National rapper Lix dot Kong is proud to claim three coasts. Born in New Orleans and raised in Bremerton, Washington, he came into manhood and snatched his position in hip hop once his relocated to New York. A true entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Lix grew up around Black Panthers and Crip gang members and listened to the music of mentors LL Cool J, Ice Cube, NWA, Snoop and Tha Dogg Pound, DJ Quik, Tupac, Biggie, Brotha Lynch Hung, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, BG, Soulja Slim, C- Murda, and Master P. Now the artist known as Lix dot Kong, is evolving into a full-time entrepreneur with internet and legal endeavors under his umbrella.
Aspiring MC’s and hip hop entrepreneurs can learn a few things from Lix dot Kong. Check out The Journalista’s fascinating conversation with the ex- Dogg Pound connect.
What’s up with your name Lix dot Kong?
Lix dot Kong is a name that best describes my trek through the different levels of Hip Hop. If you know the movie King Kong, he finally wound up in New York City, where he created quite a stir for the local citizens. Being targeted by the government, and castrated by the media. First people knew me as only Lix, but I became Kong once I finally understood the inner workings of this HipHop industry. My management team has reached out to most of the labels in New York, and have been turned away, Like Jay-Z once was. Now, I plan to cause trouble in New York until people respect me as one of the best rappers alive. I added the “dot” because as we all know “dot” connects people to the internet. Without that dot your nothing on the internet. People I know and MySpace fans always tell me I got this internet marketing game on lock, so in essence Lix dot Kong can also stand for the King of the internet.
How is your networking game?
I feel like without networking, you’re not going to make it in any area of life. HipHop is 90% networking. Of course you have to have the talent to make it. But, some artists feel that having one hit is good too. The kind of network you have directly determines the level of success you will have. If you don’t have a network, please put the music down for a few months, and build up your network. I am quiet at times, especially when I’m in social settings in New York, but I have learned over time that people respect confidence. So, I learned to be confident and make sure that I have something to bring to the table when I meet new people for business.
How has growing up in numerous cities shaped your appreciation for artistic expression?
Seattle taught me to be more creative within myself when doing music. Seattle is the alternative capitol of the world; Home to Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Kobain, Nirvana, Sir- Mix- A-Lot, and Bruce Lee. New York, as well, is a melting pot of different ideas. New York has definitely raised me from a boy to a man. I love Newark, NJ and New York for opening my eyes to new ways of thinking.
How did you hook up with Tha Dogg Pound?
I hooked up with Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound through a contest they were having on Allhiphop.com. Daz Dillinger was looking for new artists for his record label, and I was picked to form a group called DP Next Generation. We traveled to a few states together and shot some video fottage and that was about it. I teamed up with a DJ from France named DJ Suarez, who works alongside Snoop Dogg and JT Tha Bigga Figga’s camp. So, we were able to secure production from Snoop Dogg, for my single F Pac n Dogg Pound. The song is getting worldwide radio airplay, from Italy, to Germany, and a few places in between.
Tell me about the mixtape, Hip Hop Still Raised In The Street.
HipHop Still Raised in the Street is a compilation built around West Coast artists. The West Coast never really gets the respect it deserves for taking HipHop to the next level. So, we’ve always had to get our love from the streets. That’s why we titled it, Hip Hop Still Raised in the Street. I am happy the album finally made it to itunes, Napster, Emusic, and Rhapsody. It was worth the struggle.
What’s next on your agenda?
I just finished up an incredible mixtape called Super Hero Music. Everyone should download it from my MySpace website. I am also currently doing a side project called Legendary Lix, I am working on this album with Deez, and DDG Entertainment in East Orange, NJ. They work out of a studio owned and operated by the Legendary Kool and The Gang. Be on the lookout for this album by winter of 2008. This album will have the feel of a Blueprint album by Jay-Z; lots of samples, and very heavy wordplay. Stories about my life, and some lessons for people still caught in the struggle; And of course, some political topics. I love that stuff. The album will also have a feel of DoggyStyle, by Snoop Dogg. That was a great album. But, it will be all Lix. Also, I just finished a mixtape for South France called The Mary Jane Mixtape. It’s hosted by DJ Madgik.
How are you different from other rappers/entrepreneurs in the game?
Well, I am actually one of the only unsigned rappers I know with his own social networking websites, built from the ground up. I own a website called www.ItsRoomy.com, and a site called www.Gashcamea.com. So, that should tell you, that I’m attaining to get that Jay-Z type money. My words are more alive than some other rappers. If you listen closely, my words are on a broader spectrum than just bragging’, or telling another hood story. Just because I don’t sound like Tupac, doesn’t mean my music isn’t just as uplifting. People just need to listen a little closer. I’m like Tupac was before the record deals; when the music wasn’t mastered, and he was in smaller studios. I think fans want everyone to have mixed and mastered songs all the time. I have those, but I still have songs I release that I record in my bedroom. Now, that’s HipHop.
Visit Lix dot Kong at www.myspace.com/lix360.
And check out www.ItsRoomy.com
