PORT CITI aka POPPA is that rare artist that stands out above the rest. Repping Raleigh – Durham N.C. in the vein of artists before him that include J.Cole, Petey Pablo, Lil Brother, Small World and Norfclik.
Port Citi is destined to be the next great artist for the new generation of fans. Born in Wilmington N.C., Port Citi recalls his earliest memories of music through his mothers diverse taste that included musical giants Earth Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Luther Vandross, and Prince.
It was while attending Enloe High School that Port Citi honed his lyrical abilities in the lunchroom, battling all comers. After taking his verbal ferocity out on the streets of Raleigh – Durham, the then teenage emcee linked up with Rah & Shotty and formed the group Death Before Dishonor. Also known as DBD.
After dropping classic mixtapes CODE OF THE STREETS, THE RE-UP, MURDER GAME, and THE ANSWER … Port Citi and DBD became an icon in the streets, and their buzz grew rapidly. The trio was dominating the mixtape and underground battle rhyme scene. The team decided to put out street and club bangers like “STREETS OF CAROLINA” produced by Black Jeruz , and “Gd’ UP“ and “STUNTING” that was produced by Manifest. But it was their underground hit “SIPPIN & PIFFIN” Produced and featuring Money Merc is what caught the ear of local radio Dj Dy Nasty of K97.5, that open Port City and DBD up to a larger audience throughout North Carolina.
After numerous shady contract offerings and bad management, the group decided to take a break and revamp. Port Citi has continued to keep his street buzz sizzling and took all of his material to the streets of Atlanta GA. “The streets of Atlanta showed us love and respected the music“ says Port Citi . “I realized I could rap, make music and shine anywhere in this world. Any region, any coast, it don’t matter” he explains. “I have an up North ditty bop and a down South swag, music for the ladies, music for people struggling, music for true Hip Hop lovers. In all honesty, I’m a rappers rapper, and I make music for everybody, because at the end of the day I’m human. I go through the same things that everybody else goes through. Probably more!”
As the hip hop community of North Carolina know , Port Citi is one of those artist that just seems to be able to make music that can touch you emotionally and make you think about life . Or on the other hand, make a song for the clubs or for the ladies and the streets. “I’m a complex individual, I contradict myself a lot. I have many faces.” “Making music is like therapy for me. It’s my way of telling my story and the story of others without a voice to do so.” he continues. “You don’t even have to talk some bullsh*t, you can talk what you go through. As much as people want to hear you talk some funny sh*t and floss and front, they want to know what you go through and know that you’re human. They want to feel like you’re on the same level as them. I try to put a lot of reality into my songs, but at the same time I am a silly dude and I do like to make fun records.” says Port Citi “But I do take my music very seriously!”
Port Citi has been mentioned as the “King of NC” by a lot of his peers . And when asked is he the “King of NC” his response was.. “ I do feel like I’m better than everyone” laughing loudly, says Port Citi .“I’m not cocky, but I’m tired of being humble! What artist you know that don’t think they are the best at their craft?” he asks “ But king…?we have nothing ! And who wants to be the king of nothing !? “
Port Citi knows that his musical vision will continue to grow, and his business mind will benefit from his experiences. In the long run, he would like to see North Carolina & South Carolina get a chance to be heard and not overlooked by A&Rs and major record labels. “And once that happens and you get your foot in the door.!” I asked . With a smile he says “Then you can call me THE KING OF N.C “