At only 24 years old, Ali Vegas is in a position most veterans wish they were in. Having experienced the ups-and-downs of the fickle music industry, Vegas has seen it all.

Coming into the game as a teenager, he has been compared to everyone from Jay-Z to Biggie. His reputation as the second coming in hip-hop, however, hasn't rattled the upstart MC, as he stays on his grind by making sure his mixtape circulation is right.

Growing up in the notorious Southside neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens was no picnic for the young man, however he found his passion in music, escaping the street life.

He was at one point signed to dynamic duo, the TrackMasters, with fellow Jamaica native, 50 Cent. His second deal was with Tommy Motolla and his imprint, Casablanca Records, which also didn't pan out but led him to his current situation, where he is paired with Lamar Odom's (of the Los Angeles Lakers) Rich Soil Entertainment.

Now, with his career in his own hands, Ali Vegas is ready to fulfill his prophecy as one of the greatest MC's to ever pick up a microphone. Sixshot.com sat down with Ali to discuss everything from his relationship with 50, what we can expect in the future, and his current deal with his good friend Lamar Odom.

You've been in the game for so long. How did you get involved at such a young age? Who were some people that influenced you to start rapping?

I don’t even know, I was just in the right place at the right time I guess. My cousins Taz, Clept and Cheeb are really the ones who got me into music seriously.

You were signed to the TrackMasters at the same time as 50 Cent. Did you guys have a relationship?

Yeah we were always cool.

Why didn't the deal with TrackMasters work out?

I mean, I really think that they was doing to much at the time so they weren’t able to give me the attention I needed so it really didn’t work out like it was supposed to.

You're only 24 years old but you get compared to the greatest MC's ever. How does that feel?

It’s most definitely a gift and a curse. I mean the fans appreciate it but being great creates fear in other rappers hearts both old and young so instead of embracing it and wanting me to progress they try to block it, which is expected.

What happened with Tommy Matolla's Casablanca records?

The bottom line is, some of the people I had around me at the time were fuck ups, pardon my French.

Tell us about the I Got My Glow Back mixtape.

I Got My Glow Back it really speaks for its self, you gotta hear America’s prince, the music I make is always what I feel at the time.

What caused the beef between DJ Clue and Fabolous?

All that was, was some miscommunication. It’s all good, it aint nuttin.

How did you get up with Lamar Odom and become the first artist on Rich Soil

Lamar Odom that’s family, we always said that we wanted to own a label together so one day we   were like let’s get it and started rich soil.

How does it feel being on a label owned by an NBA player?

Oh man,it feels like being in the NBA (Laughs) its great

Do you feel you can do what Nas, Biggie, or Jay did for hip-hop?

I personally feel I can do even more then what they did because I have the ability to blend and mend generations.

Why do you feel after so many years in the game you are still underrated?

That’s simple; it’s all because the artists that are overrated fear me.

Do you feel like the politics in the industry have prevented you from reaching your full potential?

Really nah, if anything it gave me the chance to correct my mistakes before the world got a chance to see them, I got nothing’ but love for this game!

What do you want to accomplish in the rap game?

I want to accomplish every single thing that the critics say I cant.

What projects do you have coming up?

I got the album coming up in 2008 and it’s looking real good, sounding real good right now.

Anything you would like to say to your fans at sixshot.com?

I just wanna take the time to thank all the fans out there for sticking with me through the years. I haven’t gave up on them so don’t give up on me. I know that we will win this fight! Trust in ya prince, I got yall. I love you mom!