(CP) When did
you fall in love with Hip-Hop? Why did you choose Hip-Hop as your
platform?
“I
fell in love
with Hip-Hop in the year 1989 with Kool Moe Dee’s “Knowledge
is King” record and from that
point on Hip- Hop essentially occupied my whole being. However, I
never chose Hip-Hop as my platform, at least not consciously. As, I
got older I kind of just evolved into an emcee and producer, but even
now, I respect the culture first.”
(CP) From
your perspective do you see a difference in Hip-Hop within the
Hispanic and African -American culture? If so could you briefly
describe the differences or the similarities?
“Historically,
from my understanding, Hispanic peoples were originally more into the
Dancing and the Graffiti aspect of the culture where as
African-Americans occupied the Emceeing and Djing. As, Hip- Hop grew
over time people of all ethnicities occupied all areas. “
“Being
Hispanic, of course Big Pun is
one of my favorite emcees, Tony Touch is one of my favorite Djs, and
the Beatnuts are some of my favorite producers. I take pride in those
contributions.”
(CP) Could you briefly tell our Clutch Players the city you come from? And, how did that city shaped your mentality and rhymes?
“I was born
in Vero Beach,
but have lived all over Florida. Now I live in Pensacola. Pensacola
is one of the poorer cities in Florida. The
city’s segregated by both race and class.
I’m not your typical Florida emcee so I’m typically compared to
more East Coast sounding artists. Mentally, Pensacola has taught me
to be more socially aware, whether it’s dealing with class
economics or police
corruption.”
(CP) Here at Clutch Players University we value consistency. What do you want to contribute to the culture of Hip-Hop musically and socially?
“Musically,
I want to be known for solid albums. I really try and take
people on a picturesque journey, for better or worse, when I create
music.”
“Socially,
I want people to know that as artists it’s our duty to be socially
aware, not just musically, but as men and women.”
(CP) Could you briefly describe to our Clutch Players University readers. Who is Big Lo?
“I’m
a father. I’m a husband. I’m an activist. I’m an emcee and a
producer. I’m a blue collar guy and enjoy spending time around
ordinary people.”
(CP) What can the people expect next from Big Lo?
“ I did a
show in September it was Hip Hop vs Punk
benefit show with all our proceeds going to the
National Police Accountability Project. In the Spring of next year
I’m releasing
Umbrellas & Green Olives
and I’ll be touring heavily again.”
(CP) Aside,
from listening to your music. What artist's does Big Lo listen to?
“I’m all
over the place musically and it really depends on my mood. In the gym
I like rocking with Sean Price, Jedi Mind
Tricks, more hardcore type stuff. If I just want
to dumb out I like Max B and Nipsey
Hussel. I’m a huge Wu
Tang fan, especially Ghostface,
Raekwon and GZA.
Newer artists I’m feeling include Skyzoo
and anything Apollo
Brown produces.”
(CP) At the
Clutch Players University office we are boxing fanatics and dreaming
of the big fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Who
would you pick?
“As much as
I dislike Floyd Mayweather as a person for a number of reasons, I
still think he would take Manny Pacquiao. He’s one of the best
defensive fighters we’ve seen in our lifetime. That being said, I’m
not going to pay for the fight, I’ll stream it
somewhere for free.”
(CP) What is the illest line ever said?
This is
such a tough question, but since I mentioned Pun
earlier I’ll go with,
“Dead
in the middle of Little Italy little did we know that we riddled some
middleman who didn't do diddily.”
(CP) In your opinion do you think the Hip-Hop culture is organically evolving?
“That’s a
difficult question for me to answer. Initially I would say yes, some
of the younger artists are using terminology that appeals to their
generation. They’re also fusing the music with the more electronic
sounds that are popular now. However, I
think comparing mainstream rap to the more traditional boom bap music
is like comparing disco to real soul music in the 70s.
In my opinion, the mainstream rap and club
music, although it is technically classified as Hip-Hop, completely
lacks the soul and artistry that boom bap has. Also, some of the
evolution has been detrimental and essentially a slap in the face to
the majority of real emcees out here. The
main gripe I have is the younger guys and even some older cats, think
it’s acceptable to perform live over your vocals. If I come to a
show, I want to see a LIVE show, I can listen to your album anytime.”
(CP) Could you provide some words of encouragement for the Clutch Players University, dreamers, or visionaries?
“Hip-Hop is a beautiful culture that everyone
can be involved in one way or another, but make sure you respect the
culture first. Work hard and don’t be impatient. Keep in mind that
everything is a process. Other than that I could hit y’all with the
cliché, be yourself!!”
Social Connections:
Music Connections:
Connect with Clutch Players University:
No comments:
Post a Comment