Now-a-days the authority look at Hip Hop as a mere sub-culture that will eventually give way to forced societal evolution. They believe that it will become a victim of its own success – swallowing the almighty dollar until it bursts from the inside. Many emcees have stepped away from the truth to follow the glam of commercialism. The state of Hip Hop is under attack from a bitter enemy that has been waging war against freedom of speech and music for decades.

There are a few emcees left that are not afraid to stand on the front line and protect the culture that has given millions of youth a voice across the world. Some have given their lives, both literally and metaphorically, to ensure the future of the movement. Some have sweat blood and tears to bring themselves from being poor in spirit to being rich in wisdom and word. Big Lo has done his time and is staking his claim as a poet of Hip Hop.

Big Lo hails from Tallahassee, Florida, and is one of the true believers and preachers of Hip Hop; taking the empire over one city at a time. With Hip Hop infused with his soul and with inspiration from emcees like Killah Priest, Canibus, Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac (RIP) and others he began to sharpen his craft and freestyle at the age of sixteen – within two years he began to piece together his artwork. In 2003, he brought his unique gift of word to the people and he hasn’t looked back since. The people of Tallahassee, Ft. Walton, Pensacola and Atlanta have already experienced the brutal truth-telling rhymes that he brings to the mic.

Big Lo has featured on many mix-tapes and compilations. His appearance on “Guerillas in the Mixx” placed him amongst music warriors such as Public Enemy, The Coup, and Michael Franti. His album “Where Am I Going?” with the tracks “Where Am I Going?”, “The State of Hip Hop”, and “The Way You Make Me Feel” (featuring Indya) allowed his music to reach the far corners of the Hip Hop empire through internet and radio play.

In 2007, Big Lo will release more music with the help of Jade Foxx, Tonedeff, 14th Century, Vast Aire and Beretta 9 and many more talented hip-hop emcees. His second album, “MindState: Freedom” is also due to hit this year.

Big Lo’s political observance and self-awareness within the confines of his rhymes serve testament to his unique style to incorporate his inner-most influences and passions – most notably the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Soren Kierkegaard, Hunter S. Thompson and the never-ending struggle for freedom across the globe – particularly within occupied Palestine.

There is no question that Lo has picked up the banner of Hip Hop and charged full-charge toward the enemy that wishes to see Hip Hop destroyed from within. The societal evolution they are working so hard for will soon be the revolution that devours them and frees the souls and minds of millions. Like Big Lo revealed in his track “Anotha Drop in the Bucket” – “… save the children and pray for the rest.”

Trey Meador - January 22, 2007