Lil’ Troy: This Texas-based emcee has been sitting fat down south for a minute. Now, find out what happens when this laid-back rapper gets back to ballin’!
Texas-based emcee, Lil’ Troy is bringing the hot-sh!t with his new album Back To Ballin’ dropping October 23, 2001. The busy rapper has been making the rounds in the current issues of XXL and THE SOURCE, as well as appearing in heavy rotation with a new video on Rap City. We caught up with the laid-back emcee to find out how success is sitting fat down south!
Where did you grow up?
In the South Park of Houston, Texas. My family did all right; just me, mom, dad, and my little brother. I grew up in musical family. My dad played saxophone, and I learned to play alto sax and lead guitar. We had R&B music like the Isley Brothers playing in our house, all the time.
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When did you get into Hip-Hop?
During a certain time, music started changing and cats like Kurtis Blow came out. We put our instruments down and started getting into it [Hip-Hop]. Our parents thought it was just a new fad.
How was Hip-Hop different?
Well, we didn’t have to carry around all the drum equipment, etc. We didn’t have to find a place to practice. All we needed were our turntables. I tried to run the whole show back then, got us gigs. I was like the manager. I always knew that I’d have a career in the music field.
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When did you know you could make a career out of it?
I dropped an album in ’99 that started selling. But, I first realized you could make money in it back in ’89 with Eazy E and Scarface. The game was changin’ from hustlin’ in street to hustlin’ in music.
What’s the appeal of an independent vs. a major label?
When you sell something independently, you own your own work and that check comes back faster. As long as you can market yourself independently, you have more freedom. But if you want to be a big, known star, a major label has the machine, tools and connections for that.
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Would you consider signing to a major label?
I won’t say that I wouldn’t, but I’d have to have a major deal. I’d want complete control of everything. If I sell a million, two million units, at least, I’m in control of my own project.
What’s your favorite part of being a rapper?
Signing autographs and doing shows.
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Who do you like in the game right now?
Jay-Z–he be rapping my life.
Talk a little about your new album, Back To Ballin’.
It’s got a lotta stories to tell, dealing with friends to people who ended up being not [friends]. I worked with different producers and [the tone] is more serious than the last album…There’s a lot of sh*t-talking in the South, just kicking back and parlaying.
