Loco Ninja, Out Hip-Hop/Rap Artist from Harlem, New York @loconinja // www.thelocoworld.com
What was the situation in which this photo was taken?
I was at the airport, tired because my flight was delayed (4 hours) to Hollywood, Los Angeles. I was on my way to test shoot for a new reality TV show.
Could you tell us something about what you do?
I’m a Hip-Hop/Rap artist out of east Harlem, New York.
How did you first become interested in Hip-Hop/Rap?
At the age of 14 I became interested in writing and creating. I would steal my mom’s digital camera, set it up aside my old dell desktop and have it on record, as I would freestyle corny lyrics to instrumentals by Scott Storch and whatever caught my attention. I would then upload the videos to my pc and change the format into mp3’s and burn cd’s, so I could pass them around in the projects I was living in. From then I found my way to studios set up by friends and would go work on my skill.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I always said I loved performing and giving the fans a great show, but I really enjoy the feedback from the fans around the world. What shocked me the most was getting responses and massive downloads from people out in Japan, South Korea, Germany, Africa, China, the UK, Brazil and many other places I could not imagine I’d be heard in. I love relating to these people whether I spit about love, sexuality or just life. Its still crazy and surreal to me!
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a new album with new producers and an amazing new team. Plus, Team Ninja will get to hear a more personal and real side to what’s going on in my life currently. Lot’s to get off my chest, and I think the fans will get the chance to walk in my shoes this time around.
What are the challenges in what you do, and how do you overcome them?
I have many challenges within the music industry due to me being an openly gay rapper, and people being closed off to the situation, but I think the first thing people are closed off to is me expressing my sexual lifestyle, when in all reality I’m just here to represent and express “being yourself” in as many ways as we can express it to the fans. I realized the only way to live and overcome these obstacles is to remain myself, and whoever is down for the movement will be a part, and whoever isn’t, can exit stage Left.
Could you describe your personal style?
My personal style is a mix of urban and chic. Some days I’m laid back in all black and other days I’m dripped in all pink with a dad hat. It’s all about my mood. I can be very moody and switch up.
What is your present state of mind?
Being happy and sticking to gods plan. Only he knows what is meant for me because he wrote my story.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Currently Got Kanye On Repeat, and Chance The Rapper as well.
Which artists or designers inspire you?
I’m inspired by Jeremy Scott (Moschino) and Richie Rich (Heatherette). I’ve always had this obsession with bright colors and images that popped. Growing up I would literally cut up materials from old clothing and imitate the fashion shows I would watch on television.
What is the purpose of art, in your view?
Art Is everything around us. Art can be whatever you want it to be. for myself, art is everything I create in Music. Art Is My Escape.
How do you spend your free time?
I Spend a lot of time reading, writing and thinking of what to create next. If I’m not in the studio, working on a project, then I’m usually around people who inspire me to create. It’s truly Important to surround yourself with any and everything positive.
