INTERVIEW with Legend & Purple Bars

Coming out of Springfield, Illinois, hails a very lyrical artist by the name of Legend. Hopefully, he will live up to his stage name. So far, after streaming his tracks “I’m Here,” “Count of 3,” “Stand for Somethin'” and “Protect And Serve,” we can bet that over time, Legend will be on everyone’s radar. Our philosophy is it’s better to give proper due to an artist now and that’s what we are doing today.

Recently signed by OSO Major Entertainment, Legend is busy making move and creating that music that everyone can vibe to. Legend is versatility, mixing hip hop and R&B in his music. His artistry is definitely well-rounded. So, we had to do an interview with this new artist and see what he has been up to, his highlights of his career thus far, plus more. Peep the interview below!

Tell us about yourself and your music.

Legend: The majority of the music I create, is a release. It’s the heartaches, the anger, the love, the lust. It’s the highs and the lows. There is a story behind every song.

How would you describe your sound?

Legend: Lyrical music that paints a picture for you.

Talk about the experience making your song/mixtape.

Legend: I listen to different instrumentals from various producers. Once I hear one that I fall in live with, the song pretty much writes itself. The instrumental basically says to me “this is a love song”, or “this is a song about kicking it and having fun”. My job is to apply the words to describe what the music is saying

What are you currently working on? Any new projects? Shows?

Legend: I’m currently working on a mixtape Shoot 2 Kill, as well as my sophomore album Technical Difficulties .

What has been your biggest highlight in your music career this far?

Legend: I would have to say performing at The House of Blues in Hollywood, CA. It was one of the last performances before it was torn down, so that makes it pretty special as well.

Name your ideal collaboration: mainstream or independent artist(s).

Legend: I would say right now it would be, a collab with Future. I love his work.

Name something random that people do not know about you.

Legend: My favorite genre of music is R&B. I love hip-hop as well, but R&B has my heart.

What’s one thing you have learned or discovered while being in the indie music scene/industry?

Legend: I’ve learned that promotion is THE most important aspect of music. There are tons and tons of very talented and gifted people out here. At the end of the day, what really matters is being in the right place at the right time. So you have to be everywhere.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Legend: You can expect me to show off my versatility. The mixtape is going prove my lyrical talent and my album is geared more towards catchy music that you won’t be able to get out of your head.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Legend: Like I said before promotion is key, so if you enjoy the music that I create please, please share it with as many people possible.

***** Written by Trish Wallace - Follow Purple Bars

Above Average Hip Hop Talks LEGEND and Protect and Serve

---Written by Above Average Hip Hop---

We wrote about Springfield, Illinois, rapper Legend a little while back — and were both surprised and impressed by his latest joint that hit our inbox. It’s no secret police brutality is a hot button topic and unquestionably an epidemic in the United States of America. Legend, who wanted to take a less straightforward attempt at air his grievances, dropped ” Protect and Serve,” a dope record that is told from the [crooked] officer’s perspective. It’s a unique take that almost reminded us of the record “Sherades,” by BK rapper Papoose.

A cool thing about this track, though, is that he not only stirs up a conversation, but he purposely left an open verse for any other MC feeling his wave to hop on it; it’s a genius idea. It opens him up to being featured with a bevvy of new artists and effortlessly pushes his brand forward.

It all leads up to his upcoming mixtape dropping at the top of October, and that will serve as a proper prelude to his sophomore effort later in the month. Time will tell if his name will live up to his legacy — but he’s definitely on the right path.

Visit Above Average Hip Hop Magazine for more news about the hip hop community and entertainment world!!!

Message from LEGEND

Enough is enough!  In the wake of the shooting and murder of Alton Sterling, Legend had this to say:

First and foremost we want to express our condolences to all the families of all people affected by the horrific abuse of authority by the police. 

So we've gotten to the point that certain law enforcement officials are comfortable enough to murder an empty handed man while they are on camera??? I mean it's not like this is anything new, but when it gets to the point that they don't even care if the world see’s what they are doing; that is scary... Our government allows this shit to happen... Our black people that are murdering each other over nothing, allows this shit to happen. Why aren't we sticking together? instead we’re helping eradicate the black race. This is a problem with police... They do what they are allowed to do.. This is a problem with our system. This is a problem with the way we look at each other... We need to get our shit together...It's now or never...

Legend wrote a song from the point of view of the crooked ass cop and left it open at the end in hopes of unifying other artists in protest.  “Everyone has their experience and feelings on the topic.  Now people can stand together and voice their opinion on the track”

Contact: holler@osomajor.com if you want the file to express your opinion on the track.

Killing the Game with Diversity

Rapper Legend is coming out of the east side of Springfield, Illinois. As a child, he grew up listening to old school rhythm and blues greats, such as Marvin Gaye, Sam Cook, Al Green, Otis Redding, and many other music icons of that era. Channeling elements of his life — including pain/loss — into motivation, he began making music with a vengeance. Teaming up with Oso Major Entertainment., Legend has revamped his sound and enhanced his stage presence. Not only is he aiming to drop his next solo album, he recently starred in a local independent comedy, “Seriously Trippin’ the Movie.” Not too shabby.

Many artists use the term diverse and unique both interchangeably — and incorrectly. Legend is a better example of both. A careful listen to the SoundCloud feed on his website provides a very eclectic range; from his straight up punchline rapper stance on the Just-Blazish “I’m Here,” to the radio-ready vibe of “Go Ahead and Cry.” I’m almost curious to see which direction he ultimately flourishes as his career progresses.

Legend is polished as hell and ready to go. You heard it here — first. Be sure to add Legend to your weekend playlist, and visit his team to stay up with all their movements.

---

Written by Above Average Hip Hop Magazine

Count of 3 REVIEW

In a world where many hip hop and R&B tracks are mindbogglingly overly produced and edited, breakout artist Legend dropped a single that breaks the mold. "Count of 3" produced by J. Caperson, manages to capture everything that makes a good hip hop/R&B track great.

The hook is catchy. Think of the "been-stuck-in-my-head-all-day" kind of catchy that gets you dancing inappropriately in the middle of supermarkets and business meetings. Add that on top of a dance beat that's oh so sexy in perfect rhythm, and you've got a single that quickly tops your "Recently Played" playlists.

It's the profundity of Legend's lyricism, however, that makes this track - and this artist - a universal force to be reckoned with. "Cuz when I rise I stand so tall I gotta duck into it," for example, illustrates so much more than his perceived sexual prowess. While simultaneously appealing to the masses, Legend pens lyrics that demand and deserve deeper analysis and appreciation.

Is "Count of 3" to be the next best hip hop and R&B single to hit ITunes? Possibly. Will you be captivated by the resonant voice and lyrical depth? Absolutely. "People call me Legend how about you let me prove it." It's a challenge he's gladly accepted.

Listen to Count of 3 by LEGEND
----

Written by Krystyna Maree' find more of her at http://www.consciousmemoirs.com/