When you add up all the factors in today's age of music, few artists can cite the accolades that Paul Wall has managed to achieve for himself. As one half of the rap duo Paul Wall and Chamillionaire, he's garnered popular underground alum status. His name has been synonymous with H-Town music and culture ever since the city's recent explosion onto the masses. His public show of love for jewelry became an entrance into being a custom jeweler to Rap stars both near and far, which in turn enabled him to being one of the names chosen to journey to the war-torn African nation of Sierra Leone for VH1's documentary Bling'd: Blood, Diamonds and Hip-Hop. In addition to all of the above, he's parlayed his charisma, popularity, and open mind of music into collaborations with those outside of the Rap world, including a group collabo with everyone's favorite rocker Travis Barker. As if that wasn't enough, you can now find one of Houston's hardest working sons on tour for the promotion of his fourth solo effort, appropriately entitled Fast Life. But that didn't stop him from taking time out to touch bases with TheRealnessMagazine.com. 　

First off, what can you tell the people about your upcoming project Fast Life?

I've been in the studio for about a year and a half working on I and getting everything just right. I've got collaborations with Travis Barker, Young Joc, Baby Bash, Lil Keke, Z-ro, and Trae

What's the meaning behind the title Fast Life?

Its an album dedicated to go-getters. I grind 25 hours a day and 8 days a week. That means no sleep, just grinding and working toward my goal of being a baller. Living the fast life. I'm a paper chaser, and the hustle always pays off. Fly cars, fresh clothes, expensive jewelry. Whatever you want

Over the years, as artists release album after album, some prefer to "test the waters" and look to new sounds and topics. But, for the most part, you've preferred to stick to being the narrator of popular Texas themes. Being someone who's been in the game for a while, why stick to this format?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The most important thing for me is to make sure my fans are happy. They support me to the end. So as long as they're happy, I'm happy. We change it up every now and then, because, naturally as an artist, I hope to grow and mature. But I can't drive too far out of my lane.

It's no secret that few artists are blessed to be in the position that you're in - able to release album after album successfully. Since you first came into the game, how have you managed to stay relevant in the minds of the people?

It's definitely a real blessing. Thank GOD for that. I'm not really sure what it is. I'm just me. I give the fans 100% of the peoples champ.

What's the status on Swishahouse? Can you give us some insight on how things are going at the label.

As far as I know, things are great. I don't have anything to do with what goes on at the label; I'm just an artist. But from what I can tell, everything is gravy-train. My boys G Dash and Michael Watts are always finding new talented artists that are on the rise that love to grind.

The mid-2000's was a shining moment for Houston, as plenty of artists exploded onto the major scene. But since then, things have somewhat stalled out, with certain artists changing labels and others not being as visible as they once were. In your opinion, what was the reason behind this? What's it going to take for Houston's flame to stay lit?

Well, in 2005 it seemed like the whole city had such a strong momentum that we had been building up for years. Its gonna take a lot of hard work and effort from all of the artists to get the city as a whole to reach the same level it was. More importantly, though, I believe it's gonna take new artists stepping their game up and working their way on the scene. There's a lot of unsigned talent in Houston that's waiting to be discovered.

Not too long ago, you were blessed with the opportunity to go to Africa and view the diamond trade. Coming back home, what impression did that experience leave you with, especially when you heard firsthand the stories of those who live in Sierra Leone?

It was a life-changing experience for me. I feel so blessed to live in a country full of opportunity. When we were in Sierra Leone, the whole country didn't even have running water or electricity. The diamond trade over there opened my eyes. As soon as we returned to Texas, me and my partner Johnny Dang fired our diamond wholesaler and hired someone who we knew was legit and didn't sell any conflict stones.

Everyone knows about Paul Wall and his jewelry line. As a jeweler in this recession, have you seen any changes in people's spending on jewelry?

Yeah, its definitely slower then a few years ago. But the ballers are still ballin' so they're still spending money with us.

Now, speaking to Paul Wall the rapper, what do you have to say in response to those who feel it's downright inconsiderate for artists to talk about their jewels and other symbols of wealth in a time where people are struggling financially?

I disagree completely. I don't think artists need to censor their music for people. I mean, even if we weren't in a recession, there aren't too many everyday people that can afford the cars, houses, and jewels that rappers speak on. I look at it as motivation music. When I heard Young Jeezy talk about his Lambo's and all his ice, it motivates me to wanna get to his level. If all the rappers were making music about being broke and complaining and whining about the recession, that would make me depressed. You gotta keep in mind that most artists worked hard to get to where they are. I mean, I'm sure a Lamborghini didn't just fall onto Young Jeezy's drive way, and he didn't inherit it from his grandmother. He worked hard to get to where he is.

Now you know I have to ask this question. Fans still want to very much see a Paul Wall and Chamillionaire reunion album? In all honesty, what's the likelihood of that happening?

I am 100,000,000% ready to do that right now this very second. But I doubt it will happen any time soon

You've gone on record and talked about your father being absent in your life, and in the VH1 documentary, you talked about your mother having been abused. Some wouldn't talk about issues so personal, but you opened up to the people. Why? And is there a such thing as being too personal?

I feel like people should get to know who I am as a person so they can understand why I make my kind of music. Also, it might help motivate other people going through the same situations. But I do feel like you can be too personal. Sometimes with the reality tv shows they get too personal, I think. I mean its a great avenue to promote whatever you have going on in your life, but at the same time, the ratings thrive on drama, so they encourage and promote that a little too much, in my opinion.

Special Thanks to Danielle Fear of UK Undergroud Promotions.