Napoleon Da Legend Interview

A Fist of the North Star Ken Shiro anime super fan pellegrino sipping next lev B-balling lyrical emcee appreciating dope MC’s. Big Up! Gotta luv it! The first time we heard Napolean Da Legend was at S.O.B.S in NYC at a Pharoah Monch show a lil while back.

Out front and center his twist on Smooth The Hustlers and Trigger The Gamblers “BROKEN LANGUAGE” was so ill Sick that it could’ve brought the HONG KONG flu back to Varrick Street at that… It was just Insanely nuts. Three thumbs up without a doubt and a Rap evolution fist pump for NAPOLEON…THE LEGEND…MICROPHONE CHECK 1-2-1-2..

Peace Napoleon Da Legend you got that name from the courts, where did you live then?? Where’s home now?

At that point I lived in Maryland and also often in Washington, DC. where I would play in many leagues, rec centers and playgrounds. I currently live in Brooklyn, NY.

Exactly how long have you been emceeing?

I would say for over a decade now. However, I wasn’t always as focused when it came to it. I thought I was more focused than I actually was, but perspective and perception is everything. When I made the move to Brooklyn, that’s when I really got my “feet wet” so to speak and getting a true understanding of what it took for me to get my music out there how I would envision it.

Art is an on-going process of self-discovery. I’m on my own “Hero’s Journey”, my family left France to move to DC to improve our lives, and I had to leave Maryland and move to Brooklyn to find myself and get this music thing to click.

Who are some of your infuencers when it comes to rhyming skills?

There are so many. I am a fan of Hip-Hop and in particular of the Emceeing aspect. From Kool G Rap, Nas, Big Pun, Jay Z, Wu-Tang, Pharaoh Monch, AZ, Ice Cube, Pharcyde, Tribe to Busta Rhymes, Elzhi, Royce The 5’9, Killa Priest, Jaz O, Lauryn Hill, Joe Budden, Jadakiss… I can literally go on for days and still forget some names.

I like artists who you can tell are sharp, careful and deliberate with their wording and flow. Those who exhibit style but also have something to say.

Favorite dj(s) hip hop or afro beat??

I like DJ Iron (DC), DJ Bazarro, Evil Dee, Boogie Blind, DJ Eclipse, DJ Fab and DJ Poska… People like that. Too many to name in that category as well.

Favorite beverage?

I enjoy Pellegrino (straight sparkling water), a nice cold beer (IPA’s). Once in a blue, I can down a fresh squeeze guava juice or something like that. Depends on the mood and what foods it can accompany. Filtered water does the trick too, it don’t have to be fancy or nothing. Some people in the world don’t even have access to that.

How do you recharge?

There are many ways. I like to be in the sun listening to some good Zouk, Soul, Reggae or African music. At the beach preferably with not too many folks around. I enjoy watching vintage anime series such as Hokuto No Ken, Saint Seiya or Neo Genesis Evangelion. I’m a big anime nerd when time permits.

Favourite non-music related thing to do?

I still enjoy shooting hoops when I get the time. I like to listen to political commentary or watch some Ted Talks. Shooting the breeze with close friends.

What are you reading or what would you recommend?

A New Earth by Eckart Tolle. Real Artists Don’t Starve by Jeff Goines for artists and entrepreneurs. Nelson Mandela’s biography.

Goals for the remainder of 2019?

I put out alot of material in 2018 (10 Projects) and it’s spilling over to this year (I put out 2 albums and an EP this year already). I want to go on a tour to perform those projects and present more visuals for my music this year. Me and my homie BBass created a production company called B3KET Legendary to further that cause.

Shout outs or last words??

Peace to everybody that’s tuned into what I’m doing and adding on to my movement. I’m touched by how many people reach out to me and really believe in the message and energy I’m putting in the forefront. Everyday I get messages from people I have never met around the world thanking for me the art I’m putting out and asking me if there’s anything they can do to move the cause forward.

I appreciate all of you. Peace to my mother. Rest in Peace to my father. Peace to everyone keeping it together and not falling for the “trick”, they want us to lose hope and kill each other, when we should be spreading love and building with each other. Keep on, and don’t get sidetracked. My music is fuel for that type of energy.