On Nostalgia, rapper BIG Naughty offers a unique perspective: perhaps the things we wish had happened differently are also what make us who we are. Released on 31 August, the two-track single pairs its original recording with a band version, while its accompanying message reflects on the strange relationship between past and present – how the things we did not know, or could not do, might ultimately make our memories more beautiful.

Since first gaining wider attention on Show Me the Money 8, BIG Naughty has moved fluidly between hip-hop, R&B and melodic pop, resisting the idea that he needs to settle into one particular sound. His approach is instinctive: the music follows the feeling, rather than the other way around. That same honesty has become a defining feature of his songwriting, even when it means sharing more than those around him might advise.

Few examples capture that openness quite like his acclaimed Vancouver series. Originally written as a birthday gift for his longtime partner, the songs have gradually become a record of a relationship unfolding across different stages of life. Their significance has only grown with time, particularly following the couple's recent marriage and the release of “Vancouver 3”. 

But looking back does not necessarily mean staying there. BIG Naughty has suggested that his next project will turn further towards his own experiences, opening up space for subjects beyond romantic love. After seven years of making music and 265 songs written, he is also conscious that the work behind his catalogue has not always been visible to listeners.

Your music moves between hip-hop, R&B and melodic pop. How do you decide which sound best expresses what you want to say in a song?

BIG Naughty I don’t decide on a sound first. The sounds I draw on naturally change depending on how I feel at the time. It’s like how I gravitate towards ballads or rock when I’m sad, and R&B when I’m happy.

Your Vancouver series has documented different stages of your relationship over time. When you revisit those songs now, do you hear them differently from when you first wrote them?

Honestly, it’s pretty amazing. I wrote it as a birthday gift, so seeing it get this much love is surprising. It holds memories that belong to just the two of us, so it’s really special to me, too.

You recently announced your marriage to your longtime partner, who has inspired much of your music. Has this new chapter changed how you think about writing songs about love?

She’ll definitely continue to inspire me, but I think my next project will focus a little more on my own personal stories.

This relationship has inspired several of your songs, including the Vancouver series. How has turning such personal experiences into music shaped your approach to songwriting?

It influences every part of my life, so I think that naturally comes through in my lyrics, too.

Your music often draws from personal experiences. How do you decide which parts of your life you are comfortable sharing with listeners, and which parts you want to keep private?

I’m not really sure myself. Since I always express myself honestly in the moment, my label sometimes tells me to reconsider. (laughs)

Since first gaining attention on Show Me the Money 8, you have developed a sound that extends beyond conventional hip-hop. What have you learned about yourself as an artist that you did not understand when you first debuted?

I don’t really think I have a sound that’s completely my own. But if there’s something that sets me apart, I think it’s my honesty. I also think I’m more diligent than I might seem. I’ll keep working hard to stay honest.

Your collaborations have brought you into different musical worlds. What do you look for in another artist when deciding whether to work together?

It comes down to my feelings and instincts. If I like someone’s music, they’ll often come to mind while I’m working on a song. Rather than having specific criteria, what matters to me is listening to their music and naturally feeling like I want to work with them. I love collaborating, so I’d love to work with an even wider range of artists.

Your lyrics can feel deeply personal while remaining accessible to people with very different experiences. Do you write with a particular listener in mind, or do you prefer to let people find their own meaning in your music?

They really are my own personal stories! I try to be honest about my experiences and feelings, so it amazes me that so many people relate to my songs as if they were their own stories. I’m really grateful for that. I think my next album will be even more personal, and I hope people my age, as well as those older and younger than me, can relate to it.

With your recent marriage and the release of “Vancouver 3”, one of the most recognisable stories in your music has reached a new chapter. Do you feel there’s more to say about that story, or are you ready to explore completely different subjects?

Like I mentioned earlier, I think my next project will focus on my own personal stories. I’ll probably try a wider range of things through the rest of my twenties. I’m not too worried about an album not being well received.

Looking ahead, what would you like people to understand about BIG Naughty as an artist that they might not understand about you today?

I checked, and it turns out I’ve written 265 songs over the past seven years. I’ve been making music pretty consistently, but perhaps that hard work isn’t always noticed. I’ll keep working even harder so I can keep bringing you good music.