Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo located in central Africa, songwriter/Artist Su Picasso moved to North Philadelphia at an early age. His passion for lyrics began as many other prodigies of our time, writing poetry and expressing life on paper. When his brother suggested he try reciting his poems over hypnotic instrumentals, the inevitable chemistry between him, pad, pen and music sparked. He never looked back.

I had the pleasure of talking with the 22 year old. And, it went a little something like this.

Mocca: Hey Su, what going on?

Su Picasso: Same ole, same ole. Just trying to get this tour together. We’re going to be hitting different cities, doing promo and performing.

Mocca: Do you have any dates set?

Su: All week from August the 4th – 11th , we’re going to be in about 5 to 6 different cities, networking a lot and getting my name out there.

Mocca: Tell me how you came up with that name, Su Picasso?

Su: Well it started back when I was younger. I used to look up to the older MC’s. As they used to battle and I would get into it. They used to say, nobody could take me out by themselves, and they started to call me Suicide. That was my name in the street. As I got older doing my music, I started to notice that my music paints pictures, left people with an image whenever I’d go out doing what I was doing. That’s how I came up with the Picasso end of it, I put two and two together and came up with Su Picasso. So, it’s not like I just woke up a decided to name myself that, there’s a story behind it (laughing).

Mocca: That’s hot. You’re originally from Central Africa, now living in Philadelphia. How long have you been there and what part of Philly do you live in?

Su: North Philly. I came to Philadelphia when I was 5.

Mocca: There is definitely a lot of culture and music in Philly. Who influenced you to do music?

Su: I would have to say people like Rakim.

Mocca: He is definitely a good artist to look up to. He’s a pioneer.

Su: He’s definitely a legend. I wouldn’t be where I am now. He really influenced me.

Mocca: So when did you realize that music had your heart, your passion? How long have you been doing this?

Su: Since I was 12. I was always doing poetry when I was younger. I used to do it with family. When something was going on in my life, I would go put it on pen and paper. My older brother used to always listen to instrumentals. One day he took one of my poems and was like, “try this over this.” I started bobbin my head. After that I fell in love with it. I would write poems put the rhythm behind it. It became a habit for me. Then so many people started believing in me. I decided to see if I could take it somewhere else. See where it could go. It was history after that. Ever since that instrumental, I just knew it.

Mocca: When you love what you do. It holds on to you. What’s in the future for Su Picasso? Where can we look to see you?

Su: We’re working on a mix tape “Broken Dreams”. We’re hitting showcases in LA, Aug 21. Between Sept and November we’re working to start a college tour. That’s the best market to get into today, the college market.

Mocca: How many songs are on the Mixtape?

Su: Eleven. I don’t want to give them too much or too little. Eleven is enough to keep them on their toes and hungry enough to want more.

Mocca: I hear you. It was a pleasure talking to you. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Tell us where we can find your music.

Su: You can find my music on itunes, SoundClick, ReverbNation, Myspace, youtube. The name of the single is Tempted”

Mocca: One last question. Are you single?

Su: Yeah, we can put that out there now, I am single.

Well you heard it here first. Our younger generation is coming back full force. With remarkable talent, passion, and lyrical genius, this Sagittarian has something hot is store. Go to the below links to hear more from Su Picasso. Hear his single “Tempted” You won’t be disappointed.