|
RACK-LO is a true New York legend, he is about the music, and lives for Hip-Hop. Not your average MC and something quite special indeed. Brendan Deane hooked up with him to find out more...
When did you put your first record out?
I released my 1st album in 1999. It was crazy because we had gone to Gavin, one the biggest Hip Hop conventions out in the Sanfransisco and when we got back to NYC I released the album. I shocked a lot of people with that one. It was called “Thou Shalt Not Steal”.
How did you get into making music?
It sort of happened gradually. I pretty much lived a Hip Hop lifestyle as far as the fashion and clubbing is concerned. Many of my older uncles were also into the culture which influenced me as well. Being apart of the infamous Lo-Life Crew also helped propel me to Hip Hop connoisseur. The energy and synergy all around me growing up was just Hip Hop related. Being a youngster at block parties and jams triggered me to want to be apart of history. Hearing what a MC could actually do with words was just intriguing to me. To me, that was one the best examples of challenging oneself, through self expression in the form of intellect mixed with experience and imagination. To me it’s a blessing to have a gift where you can touch people emotionally through your usage of words.
Are there any individuals that you feel really helped you out and inspired you?
I would say the streets inspired me. They forced me to make some critical decisions in an era when the street’s is all that we had. The streets forced me to look inside myself for that greatness I was blessed with. But along the way it was people that guided me and inspired me for sure. I would say Rakim and Krs One really had an impact on me as far wanting to MC. As far helping me along the way personally and professionally it was many on them, but one person sticks out and her name is Wilma Carthan. She was that community Social Worker who made it her business to make sure the At Risk Youth of Brooklyn made something out of themselves.
So let’s get right up-to-date. What you been grinding on recently?
Presently, I’m working and grinding hard. First, I just released my new album titled “Beat Down Season” available at Itunes now. This project was produced entirely by Krohme of Godsendant Music. Golden Era Terror Volume 2 (mixtape) recently released is also lighting up the streets and internet portals. In March 2009, my company Spit Factory will be hitting the world with three(3) official mixtapes; Rack-Lo “Stealmatic”, Backwood Bullies “Smoker’s Bible” and Seminole Sport “Fresh Prince of NYC”. I also stepped in the realm of working with other artists as you can see. So to the world be on the look out for Backwood Bullies and Seminole Sport. These are more true and ground breaking artists now on the Spit Factory Roster. I have the Rack-Lo album “The Author” that will also be dropping in 2009 on Skillionaire Enterprises. The DVD for my annual “Polo BBQ” fashion event is also coming in 2009. So I’m just staying busy. I’m looking to start getting my hands dirty with radio, filming, editing and event promotions. At this time we are also planning the execution of the Rack-Lo 4th Annual “Lo Down At The BBQ Affair”. I’m really trying to be the walking definition of Multi Talented. My mission is to have an artistic and business impact in all mediums. Finally, viewers can look forward to Rack-Lo Television which will introduce ongoing episodes of; Golden Era Legends, Video Fashion Box and the official Lo-Life Blog. Some of this stuff has started to appear on youtube and video channels throughout the internet already.
Where is the best place on the net to buy your CD’s?
All of my music and DVD’s and Lo-Life T-shirts and Rack-Lo “Get Lo” Vandals can be purchased at www.spitfactoryonline.com nd official albums for download can be purchased at www.itunes.com
You have a massive international fanbase. What countries are feeling your vibe?
I would say; United States, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, London, Finland, Croatia, Poland, Denmark, France, Germany etc.
You ever played live outside New York? If so where?
Yeah man, we have played all over Europe. My most memorable experience would have to be the Hip Hop Awards out in Norway. We rocked that on the same bill with Slick Rick The Ruler. And out in Sweden people came to the show dressed in Polo gear from head to toe. To see that in the flesh was mind blowing. It’s just amazing to see how a fashion culture that was started in the streets of Brooklyn NY flourished to find its way to Sweden and beyond. The Lo-Life fashion movement is visible and vibrant all across the world.
You have a BlogSpot now that’s incredibly popular. Tell us about that.
Yes, I created the official BlogSpot for all those interested in what Rack-Lo is doing. They can find all new videos, news, music, pictures, tour info and all. I also use the Blog as a promo source for those people whom I’m working with. It’s just another element I use to impact the world from a promotional standpoint. Check it out at www.lodownarticles.blogspot.com.
The album is due to drop real soon. Who produced it?
Actually it dropped on December 16, 2008 and it was produced by Krohme of Godsendant Music. People can buy it now at www.itunes.com for down load. The title of the album is called “Beat Down Season”. On this album I definitely came conceptually with the military sound bites and imagery. My goal was to fuse the foundation with war while penning some infectious but calm and some times rowdy song play. I think it worked out. It was a great balance.
What label is it on and who will be distributing it?
It’s being released on my label Spit Factory in conjunction with Godsendant Music. It’s available globally digitally (itunes, amazon, rhapsody etc.) and we have a few independent distributors handling the physical stores.
Any features on there?
Yes, we have my Lo-Life family – Fi-Lo, Malik-Lo, Seminole Sport, Krohme, Timbo King (Wu Tang), Mafiasco (Spit Factory), Atari Blitzkrieg and Little Indian.
How would you describe your music?
