Meet Legendary C.S.T

Today we’d like to introduce you to Legendary C.S.T.

Legendary C.S.T, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started writing raps at 11 years old. We used to have cyphers at the lunch table all through middle school.

When I got to South Cobb High freshman year I linked up with this kid I used to battle within middle school. He felt we’d be stronger together.

I was skeptical but my best friend convinced me and honestly, the work we did was ahead of its time.

By Junior and Senior year, the foundation we laid as MCs gave us credibility to stand on. He was in yearbook so he had a pass to get people out of class.

He would come get whoever out of class to record freestyles and upload them to YouTube in a segment we called “Cold Bars.” We coupled that content with Cyphers and rap-battles.

Toward the end of senior year, I dropped my first solo project “The Golden Ticket Mixtape.” That earned the respect of my peers and converted reachable people into fans. I recorded the project in my closet over popular instrumentals like (Devil In A Blue Dress by Kanye West, Miss Me by Drake, etc.). It also featured some verses and skits from classmates.

After high school, I got accepted to Kennesaw State University fall 2011. I wasn’t crazy about going to college but at this time (2011), I didn’t believe in my vision enough to say “Hey family, I’m NOT going to college. I’m NOT going to work a traditional job. I’m going to pursue a music career.”

By Sophomore year of college, I was on academic probation trying to balance passion with responsibilities. I was at a crossroads. I chose to put music on the back-burner for a while.

I look back on it and embrace it. My best friend always told me, “You want to be known and liked for being yourself, not being a rapper.”

After graduation, I really dedicated myself to the craft. I’m in the early stages of execution with just six singles on all streaming platforms.

I’m releasing an EP whenever it feels right and my IG: @LegendaryCST is building one weekly freestyle at a time.

Has it been a smooth road?
There were so many times, especially in college that I wanted to stop music altogether. I overcame the internal struggle, but there’s an ongoing struggle with tuning out noise. Whether it’s doubt and skepticism from others or the noise of social media, politics, and trends.

Dedication, check. Focus, pending.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
It’s a great time to be an independent artist. I’ve been building catalog under the ‘Legendary CST’ brand for about a year now. My IG page is where I’m most present. Weekly freestyles for my tribe and singles on all platforms until the EP drops. I think what makes what I’m doing unique is that I’m not pretending to have made it. I literally just let the talent speak for itself and show a tremendous amount of gratitude for every engagement.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I would love to see more independent artists benefit from streaming and create markets for themselves.

I’d love to see more black-owned social media agencies promoting black businesses and brands. I’m just really hopeful about us controlling our narrative and inspiring art that evolves us.

I think there’s increasing opportunities for creatives. We maximize our opportunities by applying creativity to things outside of entertainment. Things like tech, medicine, politics, and education. If we make art that inspires people to do that, the next generation will be better off.