Musiq Soulchild Defends His Rap Career on ‘The Breakfast Club’ [VIDEO]

Can't knock the hustle. Singer Musiq Soulchild joined 'The Breakfast Club' earlier today (Oct. 10) to talk (and mostly, defend) his career transformation into his rap persona "The Husel."

"This is totally in my heart and totally in my soul," Musiq told the Power 105 morning radio hosts. When asked by Charlamagne Tha God whether the move into hip-hop was based upon not being respected as a singer, Musiq took offense. "I'm not stopping Musiq Soulchild. I'm actually working on another Musiq Soulchild album," the singer-turned-rapper revealed.

The Husel said he was "not mad" at his loyal fans' skepticism. "I get it." He also wanted to "set the record straight" about why he made the musical transformation. "I'm not doing this as a publicity stunt…I'm doing this because this is what I want to do," the 37-year-old stated. "I'm not selling out. I'm not part of the Illuminati. I'm just being creative and having fun with music."

Last month, the internet exploded with responses to Musiq's rap transition to the Husel. Many of the comments directed at the artist were not in favor of his new endeavor. "Musiq Soulchild is now a rapper named The Husel. The devil is busier than TMZ's lawyer always has to be. I can't, Lawd," one Twitter user wrote.

"I'm not even abusing my ears with this new Musiq Husel foolishness. I'll just play SoulStar & chill," wrote another.

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the negative reactions comes from the look he adopted along with the new name. The Husel favors all-black everything and completes the look with a crown-inspired fitted.

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