In a recent in-depth interview with the L.A. Times, the legendary Suga Free discussed everything from his early days in Oakland before moving to L.A., to sitting in on sessions with Dr. Dre while The Chronic was being recorded, to his career-defining work with DJ Quik, and his continued influence on rappers like Kendrick Lamar.

The veteran rhymer was one of the first artists Snoop Dogg signed to his revamped Death Row Records, and he's been enjoying a resurgence of sorts as of late.

“People always want to be shocked,” Suga Free explained about the love he's been getting lately. “I love being the villain, the one who talks about what people really think, the stuff that they want to sweep under the rug. We all have a job to do, a higher purpose to serve. You need everyone from a Kirk Franklin all the way on down to Suga Free.”

He also talked about being in the studio with Dr. Dre while he was making the 1992 classic, The Chronic. “Being in there with Dr. Dre showed me the seriousness of recording,” Suga Free says. “I’d sit on that hard-ass carpet until I was asked if I wanted a seat. That’s just how obedient I was. I was eager to learn.”