The Real Ligit
We first encountered The Real Ligit at Lovely's Chaos open mic in Brooklyn. We were definitely impressed with his message and wordplay...reminded us of a young T.I. in fact! Check out his story below...
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Winston-Salem North Carolina, near Greensboro
Who were your early influences? Are there any local artists that inspire you?
I'm from a small city, so there's not as many opportunities as you would find in a large city. I have to grind more - I really studied craft
Early influences:
T.I. & Wayne - South
Tupac, Bone Thugz, Nas, Eminem
Who was your 1st hip hop influence?
Bone Thugz N Harmony, I was into Michael Jackson pretty heavy.
So we saw you perform at the Lovely's Chaos open mic in Brooklyn. Have you traveled anywhere else to perform?
Besides New York, I've also performed throughout North Carolina, & Greensboro.
I'm definitely trying to branch out more & take opportunities
How would you describe your music?
It's raw hip hop. I talk about things I've seen + draw from my imagination. Hopefully I can help those going through a tough time in life. The hip hop artists of today are not living the high life. Artists talk about selling drugs but never did...where others feel like they have to for a period of time. My songs keep it to the core, and also what I've witnessed other people go through. We need emotional growth in the community
A fellow North Carolinian, J Cole has been very vocal about the Mike Brown shooting in Ferguson. Have you been following that?
Yeah, I listen to J Cole. I liked the song he dedicated to Mike Brown. It's wonderful that he made it out. It opens doors for the rest of us here. But what's going on in Ferguson affects all of us.
So who are the current artists that you listen to?
I listen Kendrick Lamar, J Cole. I still listen to Wayne & T.I.
So let's talk about women. T.I. is the Executive Producer of the Sisterhood of Hip-Hop, which features up-and-coming female emcees. Nicki Minaj dropped 'Anaconda this week, and Lauryn Hill dedicated 'Black Rage' to Mike Brown. What are your thoughts?
I just found out about Sisterhood of Hip Hop, but I did catch the 1st episode. I like it I think it's a great idea we need more women. I saw Anaconda -- I saw the video it's a nice video, the song is okay. I expected it to have sexual overtones . Lauryn Hill is an icon - she's just so organic & has a huge legacy. She's always spoken out. Hip hop is still our voice. She made a big statement with "Black Rage" she's a legend.
Where can we find your mixtape?
My mixtape Bright Ghetto Street Lights is on soundcloud, also on datpiff. My single 'Lo And Behold' from my EP "For Our Sake" video is in production.
Lo & Behold is uptempo, energetic, a step it up from my last project. Having fun & offer something original. My last project was "Bright Ghetto Street Lights".
What lessons have you learned in your transition from your last project?
I learned depth & trying to find my right sound. Not replicating what I did last time. Being authentic but also making great making music! Competing with myself
If you could collaborate with any artist dead or alive?
Tupac , T.I. & outside of hip-hop...Mary J. Blige & Michael Jackson
On a personal level, who has inspired & influenced you?
My grandma inspired me she raised me to know that I could be what ever wanted to be. My dad taught me to go for what I want.
What else do you want our readers to know?
No matter how you start in life, You can really shoot for high goals.
