The hip-hop artist made famous by Dr Dre reveals his favourite emoji, signature party move and musical influences.

On 7 August 2015, Dr Dre released Compton – his third studio album and first for 16 years. As you might expect, the record was full of high-profile collaborations. The likes of Mr Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and Ice Cube all lent their veritable talents to an album that reached number two on the Billboard 200. But the name that featured on the most tracks – six out of 16 – was an unfamiliar one: Anderson .Paak. Previously unknown outside of the underground LA music scene, even the multi-talented soul- and RnB-influenced musician – born Mr Brandon Park Anderson – himself was taken by surprise to be picked up by the rap mogul. “Dre took a real risk, he took a gamble,” says Mr Anderson. “When he met me, I was essentially a nobody.”

Since then, his star has risen dramatically – not least because of the almost universal acclaim that greeted his rousing second album Malibu – which came out in January this year and was declared by Pitchfork as “one of the year’s best”. His success is perhaps all the more remarkable when you consider a past life that included drug dealing, homelessness and an extremely troublesome relationship with his father. To find out more, read the full in-depth interview in this week’s The Journal. In the meantime, to whet your appetite, check out our quickfire Q&A below.

Name the app you can’t live without

“Snapchat.”

What’s your favourite emoji?

“The eggplant with the water splash.”

Who’s your style icon?

“Marvin Gaye.”

What’s the most surprising fashion item you own?

“Leopard leggings.”

Name a place everyone should visit before they die

“Amsterdam."

Best advice your mother gave you?

“Smarter not harder.”

Most listened to song on your iTunes?

“‘Tell me’ by Pages.”

Which song most makes you want to hit the dancefloor?

“‘Got Your Money’ by Ol’ Dirty Bastard.”

How would you describe your dancing style?

“Old man hippie sex icon.”

Artists (dead or alive) you’d most like to work with?

“Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis.”

Drink of choice?

“Hendrick’s Gin.”

Hangover cure?

“Sex.”

Three dream dinner-party guests?

“Amy Winehouse, Prince, Mike Tyson.”

What’s your party trick?

“I can do a [break-dance move] pin drop.”

Song you sing in the shower?

“‘Like a Virgin’ by Madonna.”