Connecticut, often jokingly called “a drive-through state” between Boston and New York, doesn’t jump off the page as a place that would be home to a place of rap music and the culture that surrounds the music. Connecticut doesn’t have any older generation artists to plant the flag for the state, like more established locations often do. Connecticut doesn’t have a major media market city within the borders, and often, artists on the rise need to make the commute to New York City to really cut their teeth in the game.
Without having these preexisting structures in place, the local scenes in CT are left to their own devices to make something on their own, without needing to follow a path that has already been carved out.
Meet Lonny X, a rapper who is as much from Hartford as he is from “the internet.” Lonny leads his local conglomerate Lazy Boy Records and also finds his way into the jet streams of social media circles through his work and his personality.
Through products of both his digital and personal networking, as well as a substantial Soundcloud catalog, Lonny X has found himself in joyous periods of growth in 2017. Lonny opened for Playboi Carti in his home state, and has also played many out of state bills with Atlanta legend, Key!. Lonny has also worked with some of Soundcloud’s best kept secret producers like BLVC SVND, shamana, DILIP and more.
Due to that online demeanor, Lonny was kind enough to touch base to answer some questions to help shed light to Connecticut, Lazy Boy Records and his own music and process.
Who are you, where are you from, and what do you do?
I’m Lonny X and I’m from Hartford, Connecticut. On a usual day I smoke copious amounts of weed, make music, and gain inspiration from various events that go on in my life, which usually stems from humans of the female category.
If it wasn’t for music what would Lonny X be doing?
I would be playing football for a Division 1 team.
So, tell me about Connecticut. Does Connecticut have a central hub of music and culture that those not from the state might not know about? Like where everyone gets up together and have events, or is it mostly spread out?
There’s no real central hub for Connecticut, the state is pretty divided for no real reason at all honestly. There’s venues here and there but most don’t love the idea of rap shows. The rap shows that do well are at XFINITY Center and Oakdale. Ironically, those are the shows where the worst representations of CT artistry will have their time to shine. This sounds like shade but it’s not. The people who coordinate the big shows run up a check on “rappers” that are willing to pay bands to perform for 10 minutes, shit’s crazy. I respect the finesse but it would be cool to see more people that deserve the spotlight in those situations. It’s really a do it yourself or be disappointed kind of situation most of the time out here.
I know we’ve talked a little bit in the past and it sounds like the state is sort of split into two sections via area code, the 203 and the 860. What are some of the different characteristics that make up the two sides of the state?
For one, Im from the 860. I’ve been to most places in CT and shown my face a lot, I’ve seen both sides. I hate how we divide this small ass state. Someone from the 860 will say that 860 is better than the 203 and vice versa. That’s cool. Be proud of where you’re from by all means. But it get’s way deeper than that and becomes some type of never ending annual competition. In reality though, we dance different, we smoke out of different pieces (203 heads always got backwoods just like 860 heads always got papers and grabba), different type of lingo, but at the end of the day its more of the same than different.
Connecticut might not be seen as having a major music network or scene, how have you been able to position yourself for success both in the state and out of the state?
First off I’ll say this, if you’re reading this and you complain about how you’re a small town artist, you’re wasting too much of your own time. That actually doesn’t do shit but set you back 80 more steps. Now you’re just the small town artist that also complains about it. We live in fucking 2017. You’re reading this on a smart phone probably – use it. Use the internet. The people you need to speak to are on here. The engineers, producers, artists, booking agents, A&R’s, studio connects, and anything else you could possibly need. Make the shit happen. Make genuine connections with your fans. Most of the people really HELPING my career right now I’ve met virtually. Crazy to think of, but it’s facts. Half the features I’ve ever done have happened in completely different states or country thanks to the internet. I love where I’m from. I love going to UConn games. I love the winning culture. I love the Jamaican food. I wanna love the music scene, it will get there. With that being said I knew I had to play the game different.
So back to your network in Connecticut. Who, or what, is lazy boy records? How did it start, who is a part of Lazy Boy Records, and where is it today?
Lazy Boy Records was created by me and my brother Raheem around 2011, we were always forward thinkers in whatever we were doing whether it was making music, directing video, or making clothes. We stuck together and created a brand and stuck to it. I was an underachiever in high school. I was called lazy because of it, that always stuck with me because mentally I’ve always felt 5 years older than my peer group, even if the grades didn’t match I knew I was smarter and thought differently than most of the people around me. People that don’t really care about school but are smart as shit can relate. I do it for the people like that. I made Lazy to show the world that you don’t need to go by the book to be successful. My artist roster consists of K$UBI KAYY, Jus Lovehall, PRODUCEDBYDM, BLEEK G, Incepshun, and myself. I’m always looking for new talent.
Jus Lovehall is the back bone. He’s an amazing artist for one, but he’s also the engineer. He’s been recording me since I first started making music seriously. He’s a big reason why things have ran so smooth. Kayy’s a powerhouse. He makes everyone rap better and thats why I love him like a brother. DM, Bleek G, and Incepshun are the only producers on the roster right now. They have all contributed to music that will come out this year and next, all three are hardworking to say the least. I love all these dudes.
And as for yourself, how did you start making music – the story of your first time recording?
I used to write poems, for myself and for girls. That eventually turned in to making music. The first time I ever recorded was in my dining room, I was making a ‘Nas is Like’ freestyle off a Guitar Hero microphone (I’m not gonna front I made the freestyle because I heard Diggy snap on it). My rapper name was 20 LaFlare at the time.
What do you do when you’re not making music? Do you have any hobbies, interests?
If I’m not making music I am probably smoking. If I’m not smoking I’m probably listening to music. If I’m not making music I’m thinking about music. Honestly I only make music. I watch hella Netflix and YouTube shit. I just get inspired. I’ll fuck around and hike if I’m with a bad bitch.
And how do you define success in music, like what is your dream situation or scenario with your career?
Success to anyone is subjective as fuck just like most things. But to me, I believe if you can touch people with your music to the point you can change their mood, you won. I live to inspire. Most people don’t know why they’re on Earth. I know I’m here to influence and inspire, and being able to do that keeps me on this Earth (no emo shit). I STRIVE to be one of the biggest artists ever. I work everyday to make that a reality, no matter how long it takes, I’ll die for it so yeah.
If your “rap game” was someone’s basketball game, who would it be?
I’m like the 2006-2008 Paul Pierce of this shit. Niggas wanna count me out and see me fall They had their time to look down on me but now I’m all in these niggas faces. I know they see it.
First CD you ever bought with your own money?
I bought Hilary Duff’s Metamorphosis album. You can judge me if you want but that shit slaps.
