The Multi-Talented Rapper Hannibal Leq, who could be heard all over last week's episode of Jersey Shore, took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down for this short interview:

ST: Where are you from and how has that influenced your music?

HL: Born in Cali, raised in Georgia, grew up in Colorado. Being from so many different areas and dealing with so many different things gave me a bigger bag of music to pull inspiration from.

ST: What did MTV mean to you growing up? What does it mean to you now?

HL: MTV meant a window for me to escape my realities and live through someone else's. I grew up on Yo! MTV Raps. And I always wanted my videos to be played. It means more to me now because now I'm the one whose songs are getting played and heard by the younger me's of this generation. And that is crazy!!

ST: Who are some of your biggest musical influences and why?

HL: My biggest influences in music vary. Anything R&B from the 70's and 80's because of how real and honest they were, all the way to gospel music. I call myself the hood prophet because I'm a spiritual emcee. I use music to seek redemption for my past transgressions.

ST: If you could work with one artist dead or alive, who would it be?

HL: Just like most people that do what I do, I would have to say Tupac. Because Pac was the realest to ever do it. From his cadences, his delivery, to his subject matter, he's the reason I take pride in what I do.

ST: Whether it's song-writing or performing, what helps you get the in "the zone"?

HL: Whether I'm song writing or performing my motivation is the same - my daughter. I do everything I do for her.

ST: If you could be known for only one of your songs, which would you choose and why?

HL: FLYIN HOME!! Because it talks about my struggles in life and what it took to be at where I am now.

++ Interview by: Jaron Lum

++ Follow: @HannibalLeq

Tags Interview, Jersey Shore Music, MTV, Music