Marco Polo Explores His World with AC

Marco Polo (1254-1324), is probably the most famous Westerner that traveled on the Silk Road. He excelled all the other travelers in his determination, his writing and his influence. His journey through Asia lasted 24 years. He reached further than any of his predecessors beyond Mongolia to China. He became a confidant of Kublai Khan (1214-1294). He traveled the whole of China and returned to tell the tale, which became the greatest travelogue.

While 27 year old Producer Marco Polo was born centuries later, raised in Toronto, one can draw similar parallels between the two men. Marco Polo traveled through the world of Hip-Hop struggling and paying his dues for his craft. After landing in NYC's Port Authority, he crashed on a friend's couch until he could find a gig. He says he sent his resume to 20 studios with no luck. Unwavered, he played the role of gopher, honing his skills and taking the opportunities finally afforded him at The Cutting Room Studio. There he began laying tracks for Masta Ace, Boot Camp Clik and Sadat X. After 4 years of focused hustle, Producer Marco Polo is ready for the world promising a mix of fresh new beats and brand new "flavor in your ear." First introduced as Chef Marco Polo, his face was emblazoned on a "Chef Boyardee" can of pasta. Adopting the name Marco Polo (ordained by producer Ayatollah), he clearly connects with his Italian roots. Both his parents were born in Italy. His Mom is from Calabria and his Dad Napoli. He joked that although his roots are in Southern Italy, his complexion is more reflective of Northern Italian.

Now, 4 years after arriving at Port Authority bus terminal in NYC, he plays homage to his experience by titling the debut album with the same name. Marco says that the Port Authority Album represents three years of solid commitment to his music and on May 15, 2007 when it is released on Soulspazm/Rawkus Records, he expects to be a major influence on the "New World of HIP HOP." Already, his growing reputation for mixing and cooking up beats has attracted industry aficionados. He was featured in Scratch Magazine's highly-influential "Boiling Point" section in their Jan/Feb 2007 issue and was recently named to Urb Magazine's "Next 100" list for 2007.

Recently, I hooked up with Marco Polo to discuss his much anticipated Port Authority Album as well as his life and times.

Saba,Ink: Thanks for giving us the chance to speak with you today.
Marco: Thank you for the opportunity.

Saba, Ink: How would you describe yourself? Rapper, Producer, Engineer, what?
Marco: I am strictly a Music Producer. Believe me it is a good thing I do not Rap. You don't want to hear me rap (laughs).

Saba, Ink: Coming from a purely Italian background, how did you come into this whole Hip Hop Thing? Where there specific songs, artists, beats or others that influenced you?
Marco: Actually, I give credit to my Pops. He used to play everyone from Donnie Hathaway to a Tribe Called Quest. He actually introduced me "Benita Applebaum" by Tribe and I was like WOW.
Marco: When I graduated High School, I couldn't figure out what to do. So I found this Sound Engineering School in Toronto that promised to train and get me a job. It wasn't happening so I took my student loan money and bought my first MPC with that money. I still use it today.

Saba,Ink: Now that the album is done, what are your future plans to promote it and yourself?
Marco: I am just doing crazy press right now. I'm thinking about a live show around June with Masta Ace in Canada. I'm also looking at some Beat Society gigs in NY,LA and Philadelphia. Beat Society is where I get my best feedback. It is such a unique event because it gives you a chance to audition your tracks/beats in front of a live audience. If they don't like your sound they let you know!

Saba,Ink: Recently, I spoke with Collie Buddz about being White in Reggae. Have you faced similar challenges in your career?
Marco: Not really because I'm not selling my face. I'm just shopping the music. They like the beats that I produce and they want it. So, I don't have a problem with this at all.

Saba,Ink: What do your parents think about what you are doing?
Marco: At first they did not understand. Now that they see where I am going with it, they have come around and are very supportive of my career.

Saba,Ink: What is so unique about Marco Polo?
Marco: I do not believe in clowning the music. I am certainly not a fan of the White Rapper Show and think that it is negative commentary on the culture. I am trying to fill a gap that I feel has been lost in music.

Saba,Ink: A lot of people are sayin' that. Why should we believe that you will make a difference in music?
Marco: I am making it fun again. I have a lot of heavyweights and legends on this album. There are amazing collaborations and I was involved in every song from beginning to end.

Saba,Ink: Who are some other people you hope to work with to achieve this?
Marco: I'm thinking of Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monche, Hi-Tek.

Saba, Ink: Here's a test for you. Do any of your videos feature half naked women, and lots of bragging and bravado seen in most Hip-Hop Videos today?
Marco: As a matter of fact NO. We are taking it back to Brooklyn. The video was Shot in Fort Greene Park, you'll see Bodegas, 80's Hip-Hop scenes, and all of that. There is a part that I play an 80 year old man. That video is for "Nostalgia" which is on the "B-Side." You should start seeing that in about a month or so.

Saba,Ink: I'm sure that many people have supported your career. If you had to name one person that really propelled things for you, who would you credit.
Marco: I'd have to give a shout-out to Masta Ace because he was the first big person I worked with.

Saba, Ink: For people who don't know you and want to get a feel for your flow or style, which one song from the album would you pick?
Marco: I'd say "WAR. It's the energy, the beats, the performance. It is about being sick and tired of the same old stuff and how it has brought down music. I want to take back Music and bring back the quality and original sound.

Saba,Ink: Marco, I thank you for your time and wish you much success. I'll be checkin' for you
Marco: Thank you.

Marco Polo kicks-off Rawkus' calendar year in grand style . They are banking that his original beats coupled with classic Hip Hop style will be a big part in re-establishing the label as the preeminent powerhouse it once was.

Stay tuned for the next episode.....