Interview with Jon Emmenidis

Marco Polo who's been quietly lacing beats for years in the underground hip hop scene, is ready to step out of the shadows and into the forefront of the hip hop world with the release of his debut album "Port Authority". I sat down with the Toronto to New York producer to discuss in large what to expect from this new release.

Thanks for the interview man, whats been good with you?

Just been hectic trying to wrap up my new mixtape Newport Authority with Mick Boogie. The mixtape is gonna have new joints, old joints, album joints and non albums joints. A little teaser before the actual album drops on May 15th.

Your originally from Toronto, when did you make the move to New York?

I moved out to Queens about 5 years ago but Ive since moved to Brooklyn and been in BK for the last 4 years.

As an artist, is getting work a lot easier operating from New York rather then Toronto?

Absolutely. 95% of the production work Ive done wouldnt have happened if I was still in Toronto. I had to come to NY to really get my music out there, its made all the difference.

Do you feel that the Canadian scene can take off sometime in the future?

Anything is possible but Toronto worst enemy is itself. People call it the screwface capitol so you can take that for what it is. We definitely have some incredible talent though.

Your album Port Authority has been in the making for some time, are you satisfied with the overall result?

I am definitely satisfied with it. Some of the beats are older but I still feel they stand up and sound current. Some of those songs are like 3 years old, but Ill let people try and figure out which ones those are...

Ive heard theres a huge amount of guests on the album, whod you get for the release?

Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Large Pro, O.C., Buckshot, Copywrite, Kev Brown, Ju Ju, Sadat X...too name a few. You can peep the final tracklisting on my website: www.marcopolobeats.com

How did all these collaborations come to play?

Every situation was different. But overall, I already worked with a lot of the people on the album so there was mutual respect in tact. That makes it easier to really build on ideas and make the best product.

Whats it like dealing with so many artists on the album, I mean with all the schedules and everything. Was that one of the reasons why the albums been in the making so long?

Hell yeah. Rappers are all over the place sometimes. Im a patient person though. Id rather take longer and get the best result then rush something out youll listen to once. I think thats what is going to separate my album from a lot of other projects this year. I have some real replay value on the album.

You did all the beats on the album, right?

Yup. I produced everything. My man Shylow helped me pick out certain tracks for certain artists though. He was crucial in planning out this album with me.

Port Authority is getting released through Rawkus Records, do you feel that this once legendary label is truly back?

Its actually a joint venture between Soulspazm Records and Rawkus Records. I cant really speak about Rawkus being back or not, but I do feel Rawkus putting out my album is a step in the right direction for them.

How would you feel about signing a deal, and keeping all your beats to one imprint. Is that something you would consider doing?

That would really depend on the situation. But anything is possible I suppose

What equipment are you using for your production at the moment?

Akai MPC 2000 XL and my records.

Growing up, who were your favourite producers?

Erik Sermon, Marley Marl, DJ Premier, Prince Paul, The RZA, D.I,T,C., Pete Rock, Jay Dee a lot of dudes man.

Do you feel that those producers have influenced your production style in any way?

For sure. At the end of the day its always going to be a Marco Polo track but the inspiration definitely comes from the legends.

You got many beats on any new projects?

Ive done new stuff for Heltah Skeltah, Large Professor, Ed O.G & Special Teamz, Boot Camp, J-Live, Reef Da Lost Cauze, Supastition, EMC.

Thanks once again, any last messages for the readers?