Pusha T Talks “Darkest Before Dawn” And If He’d Sign Lil Wayne [Video]

For a specific generation, it feels like we’ve known Pusha T our whole lives, which is a testament to his longevity in the rap game. For almost two decades, he’s been making villainous street music with a focus on lyrical dexterity. And that’s exactly what his latest project, Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude, brings to the table. As an appetizer before his forthcoming King Push album, Darkest Before Dawn makes a strong case for Pusha’s claim to the rap throne (a title that gels nicely with his new role as president of G.O.O.D. Music). Complex News with Pusha about his new responsibilities, his thoughts on the current rap landscape, and his mission with this album. As president of his label, Pusha explains that it’s just a more formal acknowledgment of what he’s already been doing: focusing on the music, the brand, and how it all connects to fans. Pusha assures fans that G.O.O.D. hasn’t faltered, despite the minimal amount of releases, saying, “G.O.O.D. Music is on top because G.O.O.D. Music is the culture. When you think of, you know, just every aspect from music, influence, fashion, art level. If it’s not G.O.O.D Music, then it’s somebody who was influenced heavily by G.O.O.D. Music.” Switching into artist mode, Push explains that Darkest Before Dawn is “the polar opposite of what’s going on in music right now.” He says that the goal with this album is to separate himself from the pack by providing a lyrically powerful album amid the climate of melody driven rap. He spoke at length about getting Roc-A-Fella legend Beanie Sigel on the album, saying “I couldn’t get [another] writer that good. I need somebody who is gonna be that level.” Providing the sonic foundation of the project are titans like Timbaland, Puffy, Kanye, J. Cole, The-Dream, and more. Teetering between artist and president, Pusha discusses the climate of the rap industry. Echoing his lyrics from “Crutches, Cross, Caskets” he calls other rappers victims: “I just feel like—man, you know, musically and in the music industry right now, I hear a lot of complaining. People just have wild issues. I guess it’s a different breed.” This type of commentary aligns with Push’s recent comments about being the “last rap superhero.”