Baltimore is an outsider's city—so much so that musicians from out of state now move here to take advantage of this "outsider" status. Baltimore artist Labtekwon is a perfect example of why people are drawn to this city—he's the real-deal. The hip-hop eccentric is a true original, West-side raised, Baltimore through-and-through. He was B-More before B-More was a brand, our very own Thelonius Monk. With 25 full-length albums already under his belt, his latest effort, "Di Na Ko Degg," drops on Oct. 4.

Baltimore Metromix:
You've referred to the new album as your magnum opus? Why do you consider this record the big one?

Labtekwon:
I always seek to make the next project the best project, but this album is different for a few reasons. My dad, Doc Soul Stirrer a.k.a. Harry Young Jr., passed away Jan. 4 and it had a profound and deep effect on me. I went through a lot of pain this year, and I channeled that into what I did.

Deeper still, this album was the first and only recording that features my father and my sister. My dad is a soul singer, and I was able to make music with him on this album by sampling parts of his last performance in Baltimore, from 2003. Hip-hop was the means to overcome death. The title, "Di Na Ko Degg," means "they will hear it," [in the Wolof language] meaning the world would hear what it had never heard on a recording before. It was my way of resurrecting my father through music.

Baltimore Metromix:
Did you have a particular source of inspiration for "Di Na Ko Degg"?

Labtekwon:
My dad and my son were major inspirations. The other major inspirations were heartbreak and the culture of hip-hop. Afrika Bambaataa was a big influence on my creative perspective and the substance of many songs. I also did six songs about losing love and finding new love on this album. I did that as a tribute to my dad and mom's relationship and my own heartbreak. I wanted to make an album that did not seek to apologize for those that are not familiar with true hip-hop culture. I felt no need to make whack music because the standards of hip-hop have been lowered by the mainstream.


Baltimore Metromix:
How does your interest in Africana studies relate to your music?

Labtekwon:
I am a Baccalaureate of Africana studies. Specifically, I am a student of Kemetic culture and civilization as well as ancient human history, which starts with so-called African history. All of the higher arts and sciences came from the Nile Valley, and as a black man I am a descendant of those peoples. My legacy is one that includes intellect and art.

When hip-hop was invented by Afrika Bambaataa it included five elements: Knowledge, DJing, emceeing, graf art and b-boying. Hip-hop is a derivative of traditional Kemetic and African culture from its genesis, and it as an extension of the Black Arts Movement of the '60s. I am only carrying out the legacy of my ancient ancestors and my modern ancestors by connecting the ways of the ancients with the 21st century culture of hip-hop.


Baltimore Metromix:
How do you stay inspired and relevant?


Labtekwon:
It's similar to how Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, Sun Ra and George Clinton were able to continue being pioneers of their arts: Constant elevation causes expansion. When you master your art, you are able to innovate and find new challenges artistically. If you are fortunate enough to be born in the time of new cultural phenomena, you have the advantage of helping establish the foundation of the art form for generations.

So, based on my ethics and mastery, my music is always new and different. I perform an oral tradition combined with a literary tradition; this culture is not even 50 years old. Folks make the blues, soul and jazz into their 70s and 80s. True hip-hop culture is no different. My ability to write and deliver poetry with innovative styles never becomes stale or passé. I don't seek the acceptance of the pop culture, so I don't get caught up in corny trends that yield no substance. I am an author and a poet. My lyrics are my instrument: I make music with intellectual concepts and language. I also think that maturity enhances the experience of the artist. Many artist don't last long enough to become men with vision. To me, this is the substance of cultural renaissance. Mastery is a constant process, and I embody that.


Baltimore Metromix:
Is there an underground, and are you part of it?

Labtekwon:
To me, underground is based on the nature of those seeking to be free from the oppression of the mainstream society. In that regard, I am definitely underground. I am not seeking the approval of the masses; the music I make is for the few true members of the culture of hip-hop. Underground is the fact you will have to buy this new album from me directly or from a store in my neighborhood. Underground is based on counterculture, not aesthetic.



Baltimore Metromix:
You've been referred to as an "outsider." Are you a square peg?


Labtekwon:
No doubt. I am not a clone or a follower. I like being different, and I am comfortable with it. I despise homogenized art and culture. I think there are standards of quality and skill that are universal, but I don't think anyone has the exact same experience as anyone else. Art should be like a finger print. I am an individual that is a part of the collective. I must do my part for the greater good the best way The Most High has designed me to. But I still fuck emcees up whether they get it or not.


Baltimore Metromix:
Who are you listening to right now? Any recommendations?

Labtekwon:
Classic shit: Last Poets, Gylan Kain, Amiri Baraka. I listen to way too much to list.


Baltimore Metromix:
Who do you dig on the Baltimore scene?

Labtekwon:
Chin Chilla,Uel, Hazel Black, Ghettoclectic, Jamma


Baltimore Metromix:
What are your favorite places around town?

Labtekwon:
Everyone's Place, Yabba Pot, One World Cafe, Druid Hill Park, Pennsylvania Avenue, Whitelock, Sandtown, Mculloh Homes, East Side, West Side: Where the people live


Baltimore Metromix:
You can share a stage with anyone in history... who would you pick?

Labtekwon:
My daddy: Doc Soul Stirrer in his prime.