In an exclusive sit-down at Invite Only Studios, AllHipHop’s chopped it up with rising star Rob49, one of the most exciting voices coming out of New Orleans. Riding high off his viral hit “What That Hella Like,” Rob49 opens up about everything from working with Lil Wayne, Cardi B and Birdman to reflecting on his time in the projects, college, and community service.
The rapper, known for his unfiltered energy and street authenticity, also discusses fame fatigue, his plans to drop multiple projects, and why he doesn’t rock with fake jewelry. With momentum building and major co-signs rolling in, Rob49’s next moves could cement him as a voice of the new generation. But make no mistake—he’s still got both feet planted firmly in reality. This edited Q&A peels back the layers on a grounded artist with global dreams. Watch the video for the full, unedited convo.
AllHipHop (Chuck Creekmur): What’s up, Rob49! First off, congrats on “What That Hella Like.” That record is everywhere.
Rob49: Appreciate it. It feel good ‘cause I believed in it. It gave me confidence for the next one.
AllHipHop: You recorded that last year in New York, right?
Rob49: Yeah, June. My friends told me it was the one. I listened.
AllHipHop: Crazy how Tyrese Haliburton started going off in the NBA after you name-dropped him.
Rob49: Blame me! [laughs] For sure, it’s my fault!
AllHipHop: The album Let Me Fly has 22 tracks and some serious features—Meek Mill, Wayne, Cardi B, Birdman. Why go so big?
Rob49: I do everything big now. Mixtape or album—I want to prove we not to be played with.
AllHipHop: What’s the “we” in that?
Rob49: My people. Moki, YB F, Eloise Shim, Hot Boy. It’s our turn.
AllHipHop: Birdman didn’t rap on the album. Did you ask him to?
Rob49: He wanted to! But I told him just talk on it. I want him on everything, just talk, not rap.
AllHipHop: You and Sexy Red linked up for a track too. Studio session or remote?
Rob49: Me and Fat were in the studio. We sent it to Red—she knocked it out.
AllHipHop: People really connect with your music. Why do you think that is?
Rob49: ‘Cause we rap about the life we actually living. That’s why it hit.
AllHipHop: You’re repping New Orleans strong. Did Juvenile or Wayne inspire you?
Rob49: Wayne, heavy. I grew up on Sorry for the Wait. He’s like the Napoleon of rap.
AllHipHop: What was it like recording with him?
Rob49: Crazy. Legend. Greatest rapper alive—and he from five minutes down the road from me.
AllHipHop: You came up in the projects. When did things start to shift for you?
Rob49: I just grew out of certain things. Lost interest in street stuff.
AllHipHop: Do you remember your first rap?
Rob49: High school. Pulled up on my dog Clint and made a song. But I really started in 2020.
AllHipHop: You freestyled “WTHelly,” right?
Rob49: Yeah. I just went in, line for line, and kept it raw.
AllHipHop: Big names like LeBron and even Madonna co-signed it. Did you expect that?
Rob49: Not at all. Madonna was rapping it on video. That blew my mind.
AllHipHop: What’s next?
Rob49: Deluxe coming next week. Then me and Herbo dropping a tape. More albums, collabs—nonstop motion.
AllHipHop: That Herbo collab feels like you brought him into your world.
Rob49: He liked it too. But yeah, I wanted him on my turf.
AllHipHop: How do you plan to avoid the pitfalls of fame?
Rob49: Just stay on the path God gave me. No bad intentions.
AllHipHop: You got a record dedicated to your mom. How does she influence you?
Rob49: She keeps me grounded. I told her to go home so I can handle business, but she runs the show behind the scenes.
AllHipHop: We heard you went to college.
Rob49: Yeah, Southern University (Southern University and A&M College). Nursing major. Failed everything but English. I love writing.
AllHipHop: You do a lot for your community too.
Rob49: Yeah. Last year we bailed people out, gave away clothes, threw a celeb basketball game—just to give hope.
AllHipHop: Did you always realize your impact?
Rob49: Nah. But I’m starting to understand. It’s real.
AllHipHop: What’s your top 5?
Rob49: Biggie, Wayne, Drake, Jay-Z, Kendrick. And Rob49.
AllHipHop: What’s your dream beyond music?
Rob49: Move out the country, drop music from Bali or somewhere peaceful.
AllHipHop: Respect. Any last words?
Rob49: Appreciate y’all. Thank you for having me.
Click here to listen to Let Me Fly, the latest from Rob49.
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