Quadie Diesel is in your face — but in the best way. He’s unapologetically himself and makes music in the same manner. His dark, emotional raps verses document his past experiences in a way that’s relatable to many.

“Making music is like therapy for me so when life is going bad or I’m down, I go to the studio and release it to get rid of my anxiety,” he told VMAN.

And while the 25-year-old has been making music for almost a decade, in the past few years has gained recognition from the industry’s most prominent figures. So far, he’s been featured on DRAM, Key! and Lil Yachty’s songs. And this week was no different as the artist geared up to release his single and corresponding visual with Lil Yachty. And with the song audibly personifying toughness, the music video visually manifests it — expect mind-bending camera angles, rowdy crowds, and lots of cars.

Read below to get to know one of rap’s up-and-coming artists.

VMAN: Congrats on the release! What were the main influences of “Byegonez,” artist wise and life event wise?

QUADIE DIESEL: Thank you! The main influence while we made this was having a good time we were really in the studio just spitballing and this song came out of it.

VMAN: What’s the meaning behind titling it “Byegonez”?

QD: Boat said ‘Can’t let bygones be bygones” at the end of the song twice and the engineer ended up just naming the track “Byegonez” because of that, so we just kept it.

VMAN: What were your early musical influences and inspirations?

QD: Early on my music inspo was like 50 Cent, Usher, Lil Wayne, BowWow, Michael Jackson, Backstreet Boys – everything I listened to when I was younger.

VMAN: If you could describe the sound in a few words, how would you?

QD: Ignorant and tough.

VMAN: Many of your songs document going through struggle and persevering. How did music help you through all that? What would you tell someone going through that right now?

QD: Making music is like therapy for me so when life is going bad or I’m down, I go to the studio and release it to get rid of my anxiety. For anybody going through hard times I say cry, let it all out and get back on your feet, find something you love and focus on that. You’ll have things to look forward to if you do.

VMAN: What do you want your music to do for people?

QD: I want other people to get turnt to my music.

VMAN: What was the inspiration behind the music video and shooting in Atlanta?

QD: Whensmokeclears is my homies brand, they threw a fair-like carnival-style shoot during All-Star Weekend so we were lit and started filming!

VMAN: What was it like working with Lil Yachty?

QD: Yachty works fast as hell! We made like 4 tracks that night. It was quick & simple.

VMAN: That’s all the questions from me! Is there anything else you would like to add that we didn’t discuss?

QD: I appreciate the love and look out for what’s next. It’s about to get crazy!