Canadian/U.K. hip hop legend Madchild sat down with OK! to discuss his new album, surviving and thriving after substance abuse, and all of his signature ink!

What can fans expect from the new album?

“They can expect a more mature album… For hip-hop purists I think this album is going to go over very well.”

How have you been able to come out stronger after substance abuse?

“It’s tough times seeing this many young artists pass away. But the bottom line is a lot of people deal with… I mean how many of us are normal? A lot of people deal with different issues, whether it’s a chemical imbalance or something else. People suffer from depression, it can be later in life or something you battle with your whole life. You gotta stay busy. You gotta keep living. Sitting around, you can get in a place where you got the blues, that’s the worst thing you can do. Set new goals, new bars to reach.”

How do you feel about Canadian artists taking over in the US?

“I’m incredibly proud! There’s definitely been a couple times when he showed respect to me, which has been an honor. It broke things over for Canadians, and we’re going to see more and more artists coming over.”

Tell us about the tattoos!

“I’m still getting more and more. It becomes addicting and I have an addictive personality. It’s fun keeping going. I can’t sit as long as I used to sit, that’s for sure. I’m glad that I have a few pieces from Mr. Cartoon… Bob Tyrrell… They’re about love and loss and pain and life.”

The ink looks painful. Does the pain make them more significant?

“It just sucks! There’s nothing weird or cool about it. It just f*****g sucks.”

Madchild’s latest album, The Darkest Hour, drops July 28, and will be followed by American, Australian, and Canadian tours.