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 LEJEND Of Lejendarymusic.com UDC: Name? Who you are. Background Information? L: I go by the name of Lejend. I have been emceeing for about eleven years. After battling and free styling throughout college I met, Dalux, my producer through a mutual friend; we had similar interests in music and decide to work together. We went into the studio to start recording my debut album called "Unconditional" UDC: Explain what Lejend means to you? L: It means musical evolution, lyrical preservation and the progression of true hip-hop. It is more than just music; it is about spreading a message of social and political change. UDC: Who are your musical influences? Why? L: John Coltrane and Miles Davis because they are spontaneous, energetic and have a flare to their style. I feel that these artist are very similar to how we are now. For example, jazz of that nature was not popular back during it's beginning and I feel that the underground music that we do is not popular in all arenas at this point. But as far as hip-hop goes, I would have to say Ras Kass, Talib Kweli, Common, Living Legends, Roots, and Outkast. For two simple reasons, these artists are willing to address real life issues and they are continuing to progress as artists. UDC: Is there a message or a theme in your music if so what is it? L: I think my message is one of perseverance and accomplishment. You have to persevere in order to accomplish your dreams because everyday is a struggle, but that is what makes life beautiful. UDC: So what is priority number one for Lejend? L: I'm in the studio putting finishing touches on my debut album, "Unconditional". Its tentative release is scheduled for 2005. I will be all over the United States promoting the new release and letting people know that real hip-hop has not died. UDC: What are the three most essential items that you need when at the studio? Everyday? L: I need a gallon of water so that I will not be dehydrated, an innovative producer/engineer, who possess soulful tracks, and a tray of assorted fruits and vegetables because I need proper nourishment during recording sessions.
UDC: How do you feel the internet has affected your genre of music and the music industry as a whole? L: It has had positive and negative effects on our culture and definitely changed the business aspect of music. The internet has altered the subterranean landscape, as far as, making independents more visible. Fans are able to follow an artist no matter if they are signed to a major deal or not. It has provided a place for an indie magazine like Undevco to showcase artist who do not receive mainstream exposure. The only real negative is the increased rate of piracy.
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UDC: Do you think that penalizing music download sites for sharing music is fair? L: Yes. Because this is our livelihood and there is a lot that we put in to the production from the album cover to the mastering and mixing of the music on the cd. So when someone just downloads the music that makes everything we do null and void. But I think along with penalizing them, we have to explore why piracy is at an all time high. You have to ask yourself, are artist putting out the best possible music for the consumer's twenty dollars. UDC: Describe Lejend five years from now? L: I will still be dropping the truest hip-hop on my albums and internationally touring. Showcasing the most polished underground talent and collaborating with the industry's finest. I will probably have some production credits on notable artist's albums because I would like to delve into musical production as I progress as an artist. I am definitely interested in establishing a foundation to provide humanitarian aid to certain impoverished parts of Africa and in other third world countries. I will be continuing to evolve as an artist, entrepreneur, and an example of what can be done with determination and vision. UDC: What types of pressures do you face as a artist in hip-hop music? L: I think the pressures I face are no different than pressures of everyday life. I think the greatest pressure is striving for constant perfection in everything I do. There is no pressure in being average so if I am involved, I want it to be as close to perfection as humanly possible. UDC: How do you feel about large corporate labels suppressing artist and their creative freedom? L: I know that it has become a major issue because corporate labels are releasing artists that fit in a certain box. I think that is the biggest advantage in not dealing with a larger label because if you do not have creative control than it is difficult to make music that will affect people. I would definitely do business with a larger label but there would have to be certain stipulations that would allow me to continue to do the music that has built my fan base. UDC: Do you feel your album, Unconditional, will change the way emcees rhyme or the way music is made? L: Yes. I think that my album has a very unique sound. We tried to stay away from samples even though that is the foundation of most hip-hop beats. Dalux provides me with a sound that I think is timeless and the issues I am discussing I think will reach out to everyone. I tried to make an album that you can't compare to any product on the current market. I know Unconditional will be a seamless listening experience for all who take time to enjoy my work. UDC: Are there any words that you would like to express to your audience? L: LEJEND
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© 2005 Uncommon Development Company