Q&A With Los Angeles Based Hip Hop Artist Lincoln Roy
Yo Lincoln Roy!! We are blessed to be able to get exposed to your great Hip Hop music, especially being from Los Angeles, CA!! Please tell us a bit about yourself? How long have you been making Hip Hop!
Born & raised in South Central Los Angeles to Belizean parents. I started playing the drums at 11, I began to play the keyboard shortly after. I went through a basketball faze when I was in HS. Once I got to college then I started producing beats at 19 and started writing poetry at 20. I put out my first project Concrete Jungle Vol.1 at 21 on Dec.31st 2017.
We noticed you are 100% in tune with the real underground/conscious style of Hip Hop. Being WOKE as we say is he best way to create raw music from the inside! We love what the album is all about! Please let us know the influence behind your style and mission statement behind your music…
I’m influenced by Jayz, Damian Marley, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole & Nipsey Hussle. My father is a legendary reggae bass player so instrumentation runs in my blood. My music talks about the struggle growing up in the hood, the reality of life as I know it & my vision of where I’m headed as a man & an artist.
Tell us about the underground Hip Hop scene out there in Los Angeles, CA according to your point of view? Is it growing or is it stagnant! What is your take on this…As you know, we have thousands of rappers in LA nowadays!!!..LOL Also, what makes you stand out compared to other Hip Hop artists out of LA?
Everyday there is a new rapper so I don’t consider myself a rapper I see myself as a musician/ entrepreneur. Music continues to grow & change everyday and artists have the right to make the music they want to make, there are no more rules. Most rappers sound the same, it’s a singles’ driven industry right now. Being consistent is key so that’ll allow me to stand out in due time.
Let’s face it, social media since 2015 has grown tremendously, especially IG!!! Tell us how is your IG grind looking, and how have you been able to keep up with the high demand on social media?
I don’t consider myself to be photogenic lol, but IG is important because it creates a direct to consumer business model that puts the control into the artists hands. Tbh it’s a struggle getting my music heard, It’s a task to get the IG page some traffic. I’ll get better over time, I just been focused on the content so once the right audience gets a hold of it, I’ll be in good position.
Please breakdown the creative process of your new album? Did you produce the whole project?
My creative process varies, when I’m in project mode I’ll make about 25-30 beats and I’ll chose the best 10. Then I’ll write to those beats based on how they make me feel. Sometimes I write a song without the beat and sometimes I freestyle a song so it all depends. I produced 8 of 10 tracks on vol.2 . S/o to Jolene for the “Intro” and S/o to @reddnthabuilding for Track 9 “Too Much”
How often do you perform live?? Any indie DIY tours in the works?
I perform live with a band once a month & I do open mics also. I’m focused on delivering a great live show, that’s my priority. When I’m on stage performing my music is when I feel most alive, it’s unexplainable. I have a showcase coming Concrete Jungle EP Vol.2 August 4th, 2018 9pm-2am 831 Venice Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015. & I’m going on a DIY tour 2019 I’m looking forward to it, I’ll get to see where I stand as an independent artist.
How do you feel about the whole XAN & LEAN trend these kids nowadays are on!!!..LOL??? Be honest, do you use some of that stuff??..LOL
Naw I’m not with all that, too much of anything is bad for you and if you want to do drugs then that’s on you. I don’t judge people but in the long run it’s no good. I’m only into herb and Hennessy lol
What you got cooking next? Anything special for late 2018!!??
I’ll be working on my next project Concrete Jungle Vol.3 all fall 2018. I’m focused on getting my brand out there & continuing to grow as an artist. I have some new merch coming soon, looking forward to collaborating with other artists as I go. Fall 2018 is an important time for me but I trust the process.
Our most popular question, what is your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Underground Hip-Hop is Hip-Hop music that is not mainstream. To me it’s about the pure creation of hip-hop which is the reality of where you live and what going on. It’s not music that’s made for mass consumption or record sales. Rhythm and poetry, wordplay & storytelling . The inner cities true expression against the politics we face everyday.
Where can fans find your music? Drop all links!!
www.lincolnroymusic.com
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/concrete-jungle-vol-2/1332883497
https://tidal.com/album/83168254
https://open.spotify.com/album/23RFl6kK6lamQbganuYV0e?si=HlSyqcSpTsK3sZRUaDuqTQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZjlETv3Lto&list=PLi-C6a-_weZhK8-WdwbGkvclXlxsYwGzU
Any Shout Outs??
To my mom who supports me through it all, my Pops who is still making moves touring with his band @jangalaroots. My siblings, Uncles, Aunts & Cousins. Thanks to those who support me I truly appreciate it. S/o ughhblog for the interview, it’s Young LR I’m out!!!
