(photo Credit: Dirty Glove Bastards)
Starlito is no stranger to the A3C festival stage, and returns in 2015, as the headliner for the HoodStock Showcase. The Tennessee native is a master story teller who’s Giving Reality Inspired New Direction towards Having A Real Dream; the meaning of the GRIND HARD (acronym) and something to keep on your radar. Starlito has put in work and has a voluminous repertoire of music. This rapper’s utility of the poetic form integrates effortlessly with his melodies. There’s pure genius in how he offers up his life to the listener.
“Introversion” his latest release is a visceral experience. Without permission, Starlito examines his state of mind. After, the review of himself; he asks the listener in ‘Real Spill’…what’s your life like?
It seems effortless, that you balance the mix of what is conscious and what is real in your lyric. How do you achieve this?
Well…it’s not in balance. Growing up in the ‘hood’ environment is ruff. I believe the people in the hood are conscious. I think it’s more common than you might think. There’s a will to get out or do better. I’ve seen a lot of negativity and cant’ down the street life or even glorify the life. There’s knowledge and wisdom that comes from this ‘hood’ and it encourages me. Being ‘hood-conscious’ is like awakening what is real in me. The fact that there is violence or hustling; that’s a byproduct of that consciousness and I put that in the verse.
So far, in your career, what is your greatest accomplishment?
It’s all about your perspective. New fans and a good following, is an accomplishment. I’ve been doing this for a while without ties to a parent label; just my own. Yet, there’s no standard measurement of growth in the ‘underground.’ Everything that is measurable comes from how I’ve created an audience. What’s the truth about what I do…I reach people without the radio. I reach people through medians that are more difficult. I feel it’s a true connection when I play a show and release my content. The people cling to it; know all the words, download, and view the music. That’s their choice…that’s all on their own. That’s a break through with the music. That’s the accomplishment.
A3C Festival is important to you and it’s not you first time. So, what is about the festival that makes it a must stop for an artist?
The comradery of artists at A3C Festival is special. People come here from everywhere to network because of their common paths. I remember, in 2011 my first time at A3C, I was able to link and connect with artist and producers. Rubbing shoulders with people I was even fans of at the time. That Texas vibe was like root music. That’s when I met Killa Kyleon and I was performing a set with Dontrip my Stepbrother. Everyone knew each other’s words and we all rocked together. Since then, we’ve worked together in the lab; creating studio time down in Texas with different producers. They became my extended musical family. A3C is a gateway I would not have connects without playing the A3C stage we need this for building different working relationships. It’s a must do stage to play.
See him on Oct 8th at The Department Store (467 Edgewood Ave. SE) for the HoodStock Art & Music Showcase.
