Pitbull talks Rise to Fame, Being a Pop Icon, and Sellout Accusations in April edition of GQ

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Eight years ago, Pitbull emerged onto the scene as a club rapper from Miami. At the time, the Miami hip hop scene was not as dominant as it is now. There were many who felt Pitbull would be forgotten in a matter of months. For a while, it appeared they were right, until he returned with a remix album the following year and then with his breakout 2007 album, The Boatlift.

For five years, Pitbull has released several hit records, which have had more of an impact on the pop charts than the hip hop charts. As far as commercial success goes, Pitbull is one of the most-successful Miami rappers ever. However, Pitbull is also considered by many, especially those in Miami, as a sellout.

GQ recently caught up with Pitbull and they discussed these topics, and much more. During the interview, Pitbull explained the moves he has made and why people feel the way they do about them.

Read excerpts of Pitbull’s GQ interview below:

Pitbull on being called a “sellout:” “People say I switched? Maybe I outgrew you. I look at it as an evolution, and setting the path. I’m showing you where to go.”

…on his music and his image: “Look, Pitbull is a product. Don’t get it f*cked up—I’m a businessman. This industry is 90 percent business, 10 percent talent. It’s the people who think they’re talented, that their sh*t don’t stink, who get left behind.”

…on his career and his future plans: “Two thousand nine was freedom, 2010 was invasion, 2011 was takeover, 2012 is grow wealth.”