The Hi Times of a Lo Life: Rack-Lo interview

In the late 80's and early 90's there was one particular street crew that defined style in the New York City streets. The Lo-Lifes, formed in 1988 in Brooklyn, NY was and still is the major fashion influence in the world of hip-hop. The crew was made up of two major boosting crews from St. Johns and Utica and from Marcus Garvey Village in Brooklyn and now has chapters in Philly, New England, France, Germany and Japan. Through high profile smash and grab raids on New York and Philly's top retail outlets such as Macy's, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales, the Lo Lifes single handedly made Ralph Laurens clothing lines a must have in the hood. This trend stands today with the inflated prices of select items on E-Bay that have become collectors items due to the shortage of inventory in stores throughout the 90's. Rack-Lo is not only an Original Lo-Life but one of the founding members of this family. Just as Michael Corleone sought to legitimize the "family business", through branding and music, Rack-Lo is on the same mission.

What events have brought you to this very point in your life. 

Man, it's been a real crazy journey for me thus far. Event wise it dates back to public school and junior high school. You know that era when I first started to develop that Rack-Lo mentality. That consisted of me carving out a place in history and being apart of a historical ground breaking legendary crew. The events in my life have been crazy from street life to college to being shot and almost loosing my life to  having a family, becoming a father and getting married to giving up doing crime, to being an educator to changing my life from negative to positive, to having sustained a Hip Hop career as a Artist to traveling the world and much more. As far as the Lo-Life side of things, I have spear headed the movement with the creation of POLOPARTIES  and the weekly, monthly and annual fashion cultural lifestyle events that people all over the world have become use to and apart of.  

How have you made the transition from world famous shoplifter to emcee and businessman?

Well, even when I was a Shoplifter I was a business man. I literally operated a business and had over head, products, clientele and made huge profits. But here's the funny thing, I never paid for my products sold. So I was a slick business man. It was the opposite for me. Instead of spending money or investing into the business I invested my time, travels and risk of my freedom being taken away. And that meant going to jail for my daily actions. So it was a real risky business. So the business side of things came naturally for me. But that's how I went about doing business in my street days, now I approach business from a professional standpoint. The way it should be done. However, I definitely studied the industry and learned all those important things that breed careers of longevity. And I think that's how I was able to last this long because I understood the "power of self investment" early on. Mceeing was something that I was introduced to early on as a kid in Brownsville Brooklyn. I pretty much come from a Hip Hop family. It only took for me to hear Rakim and Eric B's (My Melody) and that was when I decided to catch wreck on the mic and leave my stamp. But all of the skills and traits that I have developed and mastered in all those aspects you asked about, they are all transitional to me in my everyday life. I'm very adaptable and I consider myself to be a "peoples person" so I apply my life skills and know how efficiently according to my surroundings and the situation that I'm in and to come out victorious.

When did you start to rap, how did the music thing first start to pop for you?

When I started rapping it was a freestyle sport to me. Around 1993 I was apart of a group called Murdah Ink and we had a production deal with Dj Twins (RedMan's) Dj's. That was my real first exposure to the game and really pushing forward hard body with the music. Me and my partner were on a mission. We felt like nobody in the world was better than us and we literally drove around looking for MC's to battle. I mean we were thirsty for competition. It was a blood sport to us. I loved that era man! But, I kept the music going and never stopped. I have been consistent and have been releasing quality music for the people. I think I have created a Rack-Lo sound if you will. 

Explain your style of music and how does it relate to your style of dressing?

My music is a straight reflection of my life. It's like everything is related and that's why the Rack-Lo brand is so special. The content of the music is a reflection of how I live(d) and the fashion is a way of life that stems from the same culture as the music. For me, my music fashion, lifestyle and growth all came together quite well due to me being a Hip Hop connuersuier. Even with me introducing my "Rackoon" clothing line it's a testament of my love for fashion beyond Polo. I have been a fashion dude since I can remember and I know people are looking for me to expand my taste but also provide something for them that soley represents Rack-Lo and that's the Rackoon line. I'm so excited about the Rackoon concept and development. 