I describe it as being conceptual with street and commercial appeal. I create music for both facets. I will never pigeonhole myself. My music is for all those who can enjoy it, salute it, learn from it, become inspired by it and spread it. At the end of the day I want my music and art to serve a purpose in society. There has to be some meaning to what I’m doing. My music is a direct reflection of my life and I incorporate family in it a lot. I would say my music can capture the interest of all people no matter the age bracket. To me, music is music. And I have a project I’m working on that I hold true to my heart. I think this project is going to touch many people in a major way. The project will include myself, my real life Wife and Son. The album is going to be called “The Wedding”. This will mark the first time in Hip Hop history where Father, Mother and Child all do an album together. So we really considered ourselves The 1st Familee of Hip Hop literally. This is not a gimmick or anything. We are really a family. But the music is so powerful. Hip Hop needs some of its core values restored. And this project can help do that.
Real Hip-Hop music is now pretty much an underground thing. The majors aren’t really signing anyone who is deep or lyrical, apart from a few expectations! Why do you think this is?
You know what, it seemed like after 911 the entire world just shifted. And it’s not just Hip Hop and the music. If you look at politics, socialism, education, economy etc., it’s all in a different space as oppose to 5-10 years ago. It’s like everything just became so accessible so fast that it became uncontrollable. As far as the majors, they never really had the Artists interests at heart anyway. But really it’s a lot of people and things that are faulted for Hip Hop’s current state. It’s just oversaturated with low quality, low skilled having artists that it’s scary. The game has lost its real competitiveness. I mean as far as the money aspect Hip Hop is making huge strides, but at the cost of loosing the original and true and real fabrics of the culture. Nowadays, there are no real Artists who are in the spot light that you can really aspire to do things like. I mean it’s even hard to believe what a lot of Rappers preach nowadays, it’s just too far fetched and unrealistic. It has even been said that rap music is like the WWE (wresting) meaning it’s fake. That’s because the game is just filled with people who are not interested in the survival and longevity of the art. The people who really love Hip Hop and who work with blood, sweat and tears are not in control of the art form direction. Once that change, then the game will change. But until then only the ones that are built for this will remain.
How’s life in New York? Where you living now and what’s it like there?
I’m still living in Brooklyn, the home of the crooks. The landscape is the same; killings, senseless shootings, robberies, gun play, poverty, thieves in the night and all types of dirt to get by. Man the times are hard and people are suffering. You can feel the recession; it feels like the great depression on some levels. But from a music perspective it’s popping in New York. Hip Hop is alive and well. The underground is popping like crazy out here. New artists are popping up and claiming their fame and stakes. People are looking for the great New York come back as far as the Hip Hop take over is concerned. It’s some lethal spitters in the city. One thing about NYC is we can never fall off if you think about it. This is the Mecca and on any given day you will see celebrities of all types on the streets. This is the city of the Money. This is where Hip Hop was born, but it just has many sisters and brothers who live in other countries and regions. But to be honest, I’m really working extremely hard to bring forth the new ground breaking material and ideas. Biggie will forever be the king of the city, Jay-Z is the heir to the thrown, Fabulous is doing it hard and Rack-Lo is stepping up and aiming for the light. I was already a part of making history on the streets and through fashion, now its time to do it musically and business wise in a gigantic manner.
Been rocking any stages lately?
Yeah, we have been doing live shows all over the place. Been doing shows heavy on the east coast. Right now, we are working on doing some touring over in New Zealand, Australia, London and Japan. We are definitely trying to touch down in the United Kingdom. Thirstin Howl The 3rd and myself released a full length album not too long ago”Lo Down & Dirty” out in Australia with Class A records so the fan base is thick out there. It will only make sense to rip it up for the Aussies.
You are connected with Get Lo Vandals sneakers, what’s that all about??
Oh, the “Get Lo” Vandals are the official Rack-Lo custom designed sneakers repping the Lo-Life legacy. I linked up with my people out in Paris France (Dr Medzoo and Sneaker Addicts) to bring them joints to life. We have the second edition on the way. So far the kicks have been doing okay and people have been checking for them. We have been getting a good response.
I hear you might be stepping out a track with UK veteran LATE. Tell us about that.
Word, that’s going to be a classical piece. From BK to the UK, that’s the energy people will get. Just imagine getting the illest of both worlds on one track. Plus we have Tricksta on the beat so you know the outcome will be bananas. I have been checking out the Wolf town movement for a while now so linking up with them officially is only right.
So what are all your website links?
People can get in contact with me through the following websites;
www.spitfactoryonline.com (Official Spit Factory Label Website)
www.youtube.com/rackloracklo (Official Rack-Lo Video Channel)
www.myspace.com/racklo (Official Rack-Lo myspace page)
Is there anything you want to add?
Yeah, 2009 is going to be a big year for Lo-Lifes, Rack-Lo and Spit Factory. We are doing some great work and will be unleashing it on the public heavily. Keep your ears and eyes tuned to the internet we are visible. Look for Rack-Lo to be involved in radio, fashion, music, films, journalism, modeling and much more. The movement is non stop. I will continue bringing the heat and giving the listeners music they can rejoice to. To all the supporters in the UK, we appreciate it. Keep checking for us and we will surely be unloading the classic material. Big ups to the UK, much love to Tricksta, and of course Late and the Wolf Town Committee.
Interview by Brendan Deane
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
|
