Recording hip-hop artist Pitbull sheds light on everything he’s currently involved in and more! His new album, “Boatlift,” is coming soon. LàTeen caught up with Pitbull to discuss everything from a typical day in his life to his thoughts on success. Ever wondered what’s the first thing he thinks of when he wakes up in the morning? Just in case you have, LàTeen’s got you covered.

LT: Why did you want to become a musician?
Pitbull: I was inspired by hip-hop and the whole culture. When I was in high school, a friend of mine— who is still a very good friend of mine—named Cubo used to rap in the hallways of school and inspired me. I said I wanted to do the same thing. So that’s basically how I got inspired.

LT: And now that you’re obviously successful in the music industry, what do you think is the secret to your success?
Pitbull: I don’t think it’s a secret, man. I think you just have to work hard, grind, and constantly be out here. You can’t get comfortable you know? Once you get comfortable that’s when you lose it.

LT: So you gotta keep working hard?
Pitbull: Always. It’s hard to make it, but even harderto maintain it. You gotta stay on top of your game.

LT: How did you get your nickname?
Pitbull: I got that because when I was in high school I used to have freestyle battles. I used to battle a lot of different rappers at the same time. It would be me versus four rappers at the same time. So one of my best friends gave me the name Pitbull. And when I thought about it I was like that’s perfect you know? The underdog [that will] fight to the death [with a] lock-jaw that doesn’t let go until you tear something up. And they’re illegal in Dade County. I’m the only legal Pitbull in Dade County.

LT: Tell me about a typical Pitbull day.
Pitbull: Well for example today...woke up, spent some time with the family, and then off to the studio. I’ve been at the studio now since it was like 3 o’clock. I usually have studio days like once a week so I can go in there and knock out everything I have to knock out. But then the rest of the days are running around, [making] business deals, constantly on the grind looking for opportunities. You can’t stay still. Ain’t nothing gonna land in your lap.

LT: You said you’re in the studio right now. Are you doing a new album? Can you give us a little update?
Pitbull: Well the album is called the “Boatlift” and we’re gonna be putting it out soon. We already got a single off there which is “Sticky” featuring Jim Jones. That’s like a street single. The club single is “Go Girl,” featuring Young Boss and Trina. And then you got the radio single which is “Secret Admirer,” featuring Lloyd.