Five Questions With Lotto Richie

Born in the rough streets of North Philadelphia, Derrick Orlando Harrell was better known as Lotto Richie always knew he was destined for greatness. If it wasn’t his dynamic personality or his creative drive, Lotto’s lyrical delivery definitely forced his neighborhood to listen. He first appeared on the Philly music scene at the age of 16 with his childhood group (Diamond District) and their self-titled, debut project; it was then, that his peers started to recognize his talent as an artist, writer, and producer.

During a rough adolescence, detailed in many of his autobiographical songs, Lotto saw firsthand what drugs and gun violence can do to a community. His music reflects inner-city culture and experiences, infused with gems of knowledge and lessons that couldn’t be more relevant to today’s Urban landscape. Lotto sought Rap as an escape from the violence and poverty that surrounded him daily, giving him endless lyrical material that would resonate with some of Hip Hop’s top influencers.

After taking over the local music scene, Lotto – with the help of his two friends – found himself in an epic Rap Battle that would put him on the map as a solo artist. Lotto made it to the final round and after three hours of battling, he ended up signing with Waah, owner of the Ruff Ryders. This opportunity lead the young rapper/producer to appear on a freestyle track for the Ruff Ryders Vol. 3 mixtape and opened doors to work with legendary Hip Hop heavyweights including Eve, Jada Kiss and his ‘mentor,’ Swizz Beatz.

Recently, Lotto made the jump to Los Angeles to pursue his own artistry full time as a rapper and producer. Known for his strong beats and lyrical flow, Lotto pays homage to old-school Hip Hop with a relevant swagger which he showcased on his first solo project B.A.G.S. (Back Alleys, Ghetto Streets) and his latest EP, BAGS 2 that was released earlier this summer (available now on all streaming platforms). This fall, he’s gearing up to debut new video content from the projects and put the finishing touches on his custom, backpack collection called Bags by Lotto, made of genuine leather and handcrafted in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned, you never know what Lotto Richie might pull out of his BAG next!

As you see yourself, who is Lotto Richie?

I’m just a rapper with bars. And I also sell bags. Old school meets new school. Lots of class and far from trash.

Tell us about your current project?

My current project is the second installment of the B.A.G.S. Series, BAGS 2, and it’s available on all streaming platforms.

What’s on your bucket list to accomplish as an entertainer?

Things on my “Bucket List” as an entertainer would be a World Tour, Help the Youth, do a few films and become a huge brand in the Bag industry.

Will you be finishing out 2017 on the road or what’s on your horizon for 2018?

I’m just working my project (BAGS 2) for the duration of 2017 and gearing up to launch BAGS 3 in early 2018. I think it will be my best work to come. Also, I am working on my “BAGS & BARS” show where I talk about dope rap lines.

The Hype Magazine wants to know: What’s been your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?! Or “WTF?!” moment thus far in your career?

One of the “WTF” moments in my career would be when I was performing in Gardena, CA, and a fan threw a bag of pills and other “drugs” on stage. I was baffled, to say the least.

Social Media Links:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamlotto/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iamlotto
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamlotto

Photo Credit:
Shadow Image – Shannon Laurine
Street Image – Ian Rothweiler