New York-based rapper Outasight has been talked about for some time now. After building a strong following, he released his first major label album, Nights Like These, on Warner Bros. back at the end of November. Last year proved to be a breakout year for him as he performed his single, “Tonight Is The Night,” on The X Factor, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, 90210 and at halftime of the NHL All-Star Game (for you kids out there, the NHL used to be a reputable league that hosted a sport called hockey) alongside Drake. The song went platinum (in the 21^st century sense) and has been used in national ad campaigns for Pepsi, Honda and Pizza Hut. We caught up with Outasight to talk about his success, his beloved New York Knicks and what’s on tap for 2013.

Congrats on the new album, how long did it take to write, record and finally, be released?

Thank you! The album actually is more of a collection of my work over the past year rather than me sitting in the studio for a certain amount of time with making an album in mind.  Basically, my label said, let’s put out your album, so I put together my 10 favorite songs that made the most sense and went for it.

How do you come with lyrics? Is it spontaneous or is there a particular strategy you employ?

Lyrics and melody are a very natural and spontaneous thing for me. Lyrics and concepts are always running through my mind so when it’s time to get in the studio, I start taking some of those ideas and working them in with the music and letting the creative vibes flow. Things usually start rolling from there.

What’s it about being on the road that allows you to thrive as a performer?

More shows, more practice, and with more practice comes a better show.  It’s hard to say how many shows I’ve done this year, but it’s definitely over 100, so that really has given me the opportunity to continually refine my craft and get better.  I am always a work in progress though, so that means more shows to come.

What’s the difference between performing on the X Factor and Fallon?

X Factor was a huge, full blown, over the top TV production while Fallon was really laid back with the amazing opportunity of performing with The Roots are your backing band.  I prefer Fallon, but hey, X Factor has around 10-15 million viewers, so that’s nothing to sneeze at.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music full-time?

It was a dream of mine for a long time, but there was always a bit of confusion of how I can make it happen.  Finally, I was in college wasting away not going  to class and sleeping in the studio when I decided, you know what, I’m going for this full steam ahead. My parents hated me for it, but with hard work came some good results, and now they’re huge supporters of mine.

When did you start making music?

I started writing songs as early as 10 for sure, singing to myself everywhere I went, my imagination running wild of album names and Rolling Stone covers.  The first time I recorded my voice in a band was around the age of 13-14.

As a Knicks fan, what do you think about the start to the season?

Super excited! Melo is playing MVP level ball and we got a nice mix of veterans who bring some intelligence to the game.  Just gotta stay healthy!

Lin or Felton?

For this team, Felton. More experience and just a better player right now in this stage of his career.  But I don’t think we can ever forget as Knicks fans the fun and excitement Linsanity brought to the Garden, it truly electrified the city.

How is 2013 looking for you? Big plans?

HUGE PLANS.  Got the “I’ll Drink to That” video all filmed and ready to go. That song is also going to radio, so hopefully it picks up major steam. And A LOT of touring plans, which will soon to be announced, but my band and I will be in your city this year, promise.