Interview With Largo

There is such a thing as life after death for rapper/singer/writer/producer Largo. Just three months after acquiring a deal with Universal Records, Largo’s manager was sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy and real estate fraud–resulting in his dismissal from the label. While this would normally crush a man into defeat, Largo kept at his craft. Now, three years later, he’s back and stronger than before. Largo is definitely a John Dapper Man.

Nathan: Largo, you’ve been through a lot of ups and downs over your career, and yet you still haven’t given up and still continue to stay hungry and motivated. What keeps giving you the drive to continue your hustle every day?

Largo: I’d rather write a song than sit in front of the television, I’d rather go to the studio than to a night club. Someone once told me to enjoy the ride, not the destination…this isnt about me making it or not…this is about me doing what I love to do and along the way I’ve gotten recognition from people who feel I should be on! Honestly, I feel like a star already. The hard part is keeping it composed ’til the right time. (laughs) I stay hungry and motivated because I’m the definition of it.

Nathan: Can you tell us about your lowest and highest points of your career?

Largo: My Lowest point was definitely in 2009 when i lost my deal with
Universal. It was crazy more than anything but it was hard because things were going great. Songs, tour dates, promotions…everything was coming together. Then my manager got hit with them charges and had to go in. At that point,  I was like, “Yo, I was just on a 20 show tour through Hollywood and now I’m back home writing raps!” That’s when the transformation of Largo began. I used to be known as L.R., the voice of the city.

Nathan: What inspires you to make music?

Largo: I once told John Wooden, while playing ball overseas in front of thousands of people, all the fast breaks and dunks in the world can’t compare to being on stage performing or being in the booth mouthing off–it’s a real love and there is no higher
inspiration.

Nathan: What projects have you worked on in the past year?

Largo: Well, to start of I was voted 2011 Urban King Lyricist of the Year. I was also recruited by Aftermath/Interscope Records as a writing specialist and submitted over 168 songs towards Dr. Dre’s Detox album. I released my mixtape, Yesterday’s Future. I really spent most of the year performing a lot at high-end fashion shows, the Venice Beach Pro Am, different clubs and lounges. I’m really hoping to hit Coachella next year.

Nathan: What projects do you have lined up for this year?

Largo: This year I’ll be releasing my self-titled album, Largo, and I’m looking forward to working with producer JulyN9ne. I also  have a new engineer named Dino and we’re trying to win all the best independent hip-hop award shows. We also really want to take over the internet game by making more music videos and writing blogs. I also need to have more people be aware of Black Billionaires, LLC.

Nathan: Tell me more about Black Billionaires.

Largo: It is a independently ran company–my company–we do recording sessions,
photography, and music videos. Presentation is everything. We have the label
equipment. We want to build positive relationships and we are here for the people–not here to get rich overnight.

Nathan: Where did you get the name Black Billionaires from?

Largo: We need more black billionaires in the world so I decided to promote it.
Seeing is believing. Besides Oprah, how many black billionaires can we name?

Nathan: None.

Largo: Exactly.

Nathan: How often are you in the studio?

Largo: Everyday. I have a studio in my house. I have the best equipment in my kitchen! (laughs) I do the production in my in home studio and when I lay
something that I know is a money-maker, I take it to my big studio and let my man
Dino mix it down real nice.

Nathan: I keep hearing you mention Dino, who is he exactly?

Largo: A world-class engineer. Google him. He’s in Torrance California.

Nathan: Where do you get your style of rap from?

Largo: East Coast definitely. My family is from Brooklyn. I was told I am a mix of
French Montana and Meek Mills.

Nathan: If you could create a track with any rapper or R&B artisit in the world,who would it be and why?

Largo: I think right now, where the game is at,  I would like to collaborate with Frank Ocean or French Montana. These are two artists that are hungry and are really out there doing it right now.

Nathan: What about the way you dress? What motivates your sense of style?

Largo: Shit, I look like money homie, I mean, why wouldn’t you wanna look fresh?
Why wouldn’t you want to look better than everyone else? Shit I can’t lie, I look
good. I’m wearing a $1000 dollar watch, you know what I’m saying?

Nathan: So you mean you look dapper?

Largo: (laughs) Yeah…always.

Nathan: So what do you like about John Dapper?

Largo: What I like about John Dapper is that it describes my life. Dapper dude,
dapper life, everything I do is dapper, you know what im saying?

Nathan: So will we hear John Dapper given a shout out in your songs in the future?

Largo: Actually, I’m writing a song right now about John Dapper, so you will definitely hear me representing John Dapper. I actually wouldn’t mind being a spokesperson in the future for John Dapper.

Nathan: So will we see some John Dapper clothes in your future videos and
performances as well?

Largo: Definitely, definitely.

Nathan: Tell me more about your new album.

Largo: You’re going to be hearing from an artist that is about getting money and his
success stories. We tried to get it at Universal but it didn’t work out. The new
album will have a lot of singing and rapping.

Nathan: What is your favorite song that you have ever made:

Largo: ”I Need That”

Nathan: why?

Largo: Because it shows where I’m at right now maturity-wise, the song concept…it’s just a good depiction of where I’m at right now in the game ’cause as an artist you’re always growing.

Nathan: I feel like 2012 is going to be your year. The year of Largo. You’re a dapper dude with dapper music, can you explain why 2012 is going to be the year of Largo?

Largo: LARGO 2012! They gonna be screaming it from the roof tops! (laughs) Niggas spent the last two years getting right! Getting them stacks up! Got my niggas Twes and JulyM9ne pumping fire ! 2012 is here and now the preparation will speak for itself!

After interviewing Largo, you definitely get the feeling that he’s going to make it big, real big. It’s only a matter of time. Largo has the personality, the swagger, and the dapperness to make it in the music industry–and he will. Largo always has a smile on his face and is a real down-to-earth type of guy. Towering at 6’8, his height screams for attention. But when you’re around Largo you embrace him. There is never a dull moment around Largo and John Dapper will continue to provide you updates as he embarks on what is sure to be a great music career.

Check out two tracks from Largo’s upcoming mixtape, City Lights. You can also follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook.

Largo wearing the “Monogoram” V-neck t-shirt. Available now at shop.johndapper.com

Nathan Allen