Straight from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, RapReviews writer Clara Wang brings you a one-on-one conversation with rising rap star Fashawn. His new album “The Ecology” is available everywhere now.

Clara Wang: You’re from Cali, man, how are you feeling the weather here?

Fashawn: I love the weather here, contrary to popular belief. I love the rain, I love the grey. I’m an October baby, so I love this kind of weather. Last time I was here it was the same weather, so shoutout to Minneap for consistency. Minneap is consistent when it comes to weather.

CW: You’ve put out so much music over the years. Which is your favorite album, and why?

F: I got to say, “The Ecology.” I’ve never worked so hard on anything in my life… I really put my all into that. The saddest part is that it was sad to put it out for me, I was like, ‘I have to put this out, I have to stop working on this?’ Like, fuck, this is over? There were some bittersweet feelings finishing it, but all the memories and the moments that went into recording the album was just priceless.

CW: You were signed with Nas for that album.

F: Yeah, that whole era, me signing with Nas, and keeping my foundation with the guys that I’ve been rocking with, like Exile and Alchemist, and being able to bring everyone together, for that one project, was special. You can’t compare it to any other project, for sure.

CW: You link up with Prof often. How do you feel about the MN music scene?

F: I feel like it’s one of the most thriving music scenes in the world. It produces so much music, and so much talent, and not only that, but music with substance and meaning, you know what I mean. I’ve never seen anything like it. The scene in Minneapolis is like a gem, a covered gem, a secret jewel no one knows about, or not enough people know about. I love it. I love the kind of people the city produces, the music, everything. I’m fortunate enough to meet brothers like Slub, and Ali, and it’s an honor to say I know these guys, you know what I mean? I’m honorary RSE.

CW: What’s your favorite track on “The Ecology” and why?

F: I can’t even say. It’s like, I love the song with my daughter on it, of course. That was one of the best paintings I’ve made. That, and the one with Nas of course, and Aloe Blacc. I don’t know. If I had to choose today, it would be “Higher,” with my daughter… It’s like my kids. It’s hard.

CW: You’ve been on tour a lot. You’re a veteran in the game at this point. What’s your favorite about being on tour and what’s your least favorite thing?

F: My favorite thing about being on tour… Simply being on stage. I hate the actual traveling. It’s really not the best part about being a touring artist. But the time onstage, the different crowds, the energy, the different scenes, everything… people come bearing gifts, I get treated like a king everywhere I go, gifts and stuff, it’s great.

CW: You’ve got quite a following.

F: A very loyal following.

CW: What was the most exciting moment of your long, well-versed career?

F: I’ve had a few of those. But for now, right now, to this day, the most exciting moment was… putting out my second album. That was probably the most exciting thing ever. Because A, no one thought I’d survive in the game this long, and to come back with a Sophomore album. Yeah, that moment. When that came out, that was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. If that hadn’t came out, I probably would still be in the studio driving myself crazy, wondering what I’m going to do. But now I’m doing what I set out to do. Great day.

CW: What’s your favorite food to eat stoned?

F: Two foods. French Toast Crunch, I love French Toast Crunch. And you might not believe this, but egg rolls. My girl’s Asian… I can eat a million egg rolls.