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Keep Holding On
Although he began as a b-boy, Legrand has experience
in all of the hip-hop elements. Currently, he is concentrating
on the lyrical aspect of the culture. Legrand was born
Chris Ross, and grew up in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania.
He spent summers in the Bronx (NY) with his Aunt around
the time hip-hop was budding in the area. "Between
b-boying and music, I fell in love with the culture."
The music fascinated Legrand so much that he moved on
to being a DJ. After graduating from Academy Park High
School, he ventured to The Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
where he graduated with a degree in Human Resources.
In 1998, Legrand's musical road led to the infamous
group G.U.M.B.O. "All the guys in the group were
neighborhood friends. You sold drugs, played sports,
or rhymed. We chose hip-hop." G.U.M.B.O. represented
the hip-hop movement of pure music. They released two
albums, and made an appearance on Showtime at the Apollo.
Although they are still a unified group, the members
have taken out time to pursue solo projects and interests.
For Legrand, that was investing in his career as an
MC. "I wanted to see what I can do by myself."
He released his album illusions of legrandEUR in late
summer of 2002. To coincide with the album release,
he toured Europe. "I have a new respect for what
touring artists go through. There was no relaxing."
Let me not forget to mention that he organized and funded
this tour himself. He defines the word independent.
He hustled day and night to get his message out. It
gave him a chance to connect with the hip-hop community
of London, and make some euro selling his CD's. His
hard work paid off. The album sold more than anticipated,
and gave him motivation as well as knowledge to go back
and start another album, which he hopes to have completed
in 2004. In addition to the overseas shows, he has done
close to 100 domestically including Nashville, Baltimore,
and DC. Although rhyming is his focus, Legrand has not
strayed from his b-boy roots, often breaking out a few
moves during his performances, when he's in shape. No
one wants to see a b-boy get stuck in a windmill!
Organization is Key
Before deciding to tour Europe, Legrand had a 9-5 utilizing
the degree the Lord blessed him with. Unlike many entertainers,
he had a plan of how everything was going to work out.
He didn't just quit his job and stop taking care of
his responsibilities. Regardless of any dreams he had
on the horizon, Legrand knew his priorities were his
two beautiful daughters, Christal and Cydnee. He saved
up money, got the proper paperwork completed, and made
a business plan based on the future. Making sure music
politics doesn't fool him and other artists, he also
formed Success Music Consulting. "I am blessed
be able to pursue my passion in music." One of
Legrand's biggest issues is the complaint that there
isn't any quality hip-hop acts around. "We need
to put our money behind artists we like or not complain.
If you identify with someone's music, invest in them."
Legrand insists that when someone can combine the visual
aspect with the capital aspect, Philadelphia is going
to blow up. Not only in the hip-hop world, but also
in entertainment and sports. "It only takes one."
Something's gotta happen....Something!
For Legrand, hip-hop is a way of life. "Everything
has been a gift from God." He has everyday struggles
with faith and music, but knows God put music in his
life for a reason. Whether it's to spread the message
of unity, or to reach out to the young men he guides,
the plan is to do it through music. "I can't be
the only one that appreciates the original elements
of hip-hop." He tries to bring something refreshing
and different to the table; something to make you look
at him. Legrand aligns syllables, and combines that
with the shock value, which makes for a unique flow.
His album is straight hip-hop from track 1-15. "It's
versatile and has something on there for everyone."
Legrand is trilingual, so you may hear a little bit
of Spanish and French dipped in there. Through his consulting
company, he walks artists through the process of the
business, allowing them to be empowered to make their
own decisions. He schools them on basics such as publishing,
licensing, and copyrighting. Legrand makes sure to surround
himself with those that share his vision. He makes it
a point to constantly build with other artists on the
underground scene. His advice to future MC's, "If
you are going to go out of the box, make sure you're
comfortable." Legrand is doing things the right
way while staying humble and being at peace with himself.
"Regardless of the not-so-great things that have
happened, I am thankful for all my blessings."
for more info contact Legrand
www.mp3.com/legrand
www.cdbaby.com/legrand
January 2003
Phillyhiphop.com
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