Talon Lloyd

Talon Lloyd is his given name. So he goes by Talon. No made-up persona or fascade that he must maintain. Talon is a giant walking around in mortals' clothing and his eyes say so. A professional draftsman by day and an musician by night, he is humble and unpretentious. He has a lot to say and nothing to prove. During his interview, Talon was abnormally...normal for a performer. No bragging, no flossing, no name-dropping. He considers himself a working man, a father and a musician with some stories to tell.

"My name is Talon. I'm originally from Maryland. I moved to Raleigh 9 months ago."

How did you start your music?

"When I was living on my own at 17, I had an interest to write. I hired a producer, [but] it took me a long time to learn how to rap. I studied songs over and over, trying to make up my own words, trying to stay within the music. I studied a lot of Tupac [and] anything else that had a meaning, that I felt something from."

What is the philosophy behind your music?

"A lot of people are in need of comfort. I know that I am. I wish sometimes that I had had people to guide me. I want to have people relate to what I say."

Will you spit some lyrics?

Why is life so tough? I ask myself
as I take another puff of the cess.
Yeah, my life is stressed.
And I'm tense, in my brain.
Am I going insane?
Every other day I"m in a new maze.
I'm trapped.
In my own mind, in my own grind,
at the same time
got to provide for a wife and child.

Where did I go wrong in this life I lead?
How can I move on when I don't feel free?

Did audiences accept you early on as a legitimate white rapper?

"Yeah, it was funny, being a white guy. I ignore the negative, though and just do what I do."

Where have you performed in Raleigh?

"Blue Martini and Alibi. I had a great time. The people enjoyed it. No body threw an apple at me or anything like that."

What's in your Ipod?

"Rick Ross and 50 Cent and that's it. A little of me."

How would your friends describe you?

"As a free soul."

What would you say to kids wanting to make it in music?

"Get your education now. Definitely stay in school and at least get your diploma, but always pursue your dreams. The only thing we have to keep us going in life is our dreams."

Are you looking forward to pursuing music full time?

"I'll still do both my career and music. I balance my life through three different careers now, plus my side stuff. I go to work every day, do the music thing. I'm not looking for a replacement."

It's just your form of art.

"Yeah."

Reading any good books?

"The Expectant Father."

Who would you like to meet?

"God."

Talon Lloyd is signed with Evolution Entertainment and will be touring this spring. Look for his debut album, "Phases and Stages" to launch this holiday. He can be reached at http://www.myspace.com/talonismyname.