How does music effect the overall growth of the Lo Life movement?

Music is a vehicle we use to express our creativity and art. And at the same time through music I have gotten to travel across the world. Music is also one of the elements of entertainment that helps us pay the bills. So it's very instrumental in the growth and constant expansion in the Lo-Life culture. Music is a way for us to connect with all of our fans across the globe. It's away for us to keep the lifestyle alive while also becoming trailblazing career and business men.  And furthermore, I love creating music and controlling steps to put it out on my terms. Ultimately, I'm looking to have my music reach as much underground and commercial success as possible. 

Who have you worked with

Up to this point in my career, I have really been a self made artist. Meaning, I have not relied on collaborations to much in the past. On all of my projects thus far, I have handled pretty much all of the lyricism, song writing all the way to the manufacturing and packaging. However, I have been featured on tracks with; Sadat X (Brand Nubian) and Professor X of X Clan, and Rampage (Flip mode) as far as signed Artists. And as far as mixtape remixes I appeared on songs with Styles P, Talib Kweili, Keith Murray, Buckshot and Little Brother. I have graced the same stage and performed on the same bill as; Eminem, Dead Prez, Public Enemy, Dilated Peoples, Pharoah Monch and the list goes on. In terms of the Rack-Lo journalism and being a writer I have done articles on and interviewed the likes of; Boot Camp Clik, CL Smooth, DJ Quick, X Clan, SMACK, Layzie Bone etc. That's Rack-Lo being a Foriegn Correspondent.

Who would you like to work with in the future

Man, I'm open to work with a lot of people. Before anything I'm a fan of the music and Hip Hop and It's producers, designers and artists and stylists that I would like to work with both underground and commercial.  But as far as my next project which I'm working on now "Aracknofoebia" The Art of Webslinging Pt. 2  - my dream feature list would be; Sadat X, Sean Price, Lil Fame (MOP) and the Cella Dwellas. I think those Artists would be ideal to have on this project. Plus I'm a big fan of all their music. I'm still working on the project and def looking to connect with those artists and possibly more.  I'm looking to Aracknofoebia Pt.2  out for the 1st quarter of 2012.

What countries and cities have you traveled to?

Oh, I've been to a lot of places through the grace of Hip Hop and my talents. I've had the priviledge to travel to; Sweden, Norway, Amsterdam, London, Germany and Denmark. As far America I have been to many places cities and states and performed live. I would def like to travel whereever Hip Hop is live at and Rack-Lo can get access and clearance to rock live. I'm looking to hit; Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria and Poland soon.. But I'm ready to travel and get out there for sure.

Your best experience on the road and favorite place?

Probably seeing the entire crowd in Gothenberg Sweden come to our show Polo Down. Another time when we were performing at Bernies in Ohio and the place went nuts bizerk. I mean slam dancing and all. It was crazy energy in that piece. I can't front, my favorite place so far would have to be Amsterdam. Its all that I imagined it would be. I had a great time there and the Hip Hop fans are the truth for sure. I like going to Europe to perform live. It's always good to do. I can't wait to get back over there.

Explain the POLOPARTIES site, what's that all about?

POLOPARTIES is our events and parties blog where all of the heads who are into Polo fashion or just fashion in general can  blog at. It's a place for them to create their official fashion Polo page, network, sell and trade Polo, and become apart of the official Brooklyn fashion movement Lo-Lifes. The site is packed with fashion videos and photos that date back to the 1980's. It's a portal where al of our events are broadcasted.It also serves as a Rack-Lo gig and event guide. Visitors can catch Rack-Lo The Polo Godfather lighting up NYC's fashion district (TAj) and other major NYC night clubs. It's like I'm bringing the party life right to the web. So if any member miss a party they can still catch the photos and videos live of us at the party. Our presence in the clubs once again gives us leverage to further promote our brands and solidify our place in new Hip Hop history. At poloparties it's polo heads and Lo-Lifes from all over the world on on there representing. So log on and see what it's about and sign up and become a member. The goal is to have that elite lo cult all under the same roof..

