Future Reminisces on Dungeon Family Days: Cee Lo Green, Outkast, Killer Mike, and More

Future's affiliation with the Atlanta-based Dungeon Family is no secret. The incubator from which Cee Lo Green, Outkast, Killer Mike, and more were born has given the world a new superstar in the form of a raspy, braided "dirty sprite" enthusiast. In fact, Future's ties with the hip-hop collective come from his relationship to second cousin Rico Wade of the famed Atlanta production trio Organized Noize. The influential production of the trio has helped legitimized southern rap, and changed the landscape of hip-hop. Future's relationship with the Dungeon Family wasn't always so easy however. In a new interview, the Atlanta rapper recalls the frustrations he faced trying to make a name for himself, and the difficulties of emerging from his cousin's shadow.

Future told Mass Appeal in their cover story, "First time I went to The Dungeon, I just went in there and laid one verse and a hook. I was shy because there was so many people in the studio. And they was like 'Oh that's [Rico] cousin. He just tryna get the fame.' They ain't really want me there so I just didn't come back around." Future recalls a fair amount of difficulty in attaining the fame he felt he had worked so hard to earn. "I had a vision for myself and I was putting in work for that vision, but it didn't feel like I was going nowhere," he said. "Like I'm hustling and thinking of a way out, but I'm not getting out because I'm doing what I'm doing every day. I would do anything to get that paper."

These themes are frequently echoed in Future's music, and his drive has become abundantly apparent in 2015. Future has catapulted to the top of the charts with hits from his album Dirty Sprite 2, and his collaboration album with Drake, What A Time To Be Alive. Future later said in the interview, "I wouldn't want nobody to go through what I went through. 'Cause it was hard and you just might not make it. Nobody made it but me. I'm not sitting around like that shit was cool. I thank God every day."

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Future, Cee Lo Green, Outkast, Killer Mike, Drake