You may remember Southern rapper Kyle Lucas from his band, Vonnegutt, which was signed by Outkast’s Big Boi to his Purple Ribbon Records label. After going on the road and sharing stages with G-Eazy, Chiddy Bang, Sammy Adams, Mod Sun and more, plus performing at Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits music festival (there was also a Letterman appearance in there somewhere), Vonnegutt decided to call it quits.

But Lucas forged on as a solo act, and on September 18, he’s dropping his debut, Marietta, Georgia: The Album. He’s also going on tour with Jonny Craig and Travis Garland in the fall. Today, we're excited to premiere his new track “Veritas.” Listen above, and read below as Lucas talks about what makes Georgia special, collaborating with Big Boi, and why he went solo. (Cool fact: Lucas can’t sing, but loves Autotune.)

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia.

Homebase: I still live in Marietta. I love it here. It’s always comforting to come home after being on tour for so long.

Obviously, where you live inspires your music, since your debut is called, Marietta, Georgia: The Album.

Marietta, Georgia — where I live — has been an ongoing theme in all my releases from my mixtapes, It’s Always Sunny in Marietta 1 & 2, to Fear and Loathing in Marietta, etc. So naming the album that felt right because its my first ever, solo, retail ready debut album. I wanted to keep it consistent with my other projects, as well as show the growth as an emcee/ song writer.

Vonnegutt was doing well ... why did you decide to go solo?

The guys in Vonnegutt decided they didn’t want to tour anymore and it kinda went from there. I think everyone just got worn down from the industry side of things, and unfortunately it forced everyone go their separate ways. I definitely learned a lot from being in a band and wouldn’t change a thing. I really appreciated being in Vonnegutt. As for being a solo artist, it was always kind of happening. If you look back to when I was in Vonnegutt, I was always putting out mixtapes, freestyles and featuring on other artist’s projects. It was a natural progression once Vonnegutt disbanded. I was lucky too, because of the extensive solo work I put out over the years, I had a budding fanbase already, so its not like i had to start from scratch after the band.

Do you remember the song that made you go, "I want to be a rapper!”

I can’t remember exactly how or when I started rapping, but I remember hearing Puff Daddy and the Family and watching all of the videos they were releasing around ’96. Biggie, Ma$e, The Lox, Black Rob etc. The whole Bad Boy movement happening around then was really influential.

Did you always want to rap and perform?

It took me a long time to be comfortable performing. I have a lot of anxiety and lack of self confidence, so it was a slow build from actually making music to then performing it live. Now i love it. It’s the best high in the world. There’s nothing like it.

Who are your musical heroes?

My musical heroes are kind of all over the map. I love bands like Coheed & Cambria, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Cartel, NOFX, and Panic! At The Disco. As far as rappers I grew up on Royce da 5’9’’, Joe Budden, Ras Kass, AZ, Nas, Chino XL, etc.

As far as bands go I really enjoy the live aspect and songwriting. Those bands that I listed really inspire me to be a better songwriter. Usually with emcees, I listen to rappers who are way better than me. They make me strive to be a better lyricist.

You've worked with some amazing people. Who is your favorite and why?

I would have to say Jonny Craig. Not to take away from the other artists I’ve worked with in the past, cause they’ve all been incredible. But Jonny and I have a certain chemistry when making songs. Its very natural and some of the best songs I’ve made have been with Jonny. It also comes very quick to us when we collaborate, which is awesome too. Great songs and they don’t take extra long to make. haha.

What was your inspiration for "Veritas”?

Veritas was kind of just like a statement of where I’ve been and where i’m at currently. It addresses a lot of issues of my career, right off the bat. I felt it was only right to put Jonny Craig on there as well, we have a history together as far as collaborating and touring, and he played a huge role in getting my career to where it is now. It felt like the right choice for a single as I believe it picks up where I left off of Fear and Loathing in Marietta.

A lot has been made of your Big Boi connection. How did you hook up with him?

We met Big Boi through Neil Garrard, who was the guitar player in Vonnegutt. He went to college with Big Boi’s little brother. We gave Big Boi our demo and he gave us a record deal before we even played a show. It was amazing. Big took a chance on us and believed in me as an emcee before anyone in the industry did. He gave me the confidence to be where I am at this point in my career. I speak about that on Veritas and the album as well. I will forever be indebted to him for that… and he’s still my favorite rapper.

Who is your dream collaborator at the moment?

My dream collaborator, has always been Claudio Sanchez from the band Coheed and Cambria. I'm very lucky to have become really good friends with Josh Eppard, who is the drummer, of Coheed and Cambria. I've got to spend more time than I could've ever imagined with that band. Its been really inspiring to see them and watch how they work and move as a unit. I’ve done some awesome music with Josh (of Coheed and Cambria) who raps under the name Weerd Science. I would love to all collaborate on a song one day, that would be awesome.

As far as rappers go, my hero growing up was always Chino XL. And I'm very lucky and amazed to have him featured on my debut album. He's the only rap feature on the entire album. And that is incredible to me. I’m blown away that he would even find me worthy as an emcee/lyricist to be on the same track.

How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?

I like to describe it as alternative hip-hop with pop sensibilities. I consider myself an MC at heart, but also pride myself on being able to write a good song. With my new album, I tried really hard to paint that picture. From start to finish it's one cohesive yet very eclectic piece of music. If I never make any music again, I would be very proud that this was my debut album.