The Westleaf
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is hip hop artist, Legend tha God. Legend is a Rapper, Producer, & Artist from Va. He's worked with Sports illustrated for Kids, Nike, Def Jam, Sony Music, Universal, and No Limit. He got his start at the M.R.C. (Music Resource Center) in Charlottesville, VA founded by the Dave Matthews. The VA MC has been rapping for over 15 years and made his mark in the Rap Group "Tha Lynks" before expanding into a solo career. Hardwork, determination, and perseverance is in his blood as he is the nephew of Harriet Tubman. But enough from us, we recently linked up with Legend to discuss his life and musical roots. Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up Legend? We love your vibe. When did you start making music?
Legend tha God: 1998 was when I recorded my first song. I was the freestyle and battle champ up until then.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope. We definitely appreciate a good battle rapper?
Legend tha God: Charlottesville, VA with Richmond as an honorable mention.
Westleaf Staff: VA stand up! Dope. So how did you create your stage name?
Legend tha God: My government name is Larry Grady and I was born on March 16th, so I took my real initials L.G. and the Bible scripture John 3.16 (the arrival of Jesus) and made Legend Tha God.
Westleaf Staff: Yo! That's super creative. Respect. How did your early life shape your interest in music?
Legend tha God: My stepdad was a Hip-Hop head so I would borrow his tapes while he was at work. Biggie "Ready to die", 2pac "Me Against the World, Dr. Dre "The Chronic". These albums reflected the reality of what I saw outside my window everyday in the projects. They shaped me into the artist that I am today.
Westleaf Staff: Those are some legends. I can definitely see the influence. Who is your biggest Musical influence?
Legend tha God: Jay-Z hands down. The neighborhood I grew up in was a mirror image of the things he was rapping about in his music, from the cars to the clothes, I could relate to it all.
Westleaf Staff: Real. Jay created a path for a lot of artists. What has been the defining moment in your music career?
Legend tha God: I’d say dropping my debut album “Miles Ahead” in 2021. I have multiple bodies of work however it comes with a different feeling and meaning when it’s a debut album. Not a mixtape or an EP but an album. It was a special moment for me and it was received well which made it that much better.
Westleaf Staff: What makes you a unique artist?
Legend tha God: I've had so many amazing things happen in my career, from indie tours to having my music on soundtracks, but if I had to choose one thing, working with No Limit was the greatest time in my career.
Westleaf Staff: No Limit is big! Congrats on all of your success. So what does art mean to you?
Legend tha God: Art is expression. I was an Artist in terms of drawing, painting, and poetry before I started rapping. I felt like Hip-Hop embodied all three so it eventually became my main outlet.
Westleaf Staff: Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Legend tha God: Household name, I've accomplished more than I ever thought I would in music but now it's time to get my just dues.
Westleaf Staff: Describe music in three words.
Legend tha God: My Saving Grace.
Follow Legend tha God:
Instagram: Legend tha God
Youtube: Legand Tha God
Facebook: Legend Tha God
