Out of all the R&B artists that have come out, I think my name has been used most in hip-hop songs.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Over the years, a lot of rappers - Lil' Wayne, Ice Cube - have used my name in their songs. I'm a real touchstone of history.
I am a hip-hop artist, as you probably know. My hip-hop name is Big Smalls.
In my mind, not in real life. My rap name will be Optimus Rhymes. Or the Notorious B.o.B.
I don't like putting a name on my music. It's not just country and rap; it's got Southern rock, classic rock.
My stage name has always been 'Armin van Buuren.' When I really started DJ'ing professionally, I already had a few U.K. hits under my belt under the name 'Armin', so I couldn't really change that anymore.
I was never an R&B artist. People coined me one, but that's because, especially if you're in the States, if you're black and you sing, then you're R&B.
I made the first Feist album in '98. So at that point, it was my nickname. It was as far as with my circle of friends, and just felt more accurate than two names.
I can't really even name a person I like in hip-hop music.
I don't ever use my name for anything in terms of getting the music heard.
My first rap name was Ralo. Because my first name is Carlos. I likened myself to what Busta Rhymes was doing when he first came out. And what Onyx did when they first came out - they reminded me of me.