The Breaks: Poe Picasso (Interview)

Check out 25’s unsigned and undiscovered series, “The Breaks” featuring Poe Picasso.

Words by Tray Laws |Photo Courtesy: Poe Picasso

In 2006, Poe Picasso picked up his pen and began writing rhymes that he eventually recorded a year later. Once his project was finished, the Brooklyn rapper only shared his music with friends. He had no intentions of releasing it for the world to hear. But his friends felt the heart Picasso sculpted into his music, so they pushed him to release it publicly. Those tracks became Exhibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project, released in January 2009. With Exhibit A, Picasso wants to prove that New York still has more to say. His flow is equipped with appeal, consistency, and intelligence. On the track “She Cries,” Picasso raps maturely about the many issues of Mother Earth, and how the people are contributing to her pain. On “Waste of Lead,” Picasso aggressively gives his view on the state of hip-hop and that it needs to be saved. This mixtape, a compilation of respect demanding, lyrical, feel good hip-hop, is a good start for Picasso as he makes his contribution to the ‘Hip Hop Museum.’

Although it took him two years to put out his first “Exhibit,” Picasso weighed his artistic scale, and realized he was heavy enough to put out Exhibit B: Manifest Destiny in November 2009. Picasso is aware of the load he carries in his aim to be the best out of New York. The city is home to some of the most well known rappers: Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, and Nas. Yet, while proving he is worthy of being in the same realm as his predecessors, Picasso has figured out how to do it his way. The rhymes Picasso conceptualizes, paint the picture of his city in a different hue.

25: The name Poe Picasso definitely grabs attention, how did you develop the stage name?

Poe Picasso: It was simple. The Poe part I came up with, and the Picasso part my friend came up with. Me and my friends always use famous names or names of influential people; he suggested adding Picasso on the end of it and it just made sense. The Poe Part is from Edgar Allan Poe and the Picasso part came from Pablo Picasso.

25: A lot of your fellow New York Rappers talk about The Big Apple in their rhymes, how did the city that never sleeps influence your sound and your Mixtape Exhibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project?

Picasso: New York was the main influence. New York was basically known for its lyrics that had some kind of toughness behind it. So, Exhibit A would just be a re acquaintance with New York; letting the people know that there are people in New York who are still lyrically in this who can make it. Plus, growing up in New York you have to, well not everyone, carry a certain prestige. I cant say I’m from New York and people hear my music and think ‘nah you don’t fit in that realm.’ I think that’s what motivated me more to push it to the next level.

25: In your song “Bask in My Glory” you say “the Internet makes a loser feel important,” and “Since when was it cool to be a lame, cornball, or a nerd, but I guess that’s what works.” What did you mean by those lines?

Picasso: Basically, when you’re online its different from being in person. When you’re online you can do and say whatever because you’re behind a monitor and no one can see you. So they can post stuff with no real credentials or post stuff in whatever look that works for the moment. Being yourself just doesn’t work anymore-now you have to have a story. Before, what made you stand out was your specific flow. Now it’s about what you’re wearing and what kind of watch you have. The music has become the secondary element.

25: On your Myspace page bio you describe yourself as a Messianic (mes•si•an•ic) Adj. 1. Relating to the belief that someone or something will bring about a complete transformation of the existing social order. How will you achieve this message through your music?

Picasso: I do so by keeping it as honest as possible. You can tell when a person is just rapping to rap by how many ‘cool lines’ they try to write. I write in honesty so I don’t feel like I’m just writing. So, If I’m keeping it as honest as possible and people feel that then the change has began and the message spreads. The way I use my words when I write, it’s poetry and that’s where the art form takes shape. I always have a message I’m trying to convey because as artists we have people that listen to our music and internalize the message we’re trying to convey. We’re the voice of our generation so it’s important for our listeners to get the message.

25: What’s your plans in the near future and where do you see the Poe Picasso brand in 5 years?

Picasso: My plans for the future are to be the number one artist. The best. If I’m not the best then I’m doing something wrong. As far as the Poe Picasso brand I see it being on the forefront carrying on the art form. I want my name to be the staple of New York, The flagship artist like when you think New York you think Poe Picasso. I know that sounds a little far fetched but that’s what I’m working for.

25: Anything else you would like to add?

Picasso: My next project, Exhibit B is one of the best bodies of work about to break. I’m very competitive and I’m not OK with being just OK and a lot of artists are OK with that. I think the healthy competition is lacking, not a beef type of thing, but by being the best it would push other artists to be the best.

You can find Poe Picasso’s Exhibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project and Exhibit B: Manifest Destiny at myspace.com/poepicasso