Pressa Talks New York Grind, Jane and Finch Pride, and the Making of Pressa Machine 2 in Power 105.1 Interview

Pressa has never been shy about where he’s from — or where he’s going.
In a recent interview with Power 105.1 FM, the Toronto rapper offered a wide-ranging look into his journey, touching on his deep connection to New York, the success of his new album Pressa Machine 2, and the lessons learned from grinding independently on a global stage.

From Jane and Finch to Europe, Pressa made it clear: the mission is far from complete.

“Press Live From Toronto” — But Speaking Directly to New York

The interview opens with Pressa introducing himself as “Press live from Toronto, Canada”, before immediately addressing New York — a subtle but telling moment. Throughout the conversation, he repeatedly returns to the importance of New York in his career.

Pressa speaks openly about being in the city, hitting radio stations, grinding, and pushing his tape the traditional way. He credits New York for sharpening his work ethic and mentions his genuine connections there, even joking about his preference for New York girls.

For Pressa, New York isn’t just a stop — it’s a proving ground.

Pressa Machine 2 Reaches No. 2 in Canada

One of the standout moments in the interview is Pressa celebrating the success of Pressa Machine 2, which reached number two on the Canadian charts.

He expresses pride not just in the numbers, but in what they represent:
Jane and Finch on a national stage.

After a long wait between projects, Pressa describes the album as a personal victory — both creatively and emotionally — noting the positive feedback from fans and the satisfaction of delivering new music after years of growth and reflection.

Growth Since 2015–2019: “I Haven’t Arrived Yet”

Reflecting on his earlier years, Pressa points to the 2015–2019 period as foundational — but not definitive.

Despite chart success and major co-signs, he insists he hasn’t “arrived” yet. His goals extend far beyond Canada or the U.S. Pressa says he wants to be recognized globally, with reach across Europe, China, Africa, and North America.

The ambition is clear: longevity, not moments.

The Importance of Grind and Smart Decisions

Throughout the interview, Pressa repeatedly emphasizes consistent work as the key to success. Staying busy, staying focused, and avoiding distractions are non-negotiables in his philosophy.

He offers pointed advice to younger artists, warning that street chaos can destroy talent. According to Pressa, the difference between wasted potential and real success often comes down to decision-making — choosing discipline over impulse.

Moving to America and Becoming Truly Independent

Pressa details his move to America in 2019, describing the transition as both challenging and necessary. Adapting to a new environment forced him to grow quickly — especially as an independent artist.

He speaks candidly about:

• Building his own team

• Handling marketing and promotion himself

• Learning business lessons the hard way

Independence, he explains, brought freedom — but also responsibility.

Music as a Reflection of Life: “Wassi Calling” and Beyond

Many of Pressa’s songs, he explains, are direct reflections of his life experiences. Tracks like “Wassi Calling” serve as tributes to friends he’s lost along the way, blending pain, memory, and survival into his music.

He also reveals Drake’s influence on Pressa Machine 2. According to Pressa, Drake consistently encouraged him and even helped inspire the album’s title — reinforcing a mentorship that goes beyond public co-signs.

Ignoring Hate and Staying Locked In

When asked about negativity and criticism, Pressa’s response is simple: he doesn’t entertain it.

He explains that hate is inevitable at his level, but distraction is optional. His focus remains on the grind, the business, and building wealth — not online noise.

A Noticeable Evolution in Sound

Pressa acknowledges that his voice and sound have evolved significantly over time. Earlier music carried more aggression, while his newer work reflects a more relaxed lifestyle, confidence, and maturity.

The hunger hasn’t disappeared — it’s just more controlled.

Industry Relationships and Lessons from Tory Lanez

Pressa also speaks about his relationship with Tory Lanez, crediting him as a source of valuable advice about navigating the industry.

One of the key lessons he shares:
knowledge and relationships are more valuable than money.

Avoiding unnecessary conflicts, understanding the business, and maintaining the right connections can shape a career long-term.

Opening for Drake in Europe: Exposure That Changed Everything

Another pivotal chapter Pressa revisits is opening for Drake on tour in Europe. He describes the experience as transformative — not just for the exposure, but for the connections it created.

Touring allowed him to build genuine relationships with fans and industry figures across multiple European cities, reinforcing his belief in global expansion.

Breaking Down Toronto Slang

In a lighter segment, Pressa breaks down Toronto slang for the Power 105.1 audience, explaining terms like:

• Cheesed – mad

• Wass – headache

• Catties – girls

• Gerberts – babies / young chiefs

• Croy – bro / brother

• Demi – weed

• Tut twos – listen to the story

It’s a reminder of how deeply his identity is rooted in Toronto culture.

Why Peace Is Hard to Find in Toronto

Pressa offers a candid observation about the city’s struggles with unity. He suggests that a lack of peace often comes from people being unable to support others’ success — believing they should be in someone else’s position rather than collaborating.

It’s a sentiment echoed by many artists before him.

The Meaning Behind Pressa Machine 2

Finally, Pressa explains the origin of the album’s title. Drake frequently referred to him as “Press Machine,” and the energy of the project felt like a 2.0 version of his earlier work.

He also reveals scrapped album titles, including:

• A Letter From Press

• Don’t Know Where I’m Going, But I’m Almost There

In the end, Pressa Machine 2 felt like the right evolution.

Final Thoughts

Pressa’s Power 105.1 interview paints a picture of an artist still in motion — grounded in Jane and Finch, sharpened by New York, and focused on global impact.

Despite chart success and major moments, his mindset remains forward-looking. The grind continues.