If Tarantino, Richie, Woo, and Puzo decided to make a hardcore Hip Hop album “Magnum Opiates” would be their finished product. In the case of Big Lo, “Magnum Opiates” is the culmination of two years of work resulting in a conceptual album in which every track stands alone.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Hip Hop artist Big Lo recently to discuss his new project Magnum Opiates.

Big Lo is far above and beyond “just another rapper”. He is the prime example of what we mean when we say Emcee.

His unique style has landed him appearances with HipHop luminaries Vast Aire, Tonedeff, Beretta 9 of Wu-Tang’s Killarmy, and J. Sands of Lone Catalysts.

Click play below and listen while you read the interview.

Let’s start with the basics. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you make?

The name is Big Lo, Lo being short for my last name Lopez and Big because I was taller than most of my crew. I was born in Vero Beach, but I’ve lived all over Florida and now I call Pensacola home so I just tell people Florida to keep it simple. I make grimy, cinematic, snotty nosed HipHop…nothing more, nothing less.

What is the scene like in your area?

It’s descent. There’s some talent just like there’s some trash. Many people don’t really know what they want to do and some people have cornball gimmicks, but I guess that’s everywhere.

You’re from Florida but your style has some heavy East Coast influence, who did you listen to growing up? Who inspires you do today? What else inspires you (other than artists/music)?

My first record was Kool Moe Dee’s “Knowledge is King” in the late 80’s and that’s what got me hooked on HipHop. In the 90’s, my most definitive years, I was all over the place from Wu-Tang and Nas to Outkast and Scarface. Today I fuck with Sean Price, Skyzoo, Vinny Paz, and a gang of other shit. Other than music, my inspiration comes from foreign films, drugs, and life experiences.

Was there an “ah-ha” moment when you knew you wanted to walk down the path of music?

Not really. I’ve always felt comfortable on stage, however, in person I’m a bit shy.

What other artists/producers have you worked with? Or currently work with?

Ah, the old name dropping question…In the past I’ve worked with Tonedeff, J. Sands of Lone Catalysts, Beretta 9 of Killarmy, G.O.D. of Pitch Black and so on and so forth. Today I primarily work with Jay Glock bka as Inferno who is originally from Pittsburgh. He’s my right hand, a dope emcee and a dope producer. DJ Bodyslanga is my DJ and he likes chicken.

Did you produce any tracks on this record or did you use mostly outside production?

Yeah, I produced a few joints. Inferno produced a few joints. V. Kush produced the intro joint. Alkota out of Alaska has some production on there. My dude DaShin in the Netherlands held me down and Myth Zer0 out of Canada.

How has the Internet helped (or hurt) your promotion efforts? Do you find yourself using one tool or social network over the other ones?

The Internet is a blessing and a curse…it helps us get the music it out there. Hell, if it wasn’t for the net I wouldn’t be doing this interview. However, now everybody and their drunk uncle thinks they’re rappers. This makes it tough because now the average listener will not give dope stuff the time of day because they’re typically exposed to bull shit. I’m on Facebook and Twitter pretty heavy…

Is there one thing you could share with other artists that you wish someone had told you in the beginning?

Not exactly, I knew it would be a lot of work and I’ve always surrounded myself with a descent squad. The best thing I could say is keep your circle close and beware of snakes.

What’s in store for 2013? Do you gig? Tour?

Just dropped “Magnum Opiates” back in January…I gig and tour. Just got off a promo tour for the album where I rocked Pensacola, Tallahassee, Miami, Gainesville, Mobile, Panama City, and Atlanta. In the past I’ve opened for Lil Kim, the Nappy Roots, and Mickey Avalon. In fact, that’s the one thing I pride myself on is live performance. You need to get me up in Tennessee…

Where can we you online? And buy your album?

The official website is www.biglohiphop.com and all the links to iTunes, Amazon, Google Play etc…

Any last thoughts? Shout-outs?

I hate rappers and I love my mom…Peace…is for Buddhists

Connect on Facebook or Twitter. Better yet, visit his website.