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One Be Lo Interview: SXSW 2010

One Be LoWriting rhymes and sampling records since junior high school, hip hop artist, activist and Pontiac, MI native One Be Lo is a force to be reckoned with. After a successful two year run with Senim Silla as Binary Star, One Be Lo struck out on his own in 2002, releasing his first album 'F.e.t.u.s' on the record label he helped start, Subterraneous Records. His smart and socially conscious lyrics are laid over compelling beats, creating a sound that has lead him to share the stage with performers such as Wu Tang Clan, KRS One, Lupe Fiasco and more. Spinner caught up with him before he performs at SXSW to promote his fourth album, 'Baby,' due out this spring.


How did One Be Lo come to be?

The name One Be Lo is a name I always used but never intended for it to be my main identity. I ended switching from One Man Army to One Be Lo because there was a punk band with the same name. My label at the time and I thought it would be best to avoid any legal battles, so I changed it to One Be Lo.

Describe your sound in your own words.

I would describe my sound to be universal. My words are the voice of the people.

What are your musical influences?

Life and the pursuit of happiness.

What's the story behind your name?

One Be Lo has a few different names. 'Be,' as in there is only one me. Or 'Below' as in below the surface, below freezing. And 'Lo' as in me.

Have you been to SXSW before? What's in your festival survival kit?

I played SXSW like ten years ago. My festival survivor kit is full of marketing materials and contact info. It's important for people to remember who I am and how to reach me after the festival.

Anything you can't go on tour without?

The only thing I feel like I can't go without is my cellphone.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

No comment. [It'd be] so much to type here.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Not sure if I have one. I like what I like, and don't like what I don't like.

What's your dream collaboration with another musician or artist?

As far as lyricists, I'd say Nas. On the beats, DJ Premiere.

Any upcoming projects or albums?

I have an album scheduled to drop in the spring, called 'Baby.' I feel it's my best album to date, or at least most cohesive.


Courtney Gillette is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.

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