"Surfboard Cali" is the start of my solo career. Period! Of course, during my years of making music, I've done things that's only involved me, but it always came with an attachment. This particular joint made it possible for me to literally say, "All by myself." It was my 2pac "f*#% tha world" moment. Coming from a collective, people (fans or not) always feel they know what's best for u. If it's not "ooo ur the savior," it's definitely "ur a waste of perfectly good flesh." Either way, you ain't winning.

"Surfboard Cali" was the first song I recorded for the "Still In Fullee Love" EP. Even my producer had his own idea of what he thought I'd want. He played me all "backpackerish" beats (I made that word up) when we first got together. I was like, "Come, playa, let me hear everything," and the minute I heard that beat I was like, "That's it!" I immediately started thinking of how could I make this different, but at the same time, be me.

I needed to throw caution to the wind and do what felt good, and once I got into it, the words just started to come easier. The hook was already in place, which made things smooth as well. All I needed to do at that point was what the "Come on now Anna Mae" prophet Ike Turner commanded "Put sum stank on it." And that was the birth of "Surfboard Cali"!