Nobody understands the grind better than Mykki Blanco.

After 3 mixtapes and 2 EPs, Blanco released 'Mykki', the self-titled debut album.

"I had been working as an independent artist for four years with a pretty extensive output on my own but 'Mykki' marks my relationship with label service K7," Blanco replies when asked what took so long.

"With their help, I created my own label, 'Dogfood Music Group', which enabled me to fund, record and produce 'Mykki'. I hadn’t had the means before to create an album."

The transition, going from writing specifically for mixtapes for free audiences, to a fully-fledged label release was surprisingly beneficial for Blanco.

"The song writing process completely matured me as an artist in many ways. I had time, lots & lots of time to put together 'Mykki' in a way I had not with previous projects."

Blanco's set at Forbidden Fruit, 2013 (pictured below) gave her the opportuntiy to meet producer Woodkid, who went on to produce half of 'Mykki'. Woodkid most prominently features on lead single High School Never Ends, featuring some seriously grandiose string arrangements.

Blanco is an enigmatic artist to everyone - that is, except to the artist themselves. Blanco's dress sense is atypical. In the sphere of rap, Blanco couldn't look or act any less like fellow hip hop artists. Unashamedly queer in their expressions of gender fluidity, Blanco is unapologetic.

Intimidating, however is one label Blanco won't identify with - nor the word 'brave', (despite homophobia remaining a rampant issue within the genre).

"I try my best to be healthy, sane and grounded," Blanco says.

Even with Blanco's enlarged emphasis on aesthetics, Blanco feels it helps the artistry, as opposed to hindering it.

"I’m quite good at my aesthetics, I think it says a lot about myself an interdisciplinary artist and how I’ve approached my career as an outsider artist combining conceptual art and hip hop."

Even after Blanco's experience in 'coming out' as HIV positive to her fans, the artist still considers themselves to be as accessible as any mainstream artist. But Blanco does not underestimate the significance of the decision.

"Coming out as HIV positive was a personal decision that had much more to do with my own romantic life, finding and having healthy relationships with potential partners, and my own mental health," he said.

"I was very afraid to share this information yet its somehow become a career defining move ... Sometimes life has a way of handling things you thought you yourself could not."

Naturally, with this decision came a new found status for Blanco, as a pioneer for LGBTI acceptance across the board. This is especially relevant, given the prominent rise that LGBTI and queer culture has enjoyed, particularly by straight audiences - see the increased popularity of RuPaul's Drag Race.

Does Blanco feel that the art-form is threatened by appropriation as a result?

"While I do understand that LGBTQI issues are becoming more mainstreamed, I think there is still far wider of a gap when it comes to the entertainment industry accepting, promoting, and treating queer artists with the same integrity and respect as heterosexual performers, and money," he said. "Money matters."

Beyond the decision to come out as HIV positive, Blanco has no desire to become the spokesperson for social issues.

"I am a walking social issue," Blanco jokes.

Nor will Blanco share their views on the current President of the United States Donald Trump - when asked, I'm met with a flat "No comment".

Blanco is gearing up to take the stage at Body & Soul festival this weekend, as part of a fairly rigorous tour schedule. What comes more naturally to Mykki Blanco as an artist - writing or performing?

"I am a natural performer. I could perform in a paper bag and make it work," he said. "I am a good writer but I require a lot of quiet, time, space and solid routine to write my best. I can’t move around when I’m writing."

Does the success of 'Mykki' mean he could be prepared to abandon the mixtape format entirely?

"I’m really proud of the platform I’ve created for myself where I continue to go with all types of entertainment," he said. "Creating my second and third albums are a high priority but I’m also going to be hosting a travel series, potentially working in a theatre production, this year I’m doing a writing residency in Norway."

"I have some high profile university lectures in the works … I think it’s important to do EVERYTHING one is capable of."

Beyond those immediate plans though? Blanco doesn't give much away - bar that he's very excited about his upcoming set at Ballinlough Castle.

"You’ll have to watch & see! I’m very excited about a few different projects. Excited to play for you all in Ireland!"

Body & Soul Festival - an arts & music festival where like-minded people come together - takes place in Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, Co. Westmeath from June 23rd - June 25th.