“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
New Orleans is an urban wonderland, awash in some of the most prolific musical talent found anywhere in this world. It’s also a fashion haven and has been for decades. New Orleans clearly has its own urban style and it has been a trendsetter on both fronts, for literally decades.
Meet Lawrence “Law” Parker, better known in the music industry as influential super producer, CRACKTRACKS.
Lawrence has been in the music industry for many years and he has worked with some of the biggest names in the business – he is, in fact, one of the “biggest names” himself.
In addition, he owns Traffic Boutique, a fresh urban boutique that not only carries urban clothing and haute accessories – it carries its fellow man. Traffic Boutique gives back and lifts up New Orleans artists and nightlife, in a positive manner. Lawrence has been able to bring some legendary artists to New Orleans for performances that may not otherwise have happened.
New Orleans is one of the most special places on earth. The Heat Magazine salutes those who help to broaden its horizons and Lawrence Parker is most certainly at the top of that list!
We recently caught up with Lawrence and here’s what he had to say:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about yourself & what you do.
LAWRENCE PARKER: My name is Lawrence Parker, owner of Traffic Boutique, which is a street wear boutique located in the New Orleans French Quarters, the first of its kind in NOLA, and Supreme Street, which is my Entertainment and management company. I’m just a guy that’s focused on helping and teaching others as much as possible, being successful and rebuilding the NOLA community through music, art, and fashion.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: You’ve made a name for yourself in New Orleans. What got you interested in the urban music scene?
LAWRENCE PARKER: I started out as started out as a producer (CRACKTRACKS) on the local scene producing music for BG, Soulja Slim, C-Murder, Sqad-Up, Magnolia Chop, and the list goes on. So I have always had my finger on the pulse of New Orleans’ urban music scene – The ups and downs of it all. It was hard to come up out of the New Orleans music scene, but I embraced the struggle and hustle. Putting in those long hours with all those artists was great and it taught me about the business – and it kept my interest because I always felt I would make an impact. No matter where my career carried me, I always said I would keep it 100 with my city.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell our readers about the big moves you’ve been making recently.
LAWRENCE PARKER: I was excited about doing the first NOLA SXSW event in Austin, Texas this past year, and we are gearing up to do it again in 2012. We just had a very successful 2nd Annual NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards and the NOLA Summer Jam. Also, we did concerts with artists Camp Lo, Mos Def, Bun B, Stalley, Cool Kids, Big Sean, Miguel, Big K.R.I.T., Mac Miller, Chase N Cashe, Killa Kyleon, and more. In addition, we created Certified NOLA. The avenue for our local artists to perform on the main stage at House of Blue was very huge for the city. I released 9 mixtapes and 2 albums in 2011.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What’s in store for you? What can we expect to see in the near future?
LAWRENCE PARKER: Right now, I’m preparing for my book to be released. It is entitled, “Live & Maintain”, due out in early 2012. My album, “Live & Maintain 3.0” is coming soon. I just finished a feature with MSN for ReDiscover NOLA. I’m starting a youth program called, “NOLA Power Youth.” If anyone wants more information, email nolapoweryouth@gmail.com. I’m very excited about Jay Electronica’s first album coming real soon. More music from Supreme Street artists and production from CRACKTRACKS. Just be on the lookout for more concerts, and more avenues for our locals to be involved in. I want to do as much as possible to see our local scene grow. Support our locals!!
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Heat salutes Lawrence Parker for his positive moves in and around New Orleans. He has made some power moves in music, but most importantly, he takes care of the world around him – and to us, that is the most important aspect of his work. We can’t wait to see what 2012 brings for him.
A young man making huge moves – pay attention, folks so you’ll see where he ends up!