# Best Rapper In L.A. Podcast Ep# 87 International & S K I B E A T Z Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efQIrXxPjNs Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/efQIrXxPjNs Generated: 2025-07-21T22:37:56.631+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview International, a self-proclaimed "backpack rapper" and one of the best to ever do it for his culture and coast, details his extensive global touring career, emphasizing authentic travel experiences over typical rapper itineraries. He recounts significant encounters, including a friendship with actor Bill Paxton and a memorable conversation with KRS-One about his unique boat-travel philosophy, all while maintaining his distinct style and commitment to genuine connection. **Key Points:** - International declares himself "one of the best to ever do this for the culture, for my coast, and for my city," emphasizing his global reach and consistent style. - He achieved significant international success by age 20, selling "a few hundred thousand" tapes worldwide without changing his style, earning money in Australia, London, and Canada. - International developed a friendship with actor Bill Paxton, who attended his show, sang along to his songs, and later sought his help for his son, James, to attend a hip-hop camp in Czech Republic. - KRS-One advised International to travel by boat instead of flying, stating, "how long have human beings been flying and how long have human beings be sell been selling? What you want to do is take the Queen Mary." - International recounts a challenging experience in Southern Italy where businesses were closed for siesta, and he observed a perceived mafia influence on local services like tolls and parking. - He advocates for a travel philosophy focused on genuine experience and friendship, stating, "Experience is the flex. Friendship is the flex. I've made friends not just visiting places, but like I don't tour like rappers. We were [expletive] living." - The track "International" was a collaboration with Ski Beatz, with Ski providing the beat and the concept for the hook, while International wrote the lyrics, reflecting his global travels and experiences. **Context:** Merc hosts episode 87 of the "Best Rapper in L.A. Podcast," featuring rapper International and producer Ski Beatz. International, a self-proclaimed veteran in the hip-hop culture, shares extensive anecdotes from his global touring career, highlighting his unique approach to travel and music. The conversation delves into his personal experiences, significant encounters with other artists and public figures, and his philosophy on authentic engagement with different cultures. ## Detailed Analysis The podcast features rapper International, who asserts his position as one of the best in the culture and on his coast, detailing his extensive international touring experiences. He highlights his early success, selling hundreds of thousands of tapes worldwide by age 20 without altering his style, contrasting himself with other rappers focused on local fame. International shares anecdotes from his travels, including a surprising encounter and subsequent friendship with actor Bill Paxton, who attended his show and became a supporter. He also recounts a profound conversation with KRS-One, who advocates for sailing over flying for international travel, a philosophy International finds both intriguing and challenging. The discussion delves into various cultural observations from his tours, such as the unique "State of Jefferson" secession movement in Northern California/Southern Oregon, the siesta culture and perceived mafia influence in Southern Italy, and the enduring appreciation for classic hip-hop in Europe. He emphasizes his travel philosophy of immersing himself in local culture, making friends, and experiencing life beyond typical tourist activities, contrasting it with the superficiality of travel for social media pictures. The episode concludes with insights into the creation of his track "International" with Ski Beatz, highlighting the collaborative process and the song's themes of global reach and personal growth. ### Artist's Global Reach & Philosophy - International asserts his status as one of the best in hip-hop, emphasizing his commitment to his culture and coast - He achieved early international success, selling hundreds of thousands of tapes worldwide by age 20 without compromising his style - He contrasts his authentic, immersive travel approach with typical rapper tours, prioritizing experience and friendship over superficiality. ### Notable Encounters & Mentorship - International recounts an unexpected friendship with actor Bill Paxton, who attended his show and became a supporter, even seeking advice for his son - He details a memorable conversation with KRS-One, who advocates for sailing over flying for international tours, influencing International's perspective on travel - He discusses collaborating with Locksmith on the "SKIBEATZ" track, praising his lyrical prowess and unique approach. ### International Tour Experiences - International shares an anecdote about the "State of Jefferson" secession movement in Northern California/Southern Oregon, encountering its unique culture and merchandise - He describes his experiences in Southern Italy, including the siesta culture, perceived mafia influence on local services, and a profound culinary experience - He highlights Europe's enduring appreciation for classic hip-hop, noting how groups like Lords of the Underground are still revered there. ### Travel & Life Lessons - International emphasizes that "experience is the flex" and "friendship is the flex," advocating for travel that involves making genuine connections and immersing in local life - He reflects on personal growth through travel, including overcoming a fear of flying and appreciating the peace of mind found while airborne - He encourages listeners to travel not just for pictures, but to eat different foods, make friends, and engage with local culture.