HOME MEDIA INTERVIEWS FEATURES RELEASE-DATES FORUM STORE THE-VAULT CONTACT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
interview LT (October 2009) | Interview By: Jose Ho-Guanipa

   We at Dubcnn pride ourselves on breaking the best young artists on the West Coast and elsewhere before the rest of the world takes notice. Today we introduce you to LT, a teen rapper and LA native who is staking his claim to the Latino rap throne and going for universal appeal as well. We sit down with LT and discuss how he got started, who discovered his talent, and his opinion on the current musical climate for Latino rappers.


As ever, you can read this exclusive interview below and we urge you to leave feedback on our forums or email them to jose@dubcnn.com.

..........................................................................................
Interview was conducted in September 2009 
..........................................................................................

Related Media
LT - Lover's Ransom
..........................................................................................


Dubcnn: How’d you get started rapping?

LT: Music has always been a part of my life. I actually started writing poems and R&B songs. I eventually started writing raps and in a real short time, I was able to reach the level I am currently at when it comes to songwriting. But as for when I started taking rapping serious, it was probably around 2005. I’ve been recording for about 2 years. It actually really funny because a lot of people say that I sound and write like a veteran but I’m only 18 years old.

Dubcnn: Who influenced your style?

LT: Honestly, I can’t say any one artist in particular influences me. Music in general is my influence. I find inspiration by listening to Boys II Men, Rakim, Ludacris and Mariah Carey. The list of influences is endless. I just love to make good music.

Dubcnn: Can you describe the vibe and style of your music?

LT: My music has different vibes. It really depends on the track. I know that on this album, “The Grind”, it has a real hip hop vibe, but even then, it also has some R&B touches. It really depends on what emotions I’m trying to put out on a track.

Dubcnn: When was your talent first recognized and when did you start taking music seriously? How did you end up with your current situation at Latin Thug/Koch?

LT: Funny thing is that my talent has always been recognized by regular people, up and coming artists and pretty much, anyone who hears me. I use to take music real serious when I was younger and then I started drifting away but somehow, music always came back to me. I’ve been trying to make it my career for about 3 years, on and off. The whole Latin Thug situation was set up between my manager, Alberto J. Pimentel Jr and Latin Rap Godfather, Mellow Man Ace. Mellow heard my music and was impressed and loved it. It was a done deal.

Dubcnn: Who are some Latin rappers that you look up to?

LT: I don’t really want to say I look up to any particular Latin rappers. But, I’ve listened to everything from Brownside, Hi Power and Low Profile Records to the Lil’ Rob’s, Pitbull’s and Baby Bash’s. I definitely have respect for anyone out there trying to make a better life through music and expressing their thoughts in a classy and artistic way.

Dubcnn: What is the climate like right now for a Latin rapper?

LT: I feel like there are a lot of stereotypes. Just for the fact that a lot of Latino rappers have the same image and persona. But at the same time, I’ve been accepted with no problems whatsoever or at least I haven’t heard anything. I’ve received love and respect from rappers all over, I have a universal style. If someone has beef, it’s not because I am a Latino rapper, they just feel threatened by my talent. I honestly think being a Latino in the industry gives me an edge.

Dubcnn: What projects do you have going on right now?

LT: I am working on my digital album release called, “The Grind”. It will be released through Bank St. Records and Latin Thug. The album has a real classic appeal to it. I am working hard in the studio and I’m hoping to have it out on iTunes and the other great online music stores by summer 2010. I am also working on R&B projects. I am writing for two artists of mine, Mr. Brooks and Marquez. Those projects are taking more time to complete because I am working on completing my own album first. I am also doing a little rock/rap thing with producer J. Ruckus, Dj Roca and we call the group, “It’s.Ok!” I just have a lot of different things that I am trying to pursue. I’m also taking on acting auditions because I like to keep myself busy and active within the industry.

Dubcnn: Who are you working with on your upcoming album?

LT: The collaborations are mostly singers. My first single off the album is called, “Lovers Ransom”, it was produced by 9Diamond and features Cody VanHoozen from the band, Kerusso. I also just did a song with gospel singer Will Jones. Marquez and Mr. Brooks will also be on the album. Overall, the project is still in development so who knows who will be on it.

Dubcnn: Where can people find you online?

LT: People can find me at myspace/ltmusic101 or at reverbnation.com/ltmusicpage. You can also reach my manager Big Al for collaborations and songwriting at: albertopimentel@bankstrecords.com.

Dubcnn: Closing comments for readers?

LT: First off, I’d like to thank Jose and Dubcnn for this interview, I really appreciate it. I’d like to thank all of the readers and encourage everyone to download the “Lovers Ransom” song attached to this interview and to add me on myspace and say whats up! Also, I’d like to recognize my management team at Bank St. Records and my producers J.Ruckus, Dany Gee, 9 Diamond and Dj Roca.













 

.........................................................................................
Related Media
LT - Lover's Ransom

.........................................................................................

 
Enter Your Email Address > To Receive Our
Free Newsletter!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DESIGN BY LIL JAY