“New York, New York – The city so nice, they had to name it twice.” As the birthplace of hip-hop culture, if an MC can make it in this city he can make it anywhere.
The rap industry’s recent fascination with Southern pimps and Midwest ballers, however, has many questioning whether NYC’s vintage, gritty sound still stands a chance in these crunk-crazed times. If Harlem-bred rapper Loaded Lux has anything to say about it, the crown will return to the Big Apple soon enough.
After appearing on numerous mixtapes and on a recent Smack DVD battle, Lux has acquired enough buzz to release “Locked & Loaded” – a collection of tracks and freestyles showcasing his talent on the mic. As the Harlem newcomer transitions from neighborhood battles to full-time studio sessions, Lux hopes to follow the footsteps of former battlers-turned-mainstream artists such as Jay-Z, DMX, and Lloyd Banks. But can his battle skills translate into record sales? In the words of Harlem’s own Mason Betha: “No need to stand up, Harlem, because we never sat down.”