TORO
MIAMI, FL
3
05 is on the rise and Toro is making his mark in the movement. His new CD, Walkin’ Check, features his latest single “Ima Star” – a statement that is backed by Toro’s grind and stage presence. Hosted by DJ Khaled, the project is industry certified and approved. And just in case the world needs more proof of Toro’s star qualities, he landed an acting role in the new Bloodline movie. Where are you from? I’m from Dade County, FL. I was born and raised in Bunch Park; that’s in Opa Locka. Describe your style for someone who hasn’t heard your music. It’s original. It’s like street lyrical. I wouldn’t say it’s gangsta rap, but it’s real life situations put into lyrical form. It’s killing ‘em! Do you have a single? Yeah, I’ve got a singled called “Ima Star.” It’s killing the underground right now. Is it getting any radio play? We’re trying to get some spins. As we speak, I got 99 Jamz on it and I got Khaled backing it. What projects are you working on? I got my street CD out. “Ima Star” is on the CD. It’s doing real good. It’s called Walkin’ Check and it’s hosted by DJ Khaled. We’re moving a lot of units on the street right now. Everything’s going good. Have you done any collaborations? I got collaborations with Mario Winans, The Game, Rick Ross, and the Goonz Squad. We’re moving units, moving units, moving units. What’s the name of your label? Lifeline Entertainment. The CEO is Zo of Czar Entertainment. Jimmy Henchmen is my manager. Are there any other artists on the label? No, I’m the only artist on the label right now. Where have you been promoting yourself and your street CD? In Southeast Florida, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers. Basically, we’re covering Florida right now but I got a couple units up in New York. I got some in Alabama, too.
Who all have you worked with as far as production? I’ve worked with a lot of producers out of Miami like the Drum Majorz. I’ve worked with a couple of other underground producers. Are you performing in order to get yourself out there? Yeah, I was on tour with Juvenile in about 36 cities. I’ve been performing a lot in Miami and other parts of Florida. How was the tour? It was a good experience but it’s not like what you see on TV. It’s blood, sweat and tears. You gotta really be ready for that road ‘cause that road will make you or break you. It’s hard work. For somebody who hasn’t had the chance to go on tour yet, what’s the typical day like when you’re on the road? Get up, eat breakfast, do radio interviews, magazine interviews, sound check and the show. That’s how it goes. Every day is the same thing. Are there any artists in the game that you look up to or are influenced by? I grew up on JT Money, Luke, 8Ball & MJG, N.W.A. and stuff like that. What’s next for Toro? I have a DJ Drama mixtape coming out. That should be the last mixtape before I get a deal. I’m doing a couple of shows Super Bowl weekend. Basically, I’m on the grind. Do you have any shout outs? I want to shout out the whole Dade County, 305, Opa Locka, Carol City, all that. Ya’ll go check out that Bloodline movie, too. I got a part in that movie. I’m doing a good supporting acting role. My name is Smurf in the movie. That’s doing real good in the streets right now. How could someone get in contact with you? Y’all can hit me up on Myspace at www.myspace. com/toroiconz or www.lifelineentertainment. com. Check me out in the hood, flea markets, all that. We in the hood out here. Words: Ms. Rivercity Photo: Julia Beverly
OZONE
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