C.Penn: So Lil’ O, A.K.A. The Fat Rat With the Cheese, What have you been working on lately?
Lil O: I just finished my greatest hits album which also contains 4 brand new songs including my new single "I Don't Trick" and "It's Hard Not 2 Think About U" feat. Chamillionaire. It comes out July 24, 2007. I'm also putting the finishing touches on my...
next full length album "Grind Hard, Pray Harder" coming soon!____C.Penn: Where are you originally from? And what side of Houston do
you "rep"?
Lil O: I am originally from Lagos, Nigeria but I moved here when I was 2 months old. I “rep” Southwest Houston, TX
C.Penn: How has your style of rapping changed over the years?
Lil O: I rap about my life so whatever I experience is just more to rap about and put in my music plus I feel like I'm wine I get better and better with time. I'm in a real zone right now!
C.Penn: Who are some of your rap influences of the past and who do you like in the game right now?
Lil O: Scarface, UGK, Big Daddy Kane, 2 Pac, N.W.A, 2 Short, Kool G Rap, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie. As far as right now Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jeezy, Rick Ross, T.I., Z RO, Big Pokey
C.Penn: What did meeting DJ Screw do for you as a person/career?
Lil O: As a person it made me better because being around “Screw” taught me to show love to everybody because that's what he did. “Screw” was loved as a person just as much as he was as a DJ, because the love he showed to the streets! Career wise it was an incredible blessing because I had someone that fought to expose me to the world when no one else would! “Screw” really believed in my music and constantly pushed me to
stay on my grind.
C.Penn: I know it's tough to talk about: It is for me. John Hawkins, A.K.A Big Hawk, was a friend of mine. What did that do mentally and physically to the click after losing the general?
Lil O: I don't think there is another rap crew in history that has had to deal with so many losses! Losing Hawk after you just finished healing from losing another member will really test your faith but, I don't question God. Losing Hawk was
really hard for me because we were so close. He was one of my best friends and someone I could always find strength and wisdom in his words. It hurt the click cuz he was the glue but because we love him so much I'm sure it will make us work even harder to live out the dreams we all had.
C.Penn: With key players of the S.U.C gone, is the rest of the click still pushing the movement?
Lil O: Absolutely!
C.Penn: When did you know that you wanted to rap?
Lil O: I would always ride around freestylin' but never took it seriously till I got locked up and other inmates would tell me how good I was and to rap something else to pass the time.
C.Penn: What state do you think rap/hip hop is currently in?
Lil O: I need to hurry up and drop the streets need me!!!!
C.Penn: When is the new album coming out? What is the name of it, and what appearances do you have on it? Tell us more about your new album.
Lil O: It's called "Grind Hard, Pray Harder" I'm not done with it yet so I don't know all the guest appearances but I can promise you it will be another classic! That's why I featured 4 new songs on My Greatest Hits Album so people could get a taste of what's bout to come. The Greatest Hits will be in stores July 24, 2007
C.Penn: What are the characteristics that keep your work ethic consistent?
Lil O: I'm a hustler, so the grind is in me already but I also credit coming from a Nigerian background that always stressed hard work.
C.Penn: What label are you under right now?
Lil O: I have my own independent label called Bar None Ent.
C.Penn: What about having your own label and you being CEO, or is that already the case?
Lil O: I am CEO of Bar None Ent.
C.Penn: Over the years what has the “game” (rap industry) taught you?
Lil O: The evil that men do, the greed and jealousy that turns friends to foes, and at the end of the day all you really have is Jesus.
C.Penn: With the blessings that you receive from your talent, how do you give back to your community?
Lil O: Well I'm not Jay Z but I do what I can by always donating to local charities whether it is toy drives or helping to feed and clothe the homeless. I also try to make time to talk to kids when time permits and I am also proud to say that I always make a few songs on my album to drop some knowledge and wisdom to the streets.
C.Penn: What producers and artists do you, or would you like to work with?
Lil O: Anybody that makes good music.
C.Penn: When you decide your career is over, what do you want to be remembered by as an artist?
Lil O: A legendary artist and an incredible business man.
C.Penn: What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to get in the game?
Lil O: Grind Hard, Pray Harder
C.Penn: I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to “hang” with AllAkcess.com Is there anything that you want to say: Shout outs, promotions, anything?
Lil O: Make sure to call your local radio station and request my new single "I Don't Trick" and pick up my Greatest Hits album in stores July 24, 2007. You can always check me out and see what I got goin’ on at www.myspace.com/suclilo . Thanks to all the hoods for the support I promise I won't let ya'll down. God Bless.
Interview by: Cedric Penn