Growing up in Harlem is never easy, as was the case with Cardan, but unlike many youths in rough ‘hoods, he made it. In the industry since his teens, Cardan was an unofficial member of Mase’s Harlem World group as well as a staple in the uptown hip-hop scene. 

His knack for songwriting has gotten him opportunities to write for such high caliber stars as P.Diddy and Lil Kim. Now with years of experience under his belt, and a new lease on life, Cardan is going harder than ever to make sure all of his dreams become a reality.

Now you lost your best friend Donnell Porter, who was Rich Porter's brother, to a violent crime, when you were very young. What kind of affect did that have on you?

It had a major effect on me, we were both pretty much kids at that time and when it happened it was very shocking and I really didn’t understand it then the way I do now but overall it was some sad stuff for me to have to deal with.

You were signed to Penalty Records when you were only 15. What was that experience like?

(Laughs) Penalty was cool for me. It wasn’t a huge records company so it was nice and intimate to the point where the staff could pretty much focus on you and give the artist the right amount of attention. Nore was my label mate and little do people know that David Banner was on there too (laughs). Penalty would have been a great place for me if it would have worked out right. 

You were set to be a member of Mase's group Harlem world. Why didn't it happen?

(Laughs) Well, where do I start? Well I was actually a member of Harlem Word, I wasn’t just set to be one but as we all know I had a deal over at Penalty Records so I didn’t sign with the group. I was more like a feature artist for them but I’m from Harlem, and Mase was my boy so it all made sense. I would say things didn’t work out right due to a lack of communication between Mase and myself. I was also very young at the time and there was a lot that I didn’t understand at the time but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it was my fault the situation didn’t work out because it wasn’t (Laughs).

What was your relationship with Mase like overall?

Mase and me are real cool. We don’t really speak that often but whenever we do it’s always a lot of laughing and joking. He's a cool guy who I have a lot of love and respect for. He saw something in me and made me believe in myself more and more. He also gave me the opportunity to do my things so I appreciate and love him for that.

Your mother passed away shortly after that. Did that hit you hard?

Yes, very much so. My mom was my everything; she was my mom and my dad. She taught me a lot and most of all she gave me life. I love her and miss her deeply. God rest her soul.

What was it like writing for Diddy's Press Play album?

Working with Diddy was a cool experience. He is a fun guy to kick it with. We were in Miami on Star Island at the studio. Timbaland was there and a few other writers and we just made music. It was dope but working with Diddy is like a vacation for me. It’s just so many chefs cooking food and free drinks (laughs) and it always seems to be sunny outside. Man it was just the bomb! (Laughs)

You've written for Nelly, Mase, and Lil Kim. What was it like writing for artists of that magnitude?

Well first and foremost Nelly and me co-wrote a lot of the material we did together. The rest was just fun. I love to make music whether it’s for me or for somebody else. I just love to do it.

How different is it writing for yourself than writing for somebody else?

Well, writing for myself is a little easier because I know what I want and I know who I am so it comes across easier and more natural. Writing for someone else like Diddy is a little difficult because you have to get in his zone, step into his shoes for a second, and kind of like speak for him. It’s cool now though, I got it, I could probably write for your favorite rappers and singers and you would never even know. (Laughs)

You've made appearances on the St.Lunatics album, Jim Jones album. How did it feel to be involved with such successful projects?

It feels dope to me man. I come from the slums of Harlem so everything is a plus for me and not to put my city down in any kind of way because it taught me everything I know and gave me the swagger I have today but it is the ghetto and to be able to overcome it and be successful in any kind of way is God’s blessing.

Tell us about your publishing deal with EMI.

EMI is the best, I love it! My boy Big John gave me a very good opportunity to become one of the big and major writers of the future. Long but short story, but overall it’s a great this for me, God bless Big John! (Laughs)

You stay on mixtapes. Do you feel that mixtapes really help you get out?

Yeah they do but you have to be smart and aware of oversaturation especially if you’re a wack MC! (Laughs) If you’re a good artist it could really work for you. It’s a good outlet to use if you’re a hot artist.

You were shot 3 times. Were you involved in the street life? How serious were the injuries?

The injuries were bad. They could have been worse but thanks to God and my mother, my angel for being there for me. I wasn’t involved in any type of street life. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time and wearing too much ice. Those fools thought it was a perfect opportunity to come up and that’s pretty much the whole story. And to everybody who reads this make sure you always follow your gut feeling.

 If it’s raining outside and there’s signs telling you not to go out then don’t go out. You may save your own life, real talk people. Trust me because I didn’t listen to it.

Any deals on the table?

Yeah a few good ones and a few bad ones but the good thing is that they are offering me something, you know? I came a long way in this business and it’s hard to still be around and be half way relevant, so I appreciate it all, thank you!

What can we expect to see from Cardan in the future?

You should expect a lot, I’m writing some hits, selling some records, and most of all being successful by any means necessary. I will never give up. When all else fails God is my hero. I use that for my inspiration to do my thing so expect a lot because that’s what you’re going to get. (Laughs)

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

I just wanna say thank you to everyone that has been supporting me, whether it’s my writing or anything else I do, I really appreciate that, so thanks again. Thanks to Sixshot and Jay for staying on me to do this interview. (Laughs) To all the upcoming rappers and singers, never let anybody tell you what you can or can;t do because you can do anything you put your mind to, believe that! Believe in God and believe in yourself, you can do it.

Also, I wanna shout out my whole Academy family, Baby J, Jason Martin, thank you. My boy Rondeals, Young Money, my little brother, I love yall and we gonna make it, chuurch! (Laughs) Thank to Sixshot, peace out and God bless.