Anaheim, CA

Kanye West surprisingly premiered “Champions (Round & Round)” on Big Boy’s The Real 92 show last Friday morning(June 3).

The nearly five and a half minute anthemic posse cut featured guest appearances from Big Sean, Travi$ Scott, Gucci Mane, Big Sean, Quavo, Desiigner and Yo Gotti, who spoke about the creation of Cruel Winter‘s first single with HipHopDX.

Ya shout out to Kanye for the premiere on the new single joint today [Friday, June 3],” he said at Powerhouse at the Honda Center. “I was in the studio with him last night and it came together like you know what I mean? It came out this morning. Crazy. I got so much respect for Kanye ‘cause he just so creative and you know he know his direction. That’s the big homie though.”

According to The Art of Hustle rapper, he had to write his verse quickly and he gave praises to Ye as well.

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“Man I ain’t had long ‘cause I knew it was coming out in the morning,” explained Gotti. “Crazy man. Kanye a genius you know what I mean? Things he come up with is crazy.”

Memphis’ own has skyrocketed to crossover success following the release of “Down In The DMs,” which not only went platinum but became his first top 40 entry. His follow-up single “Law” featuring E-40 has already started to climb as well. Gotti said that 40 Water was perfect for the joint.

“I was trying to figure out who was the right person to put on there when I really like zeroed in a subject matter, it wasn’t even an option anymore like I had to get E-40 or no one else was getting on it,” Gotti explained. “When you talking about a game spitta, someone who can tell you real game and what’s not, that’s 40, an OG.”

When Gotti isn’t performing on big stages, he’s also working out the final touches of his Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash Concert at the Mud Island Amphitheater June 19th in Memphis. Last month, he announced the first headlining act exclusively with HipHopDX is Rae Sremmurd. Gotti said the concert is a much-needed event in his city.

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“It’s a concept of what I’m trying to do like this Powerhouse concert,” described Gotti. “You see multiple big artists and platinum artists on the same stage in my city were we don’t have Summer Jam(s) or Powerhouse(s). The Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash is the closest thing we get to it. Last year, I brought out Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, [Lil] Boosie, Dej Loaf, Monica and O.T Genasis. You know this year is going to be even bigger you know what I’m saying? Every year my city can look forward to them getting their concert because of the Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash.”

Watch the interview with Yo Gotti below: