L.E.G.A.C.Y. (which stands for Life Ends Gradually And Changes You) is a member of North Carolina’s Justus League, a crew that became very famous in the independent hip-hop world due to the incredible success of “The Listening” LP by Little Brother. Fans heard Legacy on “So Fabulous”. 9th Wonder, Little Brother and Justus League’s producer is gaining more and more respect with every beat. Legacy is about to release his solo LP “Project Mayhem” but to give people a taste, he put out “Legclusives” completely by himself. With production entirely by 9th Wonder, “Legclusives” is a very entertaining 10-track peak into the life of Legacy. “Nice” is an incredible track which samples Greg Nice for the hook. “Insomnia” is a true story about the stress and torture of not being able to get a good night’s sleep while “Marla’s Got A One Track Mind” is a unique take on Diamond D’s classic “Sally’s Got A One Track Mind”. Legacy has creative themes, sharp lyrics, a dynamite flow, and excellent production by 9th Wonder to back him up. In the spirit of Lone Catalysts, Five Deez, Little Brother, and others, Legacy is the future of intelligent independent hip-hop. Legacy’s legacy has just begun!

T.JONES: “What goes on?”
LEGACY: “Staying on the grind. I mean life of a rock star gets hectic.”

T.JONES: “The new album is called ‘Legclusives’. Tell us about it?”
LEGACY:  “It’s not an album exactly. It’s more like a prelude to the official album, ‘Project Mayhem’. I just had to give the people something to quench their thirst for now.”

T.JONES: “It is completely independently put out. Around how much money did it cost?”
LEGACY: “Next to nothing compared to what was made off of it. I mean, no label and I pretty much have people that handle everything as far as artwork, getting them pressed, and sent out for Internet orders and what not.”

T.JONES: “Will a full length proper LP come out on a label? What label?”
LEGACY: “I was gonna ask you the same thing. (Laughs) We're in talks with some labels can't really say right now, but hopefully early to mid 04. Until then, the 12 inch single will be available.”

T.JONES: “Do you have a favorite song on ‘Legclusives’’?”
LEGACY: “Honestly, I like ‘Insomnia’. I mean it's one of 9th Wonder's darker tracks, which he tends to throw at me and I do my best work on those. Plus, the concept was real. I really couldn't sleep for like 2-3 months. Also, it is the only song that will surface on ‘Project Mayhem’ from ‘Legsclusives’ album.”

T.JONES: “What song took you the longest to do? Why?”
LEGACY: “Around these parts, songs don't take long at all. I mean we Justus League, don't waist studio time. Me, personally, if the beat is laid, I'll take a few minutes to do the vocals and it's a wrap.”

T.JONES: “The shortest?”
LEGACY: “It has got to be something I did with 9th Wonder. I mean we get in and get out, under a few minutes, I would say.”

T.JONES: “When making hip-hop songs, do you go into the studio with pre-written rhymes, lyrics, and themes or do you hear the beat first and write then and there?”
LEGACY: “It all depends on the situation. Most of ‘Project Mayhem’ was pre-written and a lot of that material for that album was recorded about a year and a half ago. My more recent work, I write on the spot. It might actually come out better. I mean there is real talent in the Justus League. I mean Little Brother are spot writers, Median is also a dope spot writer.”

T.JONES: “How did you meet and hook up with Little Brother and Justus League?”
LEGACY: “Through League member Mike Burv, I already knew 9th Wonder. I didn't know he made beats and he didn't know I rhymed. We were just co-workers and what not. Anyway, Mike Burv heard some previous material I had. I guess he saw something in me, just wasn't feeling the beats so he took me to 9th. Eventually, we recorded our 1st song together ‘Shine’, which was supposed to be on 9th's compilation ‘The Dream Merchant’. It turned out dope. I started building with those cats. I was asked in a few weeks and a few songs later.”

T.JONES: “When did you first begin rhyming?”
LEGACY: “I wrote my 1st rhyme ages ago, maybe 16 years ago. I was discouraged by my older brother so, I hung it up for a while. I didn't take it serious until about 94.”

T.JONES: “What happened with your brother that made you get discouraged?”
LEGACY: “He pretty much laughed at my feeble attempt of a written rhyme. I mean really laughed while reading the paper. I left the rhyme thing alone for at least 6 to 7 years. I didn't get back into it until some of my people started a group and started making moves. Well, what I thought was making moves.”

T.JONES: “What song made you fall in love with hip-hop?”
LEGACY: “That's a tuffy. I mean my 1st tape I ever had of my own was Melle Mel and the Furious 5’s 'The Greatest Man Alive’. The same time my brother got LL Cool J ‘I’m Bad’. I pretty much wanted to be like my older brother, so I listened to that LL harder then I listened to my own tape. It has got to be something from that album.”

T.JONES: “What is the meaning behind your name?”
LEGACY: “Life Ends Gradually And Changes You. I mean you're living at the same time you're dying and the in between time, you go through changes.”

T.JONES: “You have a song called ‘Insomnia’. Do you really have trouble sleeping? What would you do?”
LEGACY: “At the time that song was recorded, I did have problems sleeping. I mean that hook was real! I really was ‘up all night just staring at the ceiling’. I mean I knew the television lineup from 11 pm to maybe 6 am.”

T.JONES: “How did you get through your days?”
LEGACY: “That is, when I would finally fall asleep, sometime in the afternoon, I would just try to find something to fill my time until I just passed out.”

T.JONES: “What emcee/group would you like to collaborate with in the future?”
LEGACY: “I can't really say too many emcees or rap-related people I want to work with. I'd rather work with like Rob, what's his name, from Matchbox 20 or Dido or Bjork. The lead singer from Silver Chair or something along those lines.”

T.JONES: “What producer would you like to collaborate with in the future?”
LEGACY: “There are a few producers in rap that I would like to work with. I mean Primo, DJ Premier. I like Kanye West. I like a lot Dr. Dre's work.”

T.JONES: “What has been in your CD player or on your turntable recently?”
LEGACY: “The new Mary J. Blige has been in rotation for a while now. I'm loving that Andre 3000 ‘The Love Below’ disc. I mean I mainly listen to my crew and affiliates new material. I got some new Median songs, some new Away Team, Chaundon, some Jo Scudda, along with my man K Hill. I mean this music does it for me more so then that plastic stuff in the industry.”

T.JONES: “What was the last incident of racism you experienced?”
LEGACY: “I can't really recall off the head. That’s a good question indeed. I really haven't run into any racial situation recently, though it is still a major factor in this oppressive society.”

T.JONES: “Abortion. Are you pro-choice or pro-life?”
LEGACY: “It depends on the situation. As far as abortion, the only way I can condone it is if a woman is raped and impregnated.”

T.JONES: “Death penalty. Are you for or against it?”
LEGACY: “For, if it is deserving.”

T.JONES "Where were you on Sept. 11th (The World Trade Center Terrorist Attack)? How did you deal with it? How do you think it has affected music?"
LEGACY: “I was actually at the crib. I was lying on the couch when I just flipped the T.V. on. That was the realest sh*t I've seen on T.V. I mean my Aunt was in The Pentagon when the plane hit there. I mean there was panic for a minute, couldn't get a hold of her for a while. All the cell phones were down but we found out she was good and it was a relief. As far as music, I've heard a lot of 9-11 songs and what not. A lot of artists started making songs with their hearts again.”

T.JONES: “What was it like growing up in North Carolina? What type of kid were you? A bad kid? A good kid?”
LEGACY: “Yeah, I was a bad kid for real. I mean, I was always into sh*t. I mean, fights, and school suspensions and court. I was a loose cannon.”

T.JONES: “What do you do for a living besides music?”
LEGACY: “Since early this year, music has been it for me.”

T.JONES: “What is the worst hip-hop fad?”
LEGACY: “Ice. It is so materialistic as opposed to investing in something to get money back. These shallow ‘rap guys’ encourage blowing it on expensive jewelry.”

T.JONES: “Word association time. I’m going to say a name of a group/emcee and you say the first word that pops in your head. So, if I say ‘Chuck D’, you may say ‘Revolution’. Okay?”
LEGACY: “I can dig it.”
T.JONES: “Little Brother”
LEGACY: “Throwback.”
T.JONES: “The Lone Catalysts”
LEGACY: “Not familiar.”
T.JONES: “Slum Village”
LEGACY: “Beats.”
T.JONES: “Eminem”
LEGACY: “Lyricist.”
T.JONES: “50 Cent”
LEGACY: “Pop.”
T.JONES: “Del The Funky Homosapien”
LEGACY: “The past.”
T.JONES: “Common”
LEGACY: “Come back.”
T.JONES: “Nas”
LEGACY: “Lyricist.”
T.JONES: “Noreaga”
LEGACY: “Done.”
T.JONES: “Nelly”
LEGACY: “Bullsh*t.”
T.JONES: “Gil-Scott Heron”
LEGACY: “Talent.”
T.JONES: “George Bush”
LEGACY: “Dumb *ss.”

T.JONES: “What do you think hip-hop or music (in general) needs these days?”
LEGACY: “More originality. I mean nobody cares about making their own songs. Whatever's popular, other cats imitate. The labels don't help by signing clones. They are like ‘Whoever is big, Let's find somebody that sounds like them. Oh Jay-Z? Let's get somebody that sounds like him! 50's hot. Let's get our own 50.’ I mean everybody's sounding alike these days with very few exceptions.”

T.JONES: “What is the biggest mistake that you made in your career?”
LEGACY: “Choosing to run with certain people a few years back. A manager if you will that chances are if it weren't for him I would probably be where I should be right now. That and not going solo sooner then I did. I tried that group thing a couple times.”

T.JONES: “What are some major misconceptions that people have of you?”
LEGACY: “There are a lot of misconceptions. I'm an *sshole (I've heard that one before). I don't know how to act. I have an ego etc., etc. It's nothing of the sort. Honestly, I'm just brutally honest and it rubs some people the wrong way. As far as the ego, nah. I wouldn't say that. I do think I'm better then other rappers but that's just how I feel. I'm good people though.”

T.JONES: “The song ‘Marla’s Got A One Track Mind’ is a loose remake of ‘Sally Got A One Track Mind’. What was it about the original song that you loved so much?”
LEGACY: “That was a better time for music. I mean, I remember seeing that video on Rap City and just losing it. The beat was sick and I loved that Diamond D album. I just wanted to show people versatility by dropping a little story in there. ‘Marla Got A One Track Mind’. I mean, Marla was the main character in the movie ‘Fight Club’ so we ran it.”

T.JONES: “If you could re-make any other classic hip-hop song, what would it be?”
LEGACY: “‘I Used To Love Her’ by Common that's with the Sense.”

T.JONES: “What is your favorite part of your live show?”
LEGACY: “The beginning. The whole build up, calm before the storm type thing. Back to the calm for the middle, then finishing with a bang.”

T.JONES: “How has your live show evolved?”
LEGACY: “I watch the tapes from a couple years back from time to time and I just interact with the crowd better now. I feed into them. I entertain, not just standing in one spot, rapping like the typical ‘rap dudes’ do. People pay money to see a show, I try to give them a show.”

T.JONES: “What is the illest thing you have ever seen during a live show?”
LEGACY: “Probably one of the illest I can think of right now would be in 2001. The Justus League had a show in Chapel Hill. League member Chaundon steps on stage and the lights go out. Dude kept going like ‘what the f*ck is power for?’ He had the crowd in his hand just wylin’ even in the dark. It was some sh*t I will always remember.”

T.JONES: “Do you want to be cremated or buried?”
LEGACY: “That's a question I haven't seen in an interview before. I'll have to go with the traditional burial if I had to choose.”

T.JONES: “What do you want on your epitaph?”
LEGACY: “That dude was ill.”

T.JONES: “How is 9th Wonder’s production style different from other producers?”
LEGACY: “9th Wonder’s sound is ever-changing. He has beats in the stash that sound like nothing else out there. He also makes tracks that cater to the particular artist as long as they are dope emcees or singers or whatever. He's gonna have new sounds.”

T.JONES: “When Little Brother’s ‘The Listening’ came out, Justus League blew up and of course, you were a part of it. What was that like? How did the love for ‘The Listening’ change your life?”
LEGACY: “It was all a whirlwind. I hear everything last as it is. ‘Little Brother gotta deal’ or ‘Little Brother's in The Source’ or ‘They got a show with such in such in such and such city’. I mean, I was on the outside looking in, like ‘Damn! These cats are really doing it!’ I was in the dugout with the rest of the team like ‘Yeah, hit a homer! Bring it home!’ Justus League brought a lot of attention on the rest of us and since then, I have been trying to focus on staying consistent and keeping the buzz going.”

T.JONES: “How has Justus League and Little Brother changed due to the success of ‘The Listening’?”
LEGACY: “They are some of the most humble cats you can ever meet, especially, Little Brother. After all the things they've accomplished in the last year and half, they are still grounded. I mean cats are busy so we're not all together a lot but when it happens, we're still on some sit around clowning, shooting the breeze type shit. Just building.”

T.JONES: “Is your album going to be the next release by Justus League? If not, what is the next release by Justus League?”
LEGACY: “I hope my album is next. It's been a long time coming for ‘Project Mayhem’ but I waited this long. What's a little longer? Next up are 12-inch singles by The Away Team and myself on Hall Of Justus / Fat Beats. Then, the next release will be the next Justus League mix-tape ‘Hall of Justus Presents’ by DJ Flash with unreleased material from everybody. After that, I believe Big Pooh of Little Brother will be dropping his 12-inch. We've got a lot of projects on deck like The Away Team's full length, Median, EAF and more.”

T.JONES: “As an emcee, who are some of your influences?”
LEGACY: “I don't have a lot or rap influences. I mean, you believe in a rapper and think they're the next ish and sooner or later, they let you down. Influences? Jim Morrison of The Doors, Kurt Kobain, Jimi Hendrix. The legends.”

T.JONES: “What are some of your favorite movies?”
LEGACY: “I like movies you have to watch to really get. ‘Fight Club’. That's obvious. ‘Pulp Fiction’ is one of my favorites. Plus, I like the gritty flicks like 'Scarface’, ‘Casino’, ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Carlito's Way’. They are classics but I also like the slept on joints like ‘Snatch’ and ‘Memento’.”

T.JONES: “What kind of women do you like?”
LEGACY: “The biggest ones I can find! (Laughs) Nah, I'm playing. I mean, sweet but with a gutter side. Not too passive but not too aggressive. The perfect mix, right in the middle. The lady in public but porn star in the bedroom type. Oh yeah, they have to be attractive. (Laughs).”

T.JONES: “Turn ons? Turn offs?”
LEGACY: “Turn ons are good smell, personality, substance, ambition. Some turn offs? The smallest thing can set me off. Breath, savage eating habits, bad shoes, nasty attitude.”

T.JONES: “How would you describe living in North Carolina?”
LEGACY: “It's gotten more urban. You used to see or think it was all tobacco fields and farmland and bullsh*t, all basketball etc. There are a lot of other things popping off here and a lot of out of towners come here and get surprised. We have everything that's everywhere else here. I'm from here and I love it here no matter what, ups and downs.”

T.JONES: “What was the lowest thing you ever did for money?”
LEGACY: “I can't really say for it could still incriminate me. Let's just say that I've been low and got my hands dirty when I was younger.”

T.JONES: “What is next in the future for Legacy?”
LEGACY: “Keep this thing moving. We got the snowball effect right now. It just keeps getting bigger. I keep banging shows out in different places. I will make more classic songs. I take no breaks from the studio. I got the recording ethic of Pac. In work, carry my own weight, stay out of trouble. (Laughs). I plan on doing more of these fly interviews and sh*t. I'm starting to get the hang of them. I keep some material out there and let the people judge me. I take it day by day.”

T.JONES: “What collaborations should we look out for?”
LEGACY: “I mean some bigger things in the fetal stages right now. I can't really speak on those until they're fully developed but of course, there are Justus League and JL related projects. Check for me on mix-tapes and compilations.”

T.JONES: “Any final words for the people who are reading this?”
LEGACY: “Just stay tuned. Support The Justus League. We are the next generation. We are the trendsetters now. We might be the last ones that won't let you down. Don't like us now? You'll love us later! My album ‘Project Mayhem’ will change everything! Oh yeah, ‘I'm a Rock star’! Check out the websites:  www.papergods.com and www.littlebrother.com and of course, www.ihatelegacy.com ”