Formerly performing as Sin, Pu has been performing hip-hop on and off since the early 2000s. Now, he’s making a comeback with tracks like “Hopeless Nights,” which explores the weighty issues of depression and anxiety. Other recent tracks showcase Pu’s distinctive sense of wordplay and address diverse topics like current events, religion, and philosophy, incorporating references to figures like Plato and Buddhist themes. He’s also a featured artist on a recent remix from Kerry, whom I interviewed a few weeks ago. After reading that interview, Pu reached out, and we talked about his story…

You’ve been a hip-hop artist off and on since the early 2000s. How has the industry changed since then?

A lot has changed but also a lot has remained the same. The industry in general is still a shady Place with people looking to take advantage of you at every turn. However the indie scene has exploded and turned into a helpful, vibrant community of artists helping each other grow. 

Back then, you were performing under the name “Sin” and sharing stages with mainstream artists. Who are some of the artists you’ve shared stages with, and what were the circumstances?

So, I opened for mainstream rappers back then and did a few shows here and there. I do not want to mention names because I feel that is using others’ success to add clout to my name. I did however perform at venues here in NY in the Bronx, and around NYC And often attended street battles around my neighborhood. The circumstances that led to my shows and my opening was a result of a small group I formed back then and the handing out of CDs which brought us some attention.

Now you perform as Pu. What accounts for the change in name?

The name change is just personal growth. Even Sin was a metaphor but now that I am matured and grown some circumstances have changed. I was considering coming back to music and was toying with Pu for a personal reason exposed in my upcoming album “Kung-pu” on March 8th but then in a moment of synchronicity, I was visiting somewhere and there was something I took as a sign that I had to make music again, had to use the name Pu and then a week later,I was back to making music, again but this time for good. 

What are some of the key differences between Sin and Pu? 

Growth. I was someone who got into a lot of trouble and lived a different life back then. I am grown now, more educated and less wild. 

You’ve left and returned to music a couple of times. How has that shaped your perspective on what you do as an artist?

It has made me realize music is always a part of me and a big one at that. Even when I left music, I still made music but didn’t release it. I made parodies, funny songs, songs for friends to enjoy etc. 

Music is ingrained in my soul. I am supposed to make music and I really believe that.

And what keeps bringing you back to music?

As I said above, it is in me. I read David Grohl’s book where he calls Music an infliction and I would agree. I have to make music, its an outlet and an addiction that will nag me until I get it out.

In addition to rapping about current events, you also rap about religion and philosophy. What draws you to those topics?

Just interest in a wide array of topics. I read a lot and had an Aunt who recently passed who taught me all about philosophy, psychology and even introduced me to many different genres of music. She opened my world to different things and I thank her for that. I will always love and miss her. 

How do Plato and Buddha factor into your lyrics—and your life? 

Again, just interested in a wide range of subjects so something like Plato’s allegory of the cave and tying it into new topics like simulation theory is something that I like to speak on and share philosophical knowledge with other who may not know these things. 

Your song “Hopeless Nights” is about dealing with depression. Why is that an important topic for a hip-hop artist to examine? 

Too many are quiet On the subject. I suffer from OCD and have close family that suffers from depression. Mental health should not be taboo but should be front and center so those who need help can seek it and those who suffer can relate. I got many DMs and messages from people who relate to Hopeless nights and if I help or relate to even 1 person then I did my job as an artist. Here is a link on every streaming service: https://songwhip.com/pu2/hopeless-nights

What’s next for you?

I have an album dropping called “Kung-Pu” on March 8th. I made it a shirt run time so people have the time to listen and play the whole album on a daily commute etc. After that there are many projects in the works and I ask that everyone just check out my music, follow me and keep up to date. 

My album presave is here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/pu2/kung-pu