It is rare to meet an aspiring hip-hop artist who openly admits to having education high on his or her list of priorities alongside a goal of hip-hop domination.

Contrary to popular belief, some rappers actually do pursue higher-education. According to Complex Magazine’s website, rappers like Kanye, Asher Roth, Wale, 2 Chainz, Ludacris and Rick Ross attended a university. Despite their goals of getting a degree, many make the choice to drop out in order to spend more time on music careers.

Sacramento State student, 21-year-old Nick Taylor, who goes by the pseudonym “Kidd Swagg” is just months away from picking up his bachelors degree, while his budding rap career is on the rise.

Kidd Swagg has close to 2.5 million views on Youtube and when he released his latest mixtape “Lyrical Encryptions,” it made it to the front page on iTunes as well as its Top 100.

Graduated or not being college educated can put a hip-hop artist a step above the rest, making them more relatable to their fans.

The average hip-hop and rap fan has most likely never spent time doing half of the things some rap artist’s content suggest.

Kidd Swagg, who is a communications major, takes pride in his education and how he was afforded the opportunity.

In the past, Kidd Swagg had to let go of his dream of playing basketball competitively, so he was not about to let go of his passion for rapping when he was forced to choose between rapping and the Sac State track team.

Making the most out of right now, Kidd Swagg gives the inside scoop on everything from his name’s origin to what he aspires to do in the future.

Anisca Miles: You graduate in May; what are your plans after graduation?

Kidd Swagg: Actually, I applied to the LA Film School and that’s just kind of up in the air because if my music thing takes off, I won’t need to go to school. If I can maybe hold back a little bit on the music thing and go to the school, then I’ll be at the school (where) all of the professors there from the programs are veterans that have been in the hip-hop industry; it would be good for me to network there.

AM: How did you get the name Kidd Swagg?

KS: In high school I got best dressed. People knew of me, but if they didn’t know me they’d be like ‘Hey you know that one guy—the kid with the swag.’ So you know, I (became) Kidd Swagg so I just went with it.

AM: For people who have not heard your sound, how would you describe it?

KS: Different. Versatile. I actually say it in one of my songs; it’s like I’m a full band in one person. I make music for everybody and I make different types of music. It just depends on how I feel.

AM: I saw that you dropped “Lyrical Encryptions” in January; tell us a little about it.

KS: That title is me pretty much encrypting and encoding my personal experiences while talking about real life experiences and about how to get ahead in life and still having my fun. At the end of the day when people listen to my music, I want them to think: ‘Yeah he turns up, but he also talks about some real life stuff too.’

AM: What is up next for you?

KS: Right now I’m in the processes of constructing the foundations of our organizations. I want to be an independent artist. I want to have my own dynasty. Basically, what (fans) can expect from me is progression. Just doing what I’m doing and upping it every time I drop something.

AM: Have you had any crazy experiences on the road or performing?

KS: I had a show at The House of Blues in San Diego with IAMSU, and after the show people were trying to get to the back [to get] autographs and pictures and there was a security jacket hanging and my photographer, Bryan, put the security jacket on and he went out there and just started regulating and they were listening to him. He wasn’t even security.

AM: How does it feel knowing that more and more people are listening to your music and know who you are?

KS: It’s dope. I make music not only for myself but for (the) people; I make ‘feel good’ music. My main goal is to impact somebody’s life and to be an influence – especially (to) African- Americans – and show them that you can go to college. You don’t need the streets. Knowledge is power and just learn what you need to learn and you can do whatever you want to do.

Check out Kidd Swagg’s music online:

Youtube: Kidd Swagg

iTunes: “Aquamarine 92” and “Lyrical Encryptions”

Anisca Miles can be reached at [email protected]