The Break Presents: Apollo the Great

Standout: "Struggle No More" ft. Sean Price

Also Check Out: "Call it Quits"

And: "Reincarnated (Notorious B.I.G. Tribute)"

Name: Apollo The Great

Age: I'm 22.

Where I’m From: I'm from south New Jersey, more specifically Camden—a city known for murder more than music. I represent the east side of that city. Westfield Avenue to be exact.

My style and/or skills have been compared to: I’m always told that my style reminds people of the golden era. I get that a lot. I've been compared to Nas and Big L the most. A lot of the flows I use get compared to those two legends.

My standout records and/or moments have been: The record that stands out for me would have to be “Call it Quits.” It really got me some great exposure, which led to Joell Ortiz jumping on theremix. It’s either between that or “Struggle No More" featuring Sean Price. Sean really supports me and it’s definitely an honor to have someone of his stature acknowledging my work. As for the most memorable moments, it would be performing at the Rock The Bells, particularly the Philly date, sharing the stage with Raekwon and Ghostface, Mobb Deep was something that was special. Also, since Camden is right over the bridge from Philly, I’ve seen and heard the locals supporting my movement. Definitely a night I will never forget.

I’m gonna change the game by: I will change the game by being a young artist that values the culture of hip-hop. Hip-hop is what I live, and rap is what I do. I feel there aren't many new artists inthe game that live hip-hop. Most are in the game promoting gimmicks and chasing fast cash. That's cool, but I want to do more than that. I want longevity. I try to make music that will last, not just songs that will be hot right now.

I’d Like to Work With: I would love to work with Premier, he has so many classics under his belt. I personally feel that his drum patterns are part of hip-hop music’s DNA. I would also love to work with Kanye West. He's such an innovator and just extremely creative. He pushes the boundaries in hip-hop music and takes it to new heights every project he releases. I want to push the culture forward as well.

My goal in hip-hop is: My goal, like I mentioned before, is longevity. I want to make timeless music. I want to be the next major representative out of Jersey following the legends like Redman, Naughty by Nature, the Fugees and Joe Budden. I want to be a name that's remembered. More than that I want to build a brand that stands for something. I want to cross into all lanes of entertainment and be successful, not just music.

I’m gonna be the next: Well, obviously I'm gonna be the next Apollo The Great, but if I could follow the career paths of those before me, it would be Nas. Because of what he did for the culture and therecognition he get for his lyricism. At the same time I want to follow Jay-Z and his blueprint. I want to run my label and be able to put other people in position to make their dreams come true as well. So a combination of both of those guys would be ideal.

To check out more of my music go to: You can check my music out on iTunes. My new album <em>Apollo 21: Deluxe Edition</em>, which features Wale, Joell Ortiz, Freeway, Sean price, Jon Connor and more. Also check me out on VEVO (Apollo The Great) and YouTube (ApolloTheGreaTTV). Follow me on Twitter (@Apollo_TheGreat), Facebook (Facebook.com/ApolloTheGreat38) and Instagram (ApolloTheGreat).