The near-death experience caused Lil O to leave the street life behind and concentrate on music. He eventually became one of Houston’s most promising rappers after releasing his sophomore album Da Fat Rat wit ad Cheeze.
Now with his mixtape Tha Flood 1.5 gaining national attention, Lil O is preparing to release a new album in 2011. He recently shared his thoughts on his music, crime in hip-hop and the potential legalization of marijuana. –a.r.
Tha Flood and Tha Flood 1.5 mixtapes were well received across the country. Do feel added pressure to duplicate that success with your upcoming album?
Every project that I have done has been considered a classic. But I still feel as if I had a statement to make. The Flood mixtapes was a warm up to let people know that my mixtapes are better than most rapper’s albums. These days, cats have one hot song and you don’t hear from them again. I believe in putting out complete projects, so there’s no pressure.
You have lived the street life and put it all behind you. What are your thoughts on the increasing number of hip-hop artists going to jail?
It’s depressing to see people that are blessed wasting a way in a jail cell. I have been locked up before and I would hate to be a multi millionaire and in jail. I think some rappers don’t know how blessed they are and they take it for granted. I have seen the street life. I know how blessed I am and I try not to waste it. I try not to abuse the opportunity.
What are your thoughts on the legalization of marijuana and the how the drug is promoted in hip-hop?
I’m not big on doing drugs. But I don’t think of marijuana as a serious drug. At the same time, you can’t smoke weed everyday and run a business. I think tobacco is worse than marijuana. It causes cancer and other health issues. I have never heard of anyone smoking weed and running out and killing people. Drunk driving kills a lot of people. I don’t think you should go to jail for weed. When it comes to music, I think people like to target hip-hop. But since the 1960s, rock has promoted marijuana use more than hip-hop. It’s just a drug that some people use while listening to music.
