Trying to make it in hip-hop is hard enough, especiallywhen you have to represent your whole city, one can imagine the difficulty. Pittsburgh, a town known for steel and football, has never produced a major hip-hop artist. With New York and Philadelphia so close by and having produced dozens of hip-hop stars, one would wonder why the old steel town never put at artist on the map. Maybe it’s destiny, as in steps Wiz Khalifa, Pittsburgh’s lone son, to give his city the proper shine.

An avid writer from the age of 13 years old, Wiz is known for his creativity and artistry. He has a lot to write about. As a child, both of Wiz’ parents were in the military, which caused Wiz to be exposed to different schools and different friends every few months.

Wiz uses that as an advantage as his rhymes touch on more subjects than your average MC. After years of grinding in an unknown town, all his hard work began to pay off as he has been featured in many national publication, video, and radio shows. It wasn’t hard to tell that it wouldn’t be long before Wiz would hit the big time.

One of the hottest prospects in hip-hop, Wiz decided to sign to Warner. Now with a major deal behind him, there is nothing that can stop the young rapper.

So tell me man, I know you moved around a lot and your parents were in the military, did that have a big effect on you?

I was born while both of my parents were serving in the Air Force, so change is what I know. I don’t know any other way. Finding myself living in different places all over the world every few years has made me very adaptable to changing circumstances, cultures, languages, and challenges.

When did you start rapping?

I started writing and rhyming when I was about 13 years old with my uncle and cousins. While living in Oklahoma, I produced my first album, Wordz of Wizdom, in my father’s recording studio. It was then that I realized that this is what I was born to do.

Who were some of your musical influences?

There were always different types of music played around the house when I was growing up. My influences include the hip-hop greats such as Biggie, Snoop, Tupac, Cam’ron, Young Jeezy and Wu-Tang Clan.

Is it a positive or a negative coming from a place that has never produced a major mainstream hip-hop star?

It is a positive for sure. As the first, I am able to establish a blueprint for the “Pittsburgh Sound”. I have helped set the bar the many talent artist who are sure to follow.

How is the hip-hop scene in Pittsburgh?

The scene here is growing. There seems to be more unity and support than ever before. A lot of aspiring artists have told me that their dream of “getting on” in the industry is more a reality as a result of what my team has done. We are encouraged that the industry sees us.

Tell us about Prince of the City 2.

Prince of the City 2 was released online and in stores on November 20, 2007 to overwhelming success. I feel like it is my best work to date. It is a culmination of my ups and downs and growth since my first release in January 2006 of Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania. It showcases a side of me that people have not yet seen.

Sixshot.Com: You’ve been getting major coverage in magazines. When did people start to take notice?

It started as a blurb here and there, but with the guerilla style networking of my publicist, Artie Pitt, I was getting requests for interviews following my first mixtape release. The article in last year’s Rolling Stone Magazine catapulted me front and center in the underground market as an 'Artist to Watch'.

You’re an independent artist. One thing many people wonder is if independent artists make a good living. Can you answer that for us?

Absolutely! It has been good to me; I have never held a “job”. It has not been a solo effort; thanks to my entire team we have spearheaded a movement, so everyone eats.

How has the industry responded to you? Was it love?

It has been all love. The biggest response has been their respect for my artistry.

You’ve been on stage with a lot of big dogs lately, how were those experiences?

The best part of it is opening for artists who I am a fan of. I grew up as a fan of Bone Thugs and Harmony and I am opening for them a second time after Christmas. It also exposes me and my music to their fans.

'Youngin’ On His Grind' is getting a buzz, how do you feel about the record?

I still love the song. I still love to perform it too. It describes my whole vibe and the “mission” that I’m on. The video did fantastic as well, appearing on Music Choice OnDemand and MTVU.

Now that you’re on a major, does it feel like a different ball game?

I feel like I have to work that much harder, but I usually put a lot of pressure on myself. There are so many other aspects of the industry that I am learning about. I am finding that it is much more than just making the music.

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

My second Warner Bros. single, "Say Yeah", is due to drop any day now. I'm shooting the video in L.A. in the coming weeks. I have also started recording my first major label album. I expect to be doing shows in a city near you.

Where do you see yourself 5 years deep in the game?

Mega star, where else?

Anything you’d like to say to the fans at Sixshot.com?

Thank you for your continued support. Keep supporting Wiz Khalifa and the 412. Get your copy of Prince of the City 2 online or in stores in the Pittsburgh area. Keep up to date with the movement @ www.myspace.com/wizkhalifa. Be on the look out for "Say Yeah".