igetmoney01

Canadian producer Marco Polo has a resume that few people can compete with.

He’s worked with Large Professor, ED O.G, Large Professor and those are just a few names that appeared on the beat maker's debut album, Port Authority.

He has a sound that will bring any Hip-Hop head back to the golden ages. I sat down to talk with Marco about working with Rakim and I aslo learned you should never ask him what Hip-Hop needs to improve.

So, you're from Canada. What's the hip hop scene like out there?

It’s small but dope; we got classic artists like Maestro Fresh Wes and Michee Mee, and newer known artists like Saukrates, Kardinal & The Rascalz. Canada gets busy in Hip Hop; we also got a ton of dope producers like Moss, Mr. Attic, DJ Serious, Kemo.

I like how you for cats who have skills and don't just go for the big names. Why aren't there more talented producers doing that?

They're scared because it’s harder to make a name for yourself working with lesser-known cats. I’m more about making memorable music then chasing big names that can't rap.

I know you went to Audio school.How did you break into the industry?

I got my diploma in Toronto then went to NY to find an internship at a studio. I ended up meeting my boy Ayatollah in a studio, he was working at called The Cutting Room and I got a job there being an intern.

How did the deal with Rawkus come about?

Just to be clear I'm actually signed to Soulspazm Records. Rawkus distributes Soulspazm.

No doubt, so how did the deal come about with Soulspazm.

I have been rocking with them for a minute. I did an album with Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. >Pumpkinhead a few years back, called Orange Moon Over Brooklyn. We got that album out through Soulspazm and they liked my work ethic, so we ended up working out a deal for my solo album.

Do you like the sound of mainstream hip hop right now?

Some of it is cool I like Kanye's new album but overall it's not really inspiring me to make music.

Who inspired you in the past?

The usual suspects like Premo, Pete Rock, Erik Sermon, Dilla, Marley Marl and then non hip-hop stuff like Stevie Wonder, ESG, The Beatles.

A lot of people are just make beats but aren't producing joints...You agree?

Yeah I agree with that. Sometimes it’s tough when you work with major label artists. To be in the studio might not happen but I always try to stay involved in music I put out as a producer/solo artist.

Your album is full of legends. What's your most memorable studio session?

They all were but the standout was recording the Radar with Large Professor. That dude is Hip Hop all day long without trying.


Is hip hop what it once was?

Nope.

What's wrong with it? And what needs to happen to make it better?

No offense, I’m sick of that question, I'm over it. I'd rather focus my attention on making good music. You can use that as my answer. (Laughs)

Are you working with any new artists?

I just did a joint with Rakim, while he ain’t new; it’s new to me. That’s the god so I’m amped about that. Besides that, the usual cats, I work with Boot Camp, Heltah Skeltah, Large Pro, Masta Ace, Ed O.G and a full album with my homey Torae, that shit is gonna be real dope.

Rakim is a beast, how was that?

Never met him, it was all through D.V. Alias Khryst and Nick Wiz. I thank both of them for hooking that up. I heard a rough version of the track once. He's suppose to re-do the vocals so I'm waiting on the final version.

Anybody you're waiting to work with?

Ghostface, The Lox, Elzhi, and Nas.

For all the production fiends out there, what kind of equipment you using?

All I use is the MPC 2000 XL and my records.

How big is the record collection?

It’s modest bro, nothing crazy, just a lot of junk records to be honest.

I bet you have more reccords than most DJ's today?

Well, DJ's are selling their records and using mp3's so that ain’t saying much.

I know, it's sad. So what can we expect from you in the future?

More good Hip Hop, over time I'd rather let my music speak louder then me in an interview.

New album coming?

The joint with Torae is the only album I got in the works right now, maybe a Port Authority 2 one day but shit’s gotta be right for that to happen.

Sounds good, thanks for your giving me your time?

No doubt thanks for reaching out. Fans can check these sites, and

Got it, anything else for the fans?

Go cop my new 12" out on Fat Beats, The Radar, "The Radar Remix" & "Marquee" featuring Large Professor and O.C. Shouts to DJ Eclipse, Premo and my whole crew from Toronto.

Thanks bro

No doubt stay in touch. Peace.





source-sixshot

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