What's in the future for Rack-Lo? When it's all said and sone, how do you want to be remembered?

The future for Rack-Lo is more and more music at a higher level commercial wise. For the summer of 2011 I shot (5) music videos that have and will be premiering online soon they are; "Talking To The Dead" feat. Lo-Wife, "Flyest In The City" feat. Seminole Sport, "Polo Girlfriend", "Dressed To Kill" feat. Seminole Sport and "My Polo Teddy Bear". With the exception of "Talking To The Dead" these videos were in accordance with my new mixtape "Polo Kings" Vol. 3 - Attack On The Clones. So yes, I had a slew of videos and tight visuals to accompany and support the music for peoples liking and enjoyment. Honestly, I feel like when it comes to hard work, consistency and carrying this torch I get that award and I take the rocognition. The Rackoon clothing line is a main agenda for me right now. I'm really trying to get that out there. I have a series of Lo-Life dvd documentaries I'm producing. The first one was the Lo-Life Polo BBQ Documentary in which I released on June 30th and volume 2 will be coming soon.  This Lo-Life series is based around True Lo-Life Stories... The tales and expriences people love to hear. As you know, I also created the Polo fashion jewelry that consist of; p wing pendants, LL Cookie medallions, keychains and the pioneer pony pendants. These pieces are groundbreaking and quality and long lasting. People can order the pendants, dvd's, cd's, rackoon clothing line at RACKLO.NET Event wise,  I coordinate and host monthly events and parties throughout NYC's party scene. Along with the video shoots, photo shoots and fashion shows we are busy over here. And all of these events and functions keep the Lo culture united on one front world wide. And wow, that's a great thing to be bringing to the table. That's powerful!! So I do the annual "Lo-Life Polo BBQ", "Lo Goose On The Duece", "Easter Sunday Photo shoot @ Macy's 34th Street", "Fresh Fly Rich In Lo Knits", " 4th of July RL American Flag Photo shoot" and "The Polo Beach Party". These events have become staples in the LL fashion movement and beyond. We do them on a annual basis. But we are expanding our events with the inclusion of our soon to come Polo Yacht Cruise and Polo Sking Trip. I'm also working with my Artist Seminole Sport too. So far we have released his mixtape "American History" and about to drop his 2nd offering "The Big Bad Wolf". Yall can check him out in 2 of the videos I just premiered he's featured. So when it comes to Rack-Lo for the future my eyes are set on; TV, Movies, Books (Author), Modeling, Journalism, Musician (Artist), CEO, Designer, Stylist, Director, Husband, Father, Entreprenuer, Community Activist, Educator and whatever else I venture off into. I just want to make the best of this experience, popularity and notoriety while enriching the lives of others for the better.. As I said, I'm a people person and family is everything to me. Check me out on facebook at and twitter.

Shout outs?

Shout out to Filadel Castro and Frank151 for giving me this shine. To all of my fallen Lo-Life brothers resting in Polo, I do this for them (RIP), To all Lo-Lifes locked behind the gates right now keep holding up and hit these streets soon, To my real life wife and Lo-Wife "Shileena", your a trooper and we are going out like barney and clyde girl, To all Lo-Lifes doing music keep banging out them classics the legacy lives on, Welcome home Face-Lo (One of the Realest), To my global lo family no matter where your at, The Polo Godfather is repping yall so suit up Polo Dons, Big ups to my videoographer Cesar Macay putting in serious work with the Polo Godfather and to all of the Rack-Lo and Lo-Life Supporters out there THANK YOU!!! I can't forget my dj DJ Mathmatics out of Australia.. He's repping hard body with the true DJ skills.  And finally my Producer ONE 5 out of New Zealand and the new dope Producer Leaf Balrog I linked up with for Aracknofoebia Pt. 2 .. Peace!!

...and there you have it fam, direct from the Polo God Father, the low down on the LO down. Ya know how I play...peep the pics, click the links and watch the vids. Until next time, putcha two L's up and watch ya body shun! Castro, over and out!