By YRS Jerzy
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
A popular rapper on the comeup in New York City is Napoleon Da Legend and he has the attention of many. One half of success is being surrounded by the right people. Among the right people Napoleon Da Legend has been around include Sadat X and Raekwon.
Napoleon Da Legend has done shows with many of the legends in hip hop and these shows have taken him around the world. It is rare for an independent artist to have shows out of the country. This is just one of the many things he has going for himself.
Recently, Napoloen Da Legend took time out to speak to Hip Hop Vibe about some of his work. During his interview, Napoloen Da Legend canvased many topics. The discussion topics include his new projects and him opening up for some of the hip hop legends.
Read the entire interview below:
You’ve spent most of this year on the road, can you tell us what that experience was like for you? I thoroughly enjoy traveling and performing. For one, I get to discover new areas, meet new people and see how they live. It gives me new perspectives on life, when I get away from the routine and regular environment I’m in in Brooklyn. Also, I know that I’m touching more people from other parts of the world, it’s an amazing feeling. As an artist I want my art to travel, to be shared, to be enjoyed, therefore it’s all very fulfilling for me. Hip-Hop literally gave me wings, no Redbull.
How did you wind up doing a performance in Berlin, Germany? I did a show last year in March at Cassopeia alongside Sadat X and El Da Sensei. It was the first time I ever been to Berlin. Berlin is a dope city and very Hip-Hop. That opened up new opportunities and contacts for me. When I’m called for duty, I answer it and I handle my business.
Your last solo project boasted features from Raekwon and Sean Price, who might be featured on your next solo release? I’m not even sure as of now. I want to work my features in an organic matter. I have great relationships with so many extremely talented artists (singers/ emcees/ producers). It’s going to be a timing thing and a vibe thing. You will just have to wait and see. It’s currently a work in progress, I want to make sure the production is right and the overall feeling is proper before I pull the trigger. I don’t put any limits on what I do, therefore, anybody with talent is a contender to feature on my projects.
Recently, you and BBass came together for a joint project called “The Happy Place,” can you tell us more about that project? BBass and I have known each other for about five years. We have worked collaboratively in the past on various songs. He produced “African in NY” on my Awakening album. Recently, we had linked up to record something for my project and he showed me a song he wanted me to rhyme on. It was an early version of “Summer Fling”, no chorus. I immediately knew this was something universal and special, it was just the perfect summer “set off” song.
From then on, we decide to do a whole summer project together. Since the summer was just around the corner, we wrote and recorded the whole EP in two weeks in order to get it out in time. It was a rewarding experience for me such a wide range of styles (Hip-Hop, Pop, R&B, Dancehall…) all pertaining to the summer. We released it on July 3rd, 2015. It was very much a spontaneous, non-pre-meditated move. I put aside the recording of my own album to properly finish “THP”.
What are some things you are working on for the future? I have several projects in the works. BBass and I are still recording music. I have an EP I’m wrapping with DJ Doom from the Bronx. I have another EP with Mic Handz that we are finishing. I went to L.A. for a week in June and ended up recording a full length album with DJ Dister out there too, which should drop later this year as well. We are also working on the Dysfunkshunal Familee’s second album “Family Matters”, as well as “Bazarro World vs Bucktown” compilation. I’m featured on a lot of people’s project as well.
Are there any notable collaborations you have in the works? I’ve been in the lab with several legendary “Golden Era” emcees who I’ve looked up to since my youth. Names won’t be named. I feel blessed and privileged to work alongside that caliber of artistry. Yall need to play my website and social media pages close, I’ll be dropping hints here and there.
The year of 2015 is only halfway through, how do you feel about the first half of the year, so far? Amazing. I’ve been to LA twice, Berlin, Germany, Philly and Washington DC doing shows. I released “THP” in time for the summer to come around. Last week, I rocked out at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival alongside Ralph McDaniels, Large Pro, Joe Fatal, AG Da Coroner, Mic Handz, Juxx Diamondz, Innocent?, Lord Nez for a remake of the classic “Live at the BBQ”, which was an honor for me. I started the year off on the good foot. Godspeed.
Can you let the people know where they can find you on social media? You can find me at @TeamNDL on IG and Twitter. www.napoleondalegend.com www.facebook.com/napoleondalegend www.facebook.com/THP2015 Hit me up on there!
Love is love
Follow YRS Jerzy on Twitter @IAMYRSJERZY.
