Interview: When Fashion Meets Rap, You Get ALZO, A Rising Star from Houston

Keandra "Ke Ke" Scott Tatum | 8/24/2018, 11:33 a.m.

Alec Lastrap, stage name ALZO, is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with already at the start of his career. He is coming in the game with a lot of eclectic vibes and humility. We got a chance to have a face-to-face interview over some authentic and delicious creole sandwiches at Go Cajun Subs (Spring, TX) which created some cool laid back vibes. So who is ALZO? A native Houstonian raised in Missouri City (Mo City), who attended Bush and graduated from Marshall High School before heading off to attend college in Wharton. Growing up, ALZO was in to basketball (he has to height for sure), but music and modeling soon turned from sideline pastimes to his full-time focus. ALZO's passion linked him with industry talents such as producer X Byrd who produced his single, "Geeked." The up-tempo beat inspired him to write transparent lyrics that express his feelings about what he goes through on a daily basis. ALZO has been on tour with Epic Records and featured in Hip Hop weekly magazine, Modern life, Hip Hop revival and other influential publications.

HSM: Who are your influences?

ALZO: "I don’t have a specific person or a group that influences me because I get inspired by a lot of things. One person I look up to is Michael Jackson – he is just dope, period. He inspired me through his work ethic; as a kid he was trained, but his work ethic is similar to mine. I’m always putting that work in; I don’t ask anyone for anything. I try to get it on my own or not at all. He branded himself, and in my career I have to brand myself. His work ethic, perseverance and career is inspiring. His sense of fashion was influential as well. He’s the king of pop, and I want to earn a label of respect as high as that. But most importantly, I vibe with how he was as a person – you don’t hear too much negativity about how he treated people; he was a positive force who focused on his art. That’s what I’m going to bring to the industry and to the world in general."

HSM: What do you have that no artist does, currently, in the entertainment industry?

ALZO: "My work ethic and the individualism I have as a person makes me different. The way I can present myself behind the camera and behind the notepad is unique. I don’t look like anyone, and I won’t market or brand myself like anyone. Since I’m versatile I can bring more to the table. The level of gratitude and vision I bring and my passion in everything I do makes me stand out as well; I won’t do any fake stuff ever."

HSM: Out of all the cities you have visited or performed, which one has been the most interesting?

ALZO: "I loved every city I’ve been to and performed. I appreciate the love and support from each and every city."

HSM: What brands have you modeled for? Who do you aspire to model for in the near Future?

ALZO: "Modeling evolved organically from my personal style. Fashion was always my mojo, my thing. I’ve always liked to dress and stand out with my clothes, and with that comes taking pictures and showing off how fresh you can look. Your appearance is someone’s first opinion about you, so I always wanted to look nice in person and have that reflected in quality photos through my clothes and my poses. People kept telling me that I should model and it eventually emerged into an actual career. I’ve always been behind the camera, but I was never shy as a kid; growing up, I was the center of attention, but not on purpose though. So transitioning to being in front of the camera was not forced, it was natural for me. Brands to model for- Karl Lagerfeld. The dope stuff he brings enhanced Chanel to modern greatness; he made Chanel a live brand. I also like that he brings on black models. What he did with Tyra Banks and other models, he does a lot, and I really appreciate that."

HSM: What song or artists do you play when you’re going through different moods and why?

ALZO: "If I’m just chilling or not in a good mood, I would probably put on some Michael Jackson, Travis Scott or some Drake. I just like soft, slow music period. If I’m trying to get hype then Travis, Migos, Young Dolph, or Chief Keef."

HSM: Your forthcoming EP, when is it slated to drop?

ALZO: "I want to make sure I produce to the world a solid EP. So we’re not rushing we’re just recording and making sure everything is coming together. I’ll say, end of the year. Early first quarter of 2019."

HSM: How does fashion influence your sound?

ALZO: "There was always a music artist that I’d go put my headphones on in my room and play. I never thought I’d be an artist or rap or anything, but I always liked poetry, I always had a passion for music, and I always liked to write and give details about what I was doing or feeling. Then a couple of years ago I started to take music seriously. Everything developed from there and transformed into something bigger."