Published: October 18, 2009 4:49 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight October 2009 Edition
Hip-Hop Artist Big Lo
Hip-Hop Artist Big Lo
Hip-Hop Artist Big Lo knows how to make great music with his amazing lyrical flow/style that clearly shows off his abilities and mastery of rhymes. What also comes as a bonus to the music of Big Lo is its context full of wisdom and knowledge that Hip-Hop lovers can really dig. If you are looking for Hip-Hop music that is full of conscientious flow/lyrics, then Big Lo is ready to deliver the joint. Check out this recent spotlight with our Webzine that Big Lo completed as we learn more about the man behind the rhymes.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Big Lo: Music has been a part of life for as long as I can remember. My mother listened to an eclectic mix of music ranging from classic rock to big band jazz. As far as a musical history in my family, there are no classically trained musicians that I can think of but my mother plays the piano, my grandmother plays the piano and the harp, and one of my uncles plays the guitar. All of them are quite talented. When speaking on Hip Hop specifically, I was first introduced at the age of 7 with Kool Moe Dee's 1989 classic, "Knowledge is King".
Isaac: What drew you to pick up a mic in the first place?
Big Lo: It's really hard to name a specific situation or instance that made me pick up the mic for the first time. I've always been pretty creative whether writing or drawing. In 5th grade, I and a friend of mine won a talent show after performing Snoop Dogg's "Snoop Doggy Dogg" joint. So maybe than I knew that Hip Hop would be the thing for me.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Big Lo: Honestly, Hip Hop has been a major part of my life since 89, but my teenage years were quite rough and awkward trying to find my own way as a latchkey kid in a single parent household. I didn't really come to the realization that this would be my life until I was 17 or 18 years old.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Big Lo: I'm going to shock a lot of Hip Hop heads with this one, but honestly I would love to perform "Cortez the Killer" live with Neil Young. I love that song and I love history and speaking on how Cortez basically raped an entire nation, an entire culture, it's heavy and I love it...that song almost brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Big Lo: Really there are tons of musicians I like. As far as Hip Hop goes, I love Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Sean Price, Outkast, Scarface, MF Doom, etc. As far as music in general goes, the list could go on for days. I like everybody from Bob Dylan to Barry White. If you're a dope songwriter, I probably like you.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Big Lo: I want to leave behind a legacy. Something that my children and grandchildren can be proud of. Twenty-five to fifty years from now, I want people to say, "Big Lo made damn good meaningful music." Sometimes I've been known to get grimy but at the end of the day everything I do must have substance.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Big Lo: There have been plenty of obstacles thus far in my career. First, it's tough trying to make a living while staying true to your heart and not "selling out" to current trends like auto-tune and electronic based music.
Also, there are a lot of "yes men" and "backstabbers" in this business, especially in the Hip Hop industry. I constantly find myself having to deal with snakes.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Big Lo: I don't want to steer anyone away from their dreams, but with that said, this industry is not for the faint of heart. Also, don't kid yourself, if you have talent go for it, but not everyone has talent.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Big Lo: Don't sleep. Honestly, never stop working and networking. You never know who will open doors for you.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Big Lo: Hip Hop...nothing more, nothing less. But remember, when I say Hip Hop, I mean it in its truest sense. I don't deal with "crunk" music or using "auto-tune". It's not my thing and honestly, most people who choose to go that route are horrible live performers and I'm a firm believer that if you cannot perform your music live, than you shouldn't make music at all.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Big Lo: I've recorded so much music over the past decade so it's hard for me to pick a single song that I would consider my favorite piece of work. As far as album goes, "The Plague" is my best album to date. I've noticed, as well as my fans, that with every album and mixtape I release I constantly evolve for the better.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Big Lo: There hasn't been a whole lot of financial support. But as far as emotionally I would like to thank first and foremost my mother. I would like to also thank all of my friends, family, and supporters for never giving up on me. They all mean the world to me.
Isaac: Any last words?
Big Lo: I would like to shout out Junior's Cave for interviewing me. I would also like to shout out Dub Tre, DainjaRuss, Inferno, DaShin, Amond Jackson, Dead Broke Records, Darkage Entertainment, DJ Acrojam, DJ Seven Cypher, The Colombian Kid and Krib.TV, Beretta 9 of Killarmy, and I apologize to anyone I left out. Also, make sure you take the time to check out "The Plague" and if you like it please buy it, I put all my heart into it for you.
