Written by: Stereo Williams

Photography by: Lance Gross

Styled by: Rebecca Jefferson

Grooming by: Jazzmene Ellison

Future is in a good place. The Atlanta-based star has become a household name among hip-hop fans over the past two years. His 2012 album, Pluto, was a hit, with smash singles like “Same Damn Time” and “Turn On the Lights” becoming some of the biggest songs of that year. At 28 years old, Future had realized his professional dreams; a hit record, an affiliation with Atlanta legends the Dungeon Family, and, soon after, the rapper had a sexy pop starlet on his arm. He began dating former “Princess of Crunk ‘n B” Ciara in early 2013, and the couple has announced that they plan to marry this summer. She’s also expecting her first child with Future. As he preps for the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, Honest, the now-30-year-old acknowledges that he’s changed. And he’s ready to show it.

“I grew up,” Future says. “I matured [since] the last album. My views on life are somewhat the same, but just a little different. I wasn’t in a relationship. There was a lot more at the forefront that I got the chance to address. People get an overall breakdown of who Future is.”

He acknowledges that his status as a celebrity has changed his approach to music making, not just his approach to the music itself.

“I’m not in the studio as much as I used to be,” he explains. “Before . I wasn’t touring. I was just doing spot dates on the weekend. But my schedule changed, so I had to adjust my schedule and the amount of time that I spend in the studio.”