Interview with YouTube Rap Contest Winner, Lil Anthony

Lil Anthony recently won the rap contest we hosted on YouTube throughout June and July 2012.

Lil Anthony is a 18 years old rapper from Pachuta, Mississippi who currently has a CD in the works and is looking for other artists to collab with (hit him up!!).... check out what he has to say below...

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview Lil Anthony. Tell us a bit about yourself, your name, age, where you’re from and an interesting fact if you like.
Anthony Santangelo 111, I’m 18 and I’m from Pachuta, Mississippi.

MUSIC
Is there a story behind your name Lil Anthony?
I’m the third so I guess growing up being called little Anthony just kinda stuck with me so that’s how Lil Anthony came about.

How long have you been rapping?
Two years.

What first got you interested in becoming a rapper?
I watch a lot of music videos and I saw the fancy cars and expensive jewellery and I said I want that!

What/who inspires your music?
Myself mostly.

Do you see being a rapper as a career, or as a hobby?
It all depends on if I get signed… I’m a workaholic, I’m all about a check.

What are you trying to do with your music? Do you want to help your community? Are you trying to get rich? What is your goal for your music?
I’m tryna get paid, tryna get famous and if I inspire a kid that’s cool but as of right now I’m just doing this for me.

Have you ever performed live? How did it feel?
No, I haven't had the honor of getting up on stage yet but I could imagine how intense it would be.

Do you have any kind of management, publishing or distribution team behind you? If so what are their responsibilities?
No, as of right now I’m unsigned. My only support or team is my family, step dad makes my beats S/O to taxonomy beats but like I said I’m unsigned.

What are some accomplishments that you have achieved, and are most proud of?
Winning this contest ha.

Have you ever made any contact with major artists or other high positioned people in the music industry and do you keep in contact with them?
No, I wish though. I’m still waiting on that call from Lil Wayne, ya know what I’m sayin’?

What one tip would you give to other aspiring independent artists?
One tip man… I don’t know… be yourself I guess, keep writing new material and don’t let no one stop you from doing want you do but use that to fuel you, use it to make you go harder.

What do you see is in the future for the music industry? How do you think it will evolve/change?
I’m hoping it would go back to the way it was actually. I’m gettin’ tired of hearing these lame techno songs, songs that people aren’t putting thought or time into, you say you’re a professional, well act like it.

INTERNET
Do you feel like the internet is helping you as an independent artist?
It’s getting me viewed its getting my name out there, slowly but surely.

How do you think social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have affected the music industry?
I really don’t think it has anything to do with it, it basically gives critics voices.

Where can we hear your music online?
YouTube under Lil Anthony: http://www.youtube.com/user/25santangelo

Check out Lil Anthony's winning track right here:


IN CLOSING
What projects are you working on at the moment?
I got a CD in the works right now and I’m tryna get featured with other artists, just tryna do as much as possible.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years time?
Man hopefully in that new whip with a couple platinum records but who really knows what the future holds, I’d rather live in the moment.

Do you have any shoutouts you want to give?
S/O to taxonomy beats S/O to crazypellas S/O to all that supported me.

Thanks again Lil Anthony for doing this interview.


We look forward to hearing some of Lil Anthony's music in the Audio forum in the near future.