a more known artist, that you can demand audience attention as much as they can if not more.

Anything you'd like to say to the fans out there?

Anytime you get a chance check out www.myspace.com/billionz. I’m on there everyday and responding to all messages. Shout to Sixshot.com. I appreciate the chance to let me expand my fan base. Shout to A.O.G. , Beast Music Scram Jones. Free Kenny G - RIP BGZ.