Pittsburgh native Logan Moore is a senior in the Business School, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and also happens to be one of the most successful underground rappers that Pitt has to offer. He goes by the name Lucius and his up-tempo college boy rap style has caught the attention of some of Hip Hop’s biggest names. He has quite the performance résumé, opening up for Big KRIT, Ace Hood, Hoodie Allen, 3oh!3, Logic, Rockie Fresh, T. Mills, G-Eazy and others within the last year. He has been making music and performing for over 5 years but has just recently released his debut solo mixtape Life of Lucius. I caught up with Logan recently to learn what the Life of Lucius is really like.
Who is Lucius? What kind of artist are you trying to be?
Well I’m just a Pittsburgh kid that loves making music. I’m a senior Finance major at Pitt as well. I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’m an easygoing college kid and I feel my songs reflect that. My music is about what I know or see. I try to make positive and powerful music, not just club or party hits. I want to make a person’s day a little bit better after they listen to me.
Where do you feel your music fits within the Hip Hop community?
I don’t know, see, this question is interesting. I’m not sure I want to fit in the Hip Hop community. I like being an individual. I like that a lot of artists aren’t doing what I’m doing. I mean of course I want the Hip Hop community to accept and like me, since I consider myself a part of it, but I don’t know if people can compare me to anyone and I think I like that. I try to make music that anyone can relate to or understand; not just one certain group. Some might see that as a problem, but I don’t know yet- we’ll see.
Who or what inspires you musically?
Definitely artists like Kanye West, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Tupac, J. Cole, Lupe Fiasco, Eminem, Big KRIT, and Logic make me want to keep working on my craft and get better. All of them are great at what they do. They don’t just write lyrics but they make music. More importantly they make music with a purpose. I look at them and I see that there’s more to Hip Hop than just rhyming. It’s about staying true to yourself and affecting the world in a positive way, and that’s what I try to do.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Surprisingly, Hip Hop isn’t the only thing that influences me. My favorite type of music is definitely Hip Hop. It’s what I listen to mostly. But what a lot of people don’t know is that I also really like country. I love the storytelling, catchiness of songs, and the feel that you get when listening to it. Other non-Hip Hop artists that I love are Billy Joel, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Michael Buble, Ellie Goulding, Florence + the Machine, and definitely Mumford & Sons. I try to bring in some of their characteristics into my music, which is why my music might be a different version of Hip Hop.
How would you describe your debut album Life of Lucius?
It’s certainly a good representation of my music and who I am. I’ve worked on it for about two years so I’m relieved now that it’s finally released. It has a Hip Hop feel to it but it also has some other elements that will make people who don’t necessarily like Hip Hop enjoy it. I don’t know if a lot of people will like every song, but I do think anyone will like at least one song. I made it that way on purpose and I don’t feel like there are any “filler” songs on it. I wanted to show my versatility and appeal to a lot of people. It has catchy hooks, nice beats, powerful lyrics and it’s hosted by DJ SB so that adds some character to it.
How do you balance making a Hip Hop album and being a Business Major?
It’s not easy to be honest. It’s certainly one of the main reasons as to why it took me two years to work on this mixtape. I have to balance school, music and work constantly and sometimes music has taken a backseat. But, I don’t mind it because it’s what I love. It’s like a hobby or a sport. You know it’s like I have to write this paper, study for this test, market that song, shoot this video, schedule recording time, and I have to go to work in an hour. I’m definitely always moving but frankly a lot of college kids are so I can’t complain. I’m blessed to have these opportunities.
What’s next for Lucius?
In the near future, I’m going to be busy marketing Life of Lucius and basically trying to get people to at least listen before they make the decision on whether I’m good or not. I also plan to release another mixtape and come out with at least two music videos before the end of this school year. Performance wise, I don’t have any booked at the moment, but opportunities are always coming in; I just have to find the right one. I’m basically focused on marketing and getting shows (along with getting good grades and a full time job). Hopefully I’ll get some opportunities both on and off campus soon- so definitely stay tuned and keep your eyes and ears open.
Download Life of Lucius for free
Contact Lucius at LuciusMusic412@gmail.com
Stream and download Lucius’ earlier singles here
Follow him on twitter @mooreswag45
Also check out his Facebook fan page
Thanks for reading.
Listen. Learn. Love.
Biggame James
Photo Credit to the Celeb himself