Check Out Larry Morris’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Morris.

Larry, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a Saint Louis native from the U.City area. I got into music at the age of 13 when a neighborhood friend told me he thought my poems were more reminiscent of “Raps.” So, I went down that wormhole. The city is a musical area, and high school was no exception as so many talented emcees walked through those halls. By the time I arrived, Nelly was taking off with “Country Grammar,” so many of us were taking a jab at being the next in the music biz. So, I was constantly battling other emcees everywhere I could.

We would cipher in the cafeteria (which became a WHOLE event every lunch), on the corners, at the skating rinks, and more. I developed a solid reputation for my freestyle and battle ability. My cousin, who was older ill Spitta Sicflo discovered my talent and took me under his wing as he is a true hip-hop head. He would make me study emcees from every style and region. He would give me listening assignments and quiz me. He would critique my verses and more. He was a great teacher and still is.

During this period, I started collecting second-hand equipment, and my best friend/fellow bandmate Keith and I would stay in my room all weekend and make tracks. The recordings weren’t the highest quality, but they prepped us for where we are now. I found an affinity for recording and decided my Senior year to come to Webster University to get a degree in Audio Engineering. While attending Webster, my musical life would change, and my current band, illphonics, would form. I developed a more diverse listening palette, started understanding song structure, and developed my music style.

Webster was a cocoon that allowed me to develop into a well-rounded artist. When I graduated, I planned to move to LA, but I chose to stay here in Saint Louis due to my mother’s illness. The band and I started playing locally, and it was out of necessity I jumped out on the Saint Louis music scene and just started learning everything I could. I learned to book (shows), started networking, and just immersed myself in all things Saint Louis music to help my team.

No one was willing to give us a shake because we sounded so different, and there was a negative connotation attached to Hip-Hop in venues here at that time. Through these scenarios, I would come to understand our city’s music scene and slowly began to work to impact change for myself and others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been peaches and cream. I still focus on my blessings. I’ve had to overcome folks who wouldn’t recognize my talent, socioeconomic pitfalls, gatekeeping, and so much more. What has gotten me through is my belief in myself and understanding that all things worth having take time.

I value the process and don’t allow myself to get caught up in the opinions of others. I am still dealing with inevitable roadblocks, but I take it all in stride as I’ve gotten older and wiser. No one is beyond paying dues.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center at Webster University during the day. I create culture programming, advise cultural student groups, supervise student programmers in our department.

I also do diversity training, work on initiatives that improve the quality of life on campus for domestic and international students, and serve as a liaison to my department on outward collaborations.

At night I am the Frontman for the Hip-Hop Fusion band iLLPHONiCS. I also do some communications and event consulting around town.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely! The list is long, and I could go on for days, but they know who they are. These individuals help me think outside of the box and often encourage me to lean into my ideas because I usually take roads less traveled to accomplish my goals or a task.

They also are a phenomenal support system as I see them as my village. I wouldn’t be where I am without their insight and guidance.

Contact Info:

• Website: illphonics.net
• Instagram: @falloutmorris
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=fallout%20morris
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Illphonics

Image Credits
Freddy D Angelo and Brandon Sloan