At a pivotal moment in modern hip-hop, UnoTheActivist remains one of the genre’s most influential architects — a pioneer whose ideas shaped the rage sound long before the mainstream caught on. Emerging during the explosive 2015–2017 era, Uno built a world defined by experimentation, rebellion, and emotional depth, inspiring a generation of artists while never chasing trends or validation. His career spans innovation, evolution, and a fearless commitment to authenticity, all while carrying a responsibility he now openly acknowledges: guiding the youth who look to him for direction. Raw, self-aware, and continually evolving, Uno stands as both a visionary and a survivor of the underground — one who refuses to be boxed in by labels, eras, or expectations.
What first made you want to become an artist? Was there a specific moment when you knew music was your path?
UnoTheActivist: The first time I watched the Hustler Musik video by Lil Wayne. In that moment, I knew I wanted to feel whatever he felt.
What do you think separates a rapper from a true artist?
Creativity, versatility, and skill. You gotta treat it like the NBA — it’s the same thing that separates Kyrie and Steph from all the point guards.
You’ve been making music since you were young — what pushed you to take it seriously and build a career out of it?
Really the fans and supporters pushed me to take it serious. I always did it for the love of the game. Once I started feeling the love and urgency from the fans, I knew I had to turn this into a career.
Your name “UnoTheActivist” has always stood out. What does that name mean to you today, and how does it reflect who you are?
It’s crazy — I was just looking at my name the other day, dissecting it, and realizing how much I’ve grown into that activist lane and what that name means for other people. I feel like I have a responsibility now to be there for the youth.
“I’ve grown into that activist lane — I feel a responsibility now to be there for the youth.”
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you that might surprise your fans?
I went AWOL from the Army to pursue this music shit.
You came up during one of the most creative times in hip-hop. How would you describe the era you started in and what made it special?
I really believe the time I came from was the perfect time in music — and I was the perfect age to make it. A lot of people would vouch that 2015–2017 was the golden age of modern music. I was young and rebellious, not influenced by the internet — but people watching me and others from my time made the internet for real. It all boils down to people trying to figure out how the music was so great, so they try to replicate or imitate it. I appreciate it, but it’s different because it’s me.
When do you think the “rage” sound officially began, and who do you feel helped shape it the most?
Honestly, I don’t know how or when rage became a thing — I just know it started one day, and it was because of me.
Looking at how far the rage sound has come, are you proud of what it turned into?
Honestly, I wish it kept more rock ’n’ roll roots in the new rage music. It’s cool though — but I’m finna change it up again.
“I wish it kept more rock ’n’ roll roots in the new rage music. It's cool though — but I’m finna change it up again.”
Do you think rage music is becoming repetitive, or do you enjoy how new artists like Che and OsamaSon are putting their own spin on it?
I like Nine vicious’ version of rage.
Trippie Redd recently debated with us and said rage isn’t dead. We personally think it’s slowly dying. Do you agree?
People just need to listen to more rock ’n’ roll — then it’ll get lit again.
A lot of people consider you one of the main innovators of rage. How do you personally see your influence on the genre?
I just play a small part in a bigger scheme.
If you had to name your top 5 rage albums of all time, which would make the list and why?
Unoverse 3, Up 2 Me, AGC, Whole Lotta Red, Trip at Knight.
These are the pioneer albums of rage.
Looking back, what’s one of your favorite or most meaningful moments from your career so far?
Saving the lives of depressed kids all across the world. That’s what I do it for.
“Saving the lives of depressed kids all across the world — that’s what I do it for.”
Being an artist comes with pressure and expectations. How do you deal with the stress that comes with success?
How I see it is, I’m playing the game on the hardest difficulty — that’s the only way you can become the best player.
What’s something about being an artist that bothers you or feels misunderstood?
The parasocialness of people — they think we’re perfect machines that move on their command. We’re human beings.
If you could go back to your early days, what’s one thing you’d do differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing in my career. It made me who I am today as a man.
“I wouldn’t change a thing — it made me who I am today as a man.”
What does the word “underground” mean to you personally?
The underground means the hardest, most innovative beats and artists you can possibly find on earth.
Some people say you’ll be ‘underground forever.’ How do you feel when you hear that, and do you see yourself differently?
I don’t know the difference — to me, the only difference is the beats. I like rapping on super warm-colored beats or extremely shady ones, no in-between. It’s like editing a picture — what you’d do with color and light in a photo, I do with music.
You’ve said before that some of your songs never dropped because they didn’t feel “right.” What does “right” sound or feel like for you now compared to when you first started?
It’s the same to me. I just dropped a song from 2019 on my new project. When a song is timeless, it can drop anytime — it just comes down to how well your fans understand it.
Your visuals have always been distinct. How important are visuals and creative direction in your music-making process?
I actually never put much thought into the videos — I just embody whatever song I’m shooting and let the character come out. That’s what paints the scene.
What inspires you when building a full project from start to finish — is it emotion, visuals, or something else?
The songs I choose have to collectively represent what I’m going through in life at that moment. They reflect my current outlook on everything.
You’ve built a whole world around your sound. How do you keep things fresh and continue evolving creatively?
Learn and experience as much as you can — you’ll never get old. I found new sounds and ran with them.
“Learn and experience as much as you can — you’ll never get old.”
Many fans see you as part of the Big 3 who created the rage sound. What inspired Unoverse 2, and what was your mindset when you made it?
I don’t even remember when the rage wave really started — I was just creating a sound I thought nobody had tapped into yet, developing myself as an artist.
Let’s talk about your new album TROY. What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this project?
It’s time to be yourself.
Why did you decide to call the album TROY?
I wanted to reveal my real name to all my supporters — they deserve it.
The cover shows you with angel wings and a sword — what does that image represent?
A soldier of Yahawah, The Most High.
What’s your personal favorite song on the album, and what makes it stand out to you?
“Sometimes I Just Wanna Fight” really embodies my current sound.
What does TROY mean to you at this stage of your life and career?
Power.
“It’s time to be yourself.”
You had a pop-up in New York where A$AP Rocky showed up. How far back does your relationship with Rocky go, and what kind of influence has he had on you?
I’ve known Rocky since I was 19. When I was in school, I looked to him for fashion. I got my first pair of Jeremy Scotts because of him — fashion for sure.
At one point, was there ever talk of Rocky signing you or working more closely with you?
Yeah, but you know how that shit goes. Never no hard feelings though.
What do you think is missing from today’s underground scene?
A leader.
What sound or style do you think will define the next big wave in hip-hop?
That’s hard to say — everything changes every three months. I couldn’t tell you, other than more people listening to UnoTheActivist.
Looking at your career now, do you feel satisfied with what you’ve achieved, or do you still feel like you have more to prove?
I’m never satisfied. I’m always grateful, but I always want more.
Where do you see yourself five years from now — musically and personally?
I see myself as a top 3 artist in the world.
“I see myself as a top 3 artist in the world.”
To close it out, what’s a message or quote you want to leave for anyone chasing their dreams?
Hustlers don’t stop, they keep going.
“Hustlers don’t stop — they keep going.”
Photography By Narayan Naidu (@Nx2Photography)