Published on January 11th, 2016 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Who is L.A.F.?

Southern California native, hip-hop artist L.A.F. recently released his highly anticipated debut album titled Project 87. The album provides fans an insight into L.A.F. as a songwriter and versatile lyricist.

Project 87 was inspired by the desire and inspiration to motivate a new generation, drawing from L.A.F.’s very own personal journey. L.A.F. has come full circle and realized no matter the challenge “the cream will always rise to the top,” stating:

“It’s time for our generation of young Kings and Queens to step up and take our place in this world…We are now the new Doctors, Lawyers, Entertainers, Developers, and the 9 to 5ivers that keeps the wheels on the world rotating…’Project 87’ is a mindset and a reminder of hope.”

Project 87 features the following tracks:

1. Compositions (Produced by Stevie Keith)

2. Project 87 (Produced by Deknight)

3. Year of the Dope (Produced by Deknight)

4. LeftSide (Produced by Deknight)

5. Better Mood Prod: Deknight

6. Act of Violence ft. BoogieBrayne (Produced by Stevie Keith)

7. Kali Kings (Produced by Deknight)

We got a chance to get some insight directly from this emerging star:

From the outside looking in, who is L.A.F.?

From the outside looking in would depend on who’s looking and when it is they are looking. At the end of the day your prescription of others is your own prescription and each individual has a right to offer that, but most people see what they want to see no matter how you present yourself to them. They could see me as a father, an artist, a criminal or threat, a symbol of hope, or even a role model. My momma may event look at me and see the future president inside me…but really, I just want to be perceived simply as a human. I’m happy, I’m angry, I’m cocky yet humble, and reserved but unapologetic. Sometimes I can be a philosopher and other times just get on a record and talk some shit. In my head, I’m thinking I’m on the path of a Malcom X or Martin Luther King Jr., but there are times when I feel like a Lil Wayne or even Justin Bieber. As a human we go through many different phases and it’s all a growing process…so L.A.F. is a person who embraces everything life has to offer, with all its ups and downs, all its changes, all its hate, and especially all its love.

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

The Power of it all. The fact that music is so universal and it has the power to change or dictate your mood, feelings, or emotions is very intriguing. Music has an unlimited reach and the ability to go around the world. Music has the power to influence someone’s character and who they become because of how passionate they were about the sound or the story in the music. A voice combined with a beat has the power that can live and take on its own identity within music. And you can either use that identity for personal advantages or you can use it to impact the masses. I wanna have access to that type of power and that type of voice so I can impact the masses. I wanna impact the masses with thoughts of progression. And that’s a certain responsibility I don’t take for granted. It’s similar to my responsibility as a parent: regardless if I’ve done something wrong or if I have flaws, my main job is to guide you and help you understand life. That’s me being an example, me being transparent, me being honest, and these are all elements I put in my music.

Tell us about your debut release Project 87 and your single Year of the Dope.

It was originally a celebration of my homecoming after living in Vegas for ten years prior, but then it became more of a reflection. It’s almost an admiration of my upbringing and how my family groomed me to be the person I am, flaws and all. It has stories, dope beats, dope flows and some messages. It’s an introduction to who I am as a person as well as an artist. It’s an aggressive project, but also non-offensive I believe. “Year of the Dope” was my first single off the project and is a statement song that you can party to. I’m basically saying, “Yes I know I’m not living right, but I’m embracing all life’s vices and I’m still going to make it.” It’s a fun song produced by my partner Deknight, who produces 90% of music. It’s definitely high energy song and I got to kick some dope versus on that joint. I’m excited about this project because I really got to create it in LA and really give it the vibes from my home. I just can’t wait to get out here and be able to push it and be secure that it’s going to be digested well by the city.

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music..

I’m very passionate about my family, especially my daughter. Being able appreciate their company and our small traditions and how the core of us makes it a priority to see one another and hang out and create more memories is so fulfilling. I’m also a complete sports junky I would definitely say sports are a passion of mine. The Lakers, Raiders, USC, the Kings, the dodgers I try and watch the games religiously.

Fans of L.A.F. can follow his every move via social media online: @followLAFdope

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.