AJ Tracey was "chubby, short and misunderstood" as a child.
The 27-year-old rap star grew up in London and despite his recent success, he remains determined to prove his doubters wrong.
He explained: "People who s*** on me years ago? I’ll never forget - I’m crossing off names."
AJ didn't receive much attention from girls during his younger years and he admits that he's still a bit insecure.
The rapper - who is now in a long-term relationship - told the Guardian newspaper: "I’m suspicious of everyone, more men than women.
"But when I was younger, girls didn’t show me attention and now, because I’ve done well, I can’t know if a girl likes me because of who I am or because I’ve got money or my looks. But I’m a 27-year-old man, I can admit that most of the things I say about ‘prove you love me’ are about my own insecurities, rather than anything to do with her."
AJ's music has evolved over the years, but he doesn't have any desire to tell other people how to write lyrics.
The rap star - who released his eponymous debut album in 2019 - said: "I don’t preach to anyone about changing their lyrics.
"I started off making very violent, aggressive music, because I was angry, I was poor. I had my weapon with me wherever I was, and thankfully that’s not what it’s like for me any more, but that’s what it was, so that’s what my music sounded like. So I understand these kids. If that’s your reality, that’s what you’re gonna rap about.
"And I find it confusing when fans - predominantly white fans - get gassed with these songs, then suddenly think these artists are horrible when they’re arrested for doing these crimes."
