“New York, New York – The city so nice, they had to name it twice.” As the birthplace of hip-hop culture, if an MC can make it in this city he can make it anywhere. |The rap industry’s recent fascination with Southern pimps and Midwest ballers, however, has many questioning whether NYC’s vintage, gritty sound still stands a chance in these crunk-crazed times. If Harlem-bred rapper Loaded Lux has anything to say about it, the crown will return to the Big Apple soon enough. |After appearing on numerous mixtapes and on a recent Smack DVD battle, Lux has acquired enough buzz to release “Locked & Loaded” – a collection of tracks and freestyles showcasing his talent on the mic. As the Harlem newcomer transitions from neighborhood battles to full-time studio sessions, Lux hopes to follow the footsteps of former battlers-turned-mainstream artists such as Jay-Z, DMX, and Lloyd Banks. But can his battle skills translate into record sales? In the words of Harlem’s own Mason Betha: “No need to stand up, Harlem, because we never sat down.” |