- “I’m not just a rapper, when you see me know that you’re tuning into Lyrical Television. You gotta see this!” Says the nine times freestyle champion of 102 Jams Radio, Lyrical Talent. Born and raised in Shelby, NC, Lyrical Talent credits Tupac Shakur, T.I., Twista and Bone Thugs-N-
- Harmony, as influences for his lyrical style. During a phone interview the 23-year-old prodigy spills the beans about his carefree logic, lyrical talent and on what else is in store.
- Photo Credit: Maurice Schenck
Q: What is lyrical television?
A: The ups, downs, highs, lows, conflicts and resolutions of this drug that is the music industry through my eyes. I hold the camera so you can see everything through my eyes. Everybody has a camera on them but I don’t know any artist that can actually “hold the camera.”
Q: How do you classify yourself as a rapper?
A: Carefree logic, concept rap, not necessarily just conscience rap, club bangers or commercial music. My flow is a beautiful blend of all three that creates carefree logic.
Q: What is carefree logic and how do you define it?
A: This is a drug, my music is a drug. People listen to music anywhere, in their car, clubs, home, supermarket. Some people can’t go anywhere without their music. People have the option to do what they want with this drug when I give it to them, they can take it, throw it away, use it, sell it or they can buy more, which is what I hope that they will do.
Q: What do have to say to children who are fans of your music?
A: Stay positive and do the right thing. Artist should take more responsibility in what they put out, ’cause the children are our future.
Q: How did you get started in the game as a rapper and when did you decide to declare rapping as a profession?
A: I started reciting rhymes by Tupac, Jay-Z, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Twista from the age of six. My boy had a make shift studio in his basement and everyone was in the basement freestyling. Everybody was like ‘touch the mic’ so I did. It felt natural and everyone said I had the best rhyme out of the four of us. From that point, I wanted to just write rhymes but I was better at freestyling. So I would freestyle and just write it down, that helped everything flow naturally.
Q: How did you come across the opportunity to freestyle on 102 jamz?
A: My mentor introduced me to Waleed Coyote, head DJ and president of the Slip And Slide DJs. He took a liking to my music and personality, as far as how I presented myself. I asked Coyote about the “Making The Station” freestyle battles. He asked me if I was ready to freestyle live on air and I said ‘yes I am’. I was actually was unprepared but I couldn’t let such a great opportunity pass me by. I went up against the three month champion that night and won.
Q: Where can everyone find your music?
A: Reverbnation is the best place to find Lyrical Talent’s music videos, blogs, pictures, press releases, and fan videos. Check out my latest mixed tape “Media Frenzy” on datpiff.com.
Q: What’s next for L.T or Lyrical Television? When can we expect your next mixed tape?
A: As far as lyrical television look out for upcoming exclusive video editions. The upcoming tour is coming to a city near you. My next mixed tape “Ladies Only” is due to drop this Wednesday February 13.
-Monifa O.Barker
