Papoose dropped a few gems about his upcoming album and his evolving relationship with Claressa Shields during a recent sit-down with XXL, where the veteran MC made it clear that age has no bearing on talent in Hip-Hop and that love and music are very much intertwined in his life right now.
The Brooklyn rapper, who has spent over two decades sharpening his lyrical sword, confirmed that his next album is set to arrive this month.
He also opened up about making music with Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and current boxing powerhouse, who has been the subject of recent engagement rumors.
Shields took to social media to set the record straight, writing, “PAPOOSE hasn’t proposed YET!”
While the relationship buzz made headlines, Papoose kept the focus on the music and his deep-rooted connection to Hip-Hop culture.
“Hip-Hop is something you live, rap is something you do,” he said. “I’m a part of the culture, which is a word everybody throws around, but I grew up in this. So, growing up in this, it’s different than being attracted to this by money. People don’t understand. Guys like myself, and a whole other army of others out there, we would do this without one dollar involved. It’s a way of life.”
Now serving as the head of Hip-Hop at Wynn Records, Papoose is balancing executive duties with his own creative pursuits.
His label recently signed rising artist CuhDeeJah, a move that reflects his dedication to nurturing new voices while continuing to drop his own material.
Papoose Says Hip-Hop Has No Age Limits
Addressing the long-standing debate about ageism in rap, Papoose was clear.
“I don’t think there was ever an age limit in Hip-Hop,” he said. “Your age doesn’t make you nice, your skills and your talent does. Those of us who really do this for real, we know that it’s competitive since day one. I think that, as time went on, certain individuals who realize they can’t compete started to use the age thing as an excuse. They kind of realize they can’t compete with those guys who are really gifted at this.”
The couple’s musical chemistry is just one layer of their connection. Shields has described Papoose as her “best friend,” and their bond has grown throughout 2025.
While the proposal hasn’t happened yet, the duo’s collaboration in and out of the studio is already making noise.