L.H. on His Love for Chicago & Being a Boss

L.H. is a Chicago hip hop artist, label owner, and creative visionary with the talent, hustle, and drive to take his music and personal brand to the people of the world. He has already dropped two impressive EPs, "Hennessequa" and "T2B2" that are expressive, personal, and blend influences both new and old into a sound that is 100% real Hip Hop.

He releases his tracks on his own Visual Audio record label, which lets him maintain complete control over his music and image. He has opened for major artists including Rittz, Lil Bibby, and Cam'ron and works hard daily to become the best he can possibly be.

His work is inspired by the life he lives and L.H. has been obsessed with hip hop since childhood. He fell in love with the beats and flows of many artists but his biggest influences were Nas and Jay-Z. He is also inspired by God and family and has made it his mission to make music that is entertaining but makes people feel at the same time.

His mind is always working and looking to create new projects and opportunities for himself and Visual Audio. His attitude is that time is money and neither should be wasted. This mindset puts L.H. well on the way towards his goals of reaching millions of fans and topping the Billboard charts. One thing is for sure: he will not die broke.

Tap into L.H.'s great mind below, as he details his grind and what it takes to be a boss. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾

Thanks for coming thru! For those unfamiliar, tell us more about your come up.

I am L.H. from Chicago. I loves to make music and create. I've been making music for a while. I'm starting to build upon a unique style and sound.

How has your Chicago upbringing influenced your sound and hustle?

Chicago is a huge city and a major market. Over two million plus people. It's full of opportunities to gain fans and network. I really can't speak on the sound.  I'm sure I use Chicago lingo and slang at times but I really don't make music to fit them in. My sound is always influenced on the type of beat that grabs my attention. 

What do you love the most about your city?

The uniqueness. I've been a lot places and Chicago is still the best. I love the downtown, different neighborhoods, 4 season weather and the food. 

You cite Nas and Jay-Z as your biggest influences. What do you love about each of their lyrical styles?

With Jay-Z,  the flow always stands out. The hustler mentality and wordplay. The fact that he still has hunger the older and richer he gets. He still has that "I have something to say and prove" mentality even as a billionaire.  There was a time where I didn't think he was the greatest, but now...he is hands down the greatest of all time.

Nas - I was drawn in from his storytelling from day one.  His smooth style over beats. Even when he is going hard, his voice still glides over a track. I use to question his beat selection but after time I grew to appreciate them. He will always be my #2 G.OA.T.

Which Hip Hop albums have had the most impact on your life?

There are a number of albums. First would have to be Nas - The Lost Tapes. To me it's hands down the greatest piece of work he has ever made. A Tribe Called Quest- Midnight Marauders, Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt and The Black Album, Common - Be, Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor ( bootleg version) , Kendrick Lamar - G.K.M.C., Redman- Red Gone Wild, Little Brother- The Minstrel Show, and plenty more. I am just a fan of Hip Hop and Rap music.

Describe the moment you knew you wanted to start making your own music.

Man, that was a while ago. Even in grade school I was just always fascinated by hip hop and rap. I studies it and  started to write. Even till this day I'm always looking to get better. It's something I don't ever just want to be complacent with.  I feel it's always room for improvement no matter where I'll be in my career.

I'm like a fish out of water when I'm making music or doing songs that don't fit my style or beliefs

What challenges have you had to overcome as a label owner?

Finding the time to get everything done. I wake up early everyday and get right to work. There's never a day where I don't do something.  From making music, setting up studio sessions, submitting music, networking, etc. I know what I signed up for so there's no need to complain. 

How did you get your label off the ground?

By constantly creating content and being seen. Putting my trademark on clothing and always wearing it. Letting my brand always shine.

Did you always see yourself as becoming a label owner?

Yes.  I always wanted to make music I envision. I wanted to have the final decision on everything I'm feature on. I'm like a fish out of water when I'm making music or doing songs that don't fit my style or beliefs. Control is extremely important to me.

You live by the mantra that “time is money and neither should be wasted”. How does that mindset play out in your everyday life?

I'm always working and creating. Im looking to get something accomplished everyday. If I don't do it then no one else will.

As someone who hustles hard, going after what you want with no apologies, what do you tell yourself when the going gets tough?

Just to keep pushing. Being an indie artist is 100% hard. Especially when your style is not one for the masses. You have to look at the big picture instead of the tiny details. I'm always happy when I get a like or a listen to any of my songs. Everyday my songs are getting streamed so it's progress.

Success means many different things to different people. What does it mean to you?

Success to me is making it. Having enough money to not worry about major debt. Having a totally different lifestyle and area code. Moving up in the tax bracket. When I have a big fan base, generating revenue in my sleep, traveling all over the world, becoming a household name from my talent and taking care of my family then I'll know that I was a success. I strive for the purpose and feeling everyday.