From singing as a hobby to having Drake featured on your single sounds like a fairy tale, but for Roy Wood$, it is his life story.

Born and raised in Canada, Roy wood$ is famous for his R&B tunes with his single hit Drama and many other tunes that got all of us excited at IGNITE’s Frosh 2022.

We got a chance to talk to Roy Wood$ about his journey, listen to his advice for Humber and Guelph-Humber students and find out his favourite Canadian snack.

Here is what he had to say:

What was it like growing up in Brampton? Does your upbringing influence your music in any way?

“Growing up in Brampton was so interesting because it has so much culture. It is interesting as it is very different from Toronto as this city has its flash, but it was dope!”

“The city has shaped me into who I am and has influenced my music. Hence I say south side B town when I want to represent my roots.”

What did it feel like to be signed by Drake’s company and then to have him featured on your song Drama?

“The feeling was unreal, especially being a 19-year-old. There are million things going on in your mind. So it took me by surprise when Drake reached out. It was such a blessing.”

You have been releasing multiple tracks in a really short duration of time. In such tense and busy scenarios, how are you able to live up to your mantra, “say less and do more?”

“I feel like ‘say less and do more’ is a lifestyle for me, so it’s not hard for me to live up to it. I try to always stay busy working. So, I am always in the studio rehearsing, and it’s a part of my life.”

Reaching such heights at a young age must take immense hard work and dedication; what’s one piece of advice you would like to give our students?

“To all the students, I want you to be yourself in whatever you do. Be open to learning because you never know everything, even if you think you know, no matter how smart or old you are”.

“There is always something to learn; make sure to keep an open mind to learning and to make sure to have fun with it.”

What inspired you to choose music and rapping as your future, and who are some of your biggest creative influences?

“Everybody around me told me to sing and give it a try. So I naturally found it as a hobby, and it turned into something amazing.”

“A lot of my creative influences were from musicians like Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and Asap Rocky. Their music helped me create creative space.” 

If one of your raps could be a college anthem, which one would you want it to be?

“Bubbly, for sure, since it is a party song.”

Being a Canadian artist, we would love to hear, what is your favourite go-to Canadian snack?

“O Henry’s for sure is the answer.”

We hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about this amazing artist and that the memories from Frosh will last a life time! Feel free to share your favourite snack with us on Instagram!

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity*

Want to read what last year’s Frosh artist had to say? Here is 2 Chainz on following your dreams and exceeding expectations

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