DOPE AS USUAL Podcast - Episode Summary: Alex of Legado 7 on Corridos, 420 Culture & More!
Hosts: Marty O'Neill & Thomas Araujo
Guest: Alex Legato, Member of Legado 7
Release Date: April 22, 2025
1. Introduction of Guest and Background
The episode kicks off with hosts Thomas Dopas and Mario Neal welcoming Alex Legato, a prominent figure from Legado 7, a group instrumental in revolutionizing Mexican music by blending traditional corridos with modern LA lifestyle influences.
2. Pioneering Mexican Music and Corridos with a Modern Twist
Thomas Dopas: "Do you do music where enough people listen to what you’re doing?" (02:30)
Alex elaborates on how Legado 7 has been at the forefront of evolving corridos, traditionally known for narcoculture themes, into more mainstream and diverse topics including lifestyle elements like weed and modern American influences.
Alex Legato: "We changed that with a few artists that are on top right now." (03:43)
3. The Rise of Spanish Music Globally
The hosts discuss the surge in popularity of Spanish music over the past five years, highlighting its dominance in global charts and media. Alex attributes part of this rise to Legado 7's pioneering efforts in normalizing and commercializing Spanish-language music intertwined with contemporary themes.
4. Record Label and Collaborations
Alex shares insights about their record label, Lum Music, and early collaborations that helped propel their music career. Notably, his collaboration with the legendary rapper Too Short marked one of their initial forays into blending genres.
Alex Legato: "We were trying to make it in LA, and when my partner posted our live album on YouTube, it blew up instantly." (60:56)
5. Personal Journey: From Mexico to Phoenix
Alex recounts his childhood, moving from Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 11. This transition exposed him to a blend of Mexican culture and American lifestyle, significantly influencing his musical direction.
6. 420 Culture and its Influence on Music
A significant portion of the conversation delves into the 420 culture—weed—and its integration into Alex's music. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of embedding weed culture into corridos, a genre traditionally not associated with such themes.
Alex Legato: "My music revolves around weed. All my albums talk about weed, hoes, and the game." (28:08)
7. Balancing Family and Lifestyle
Alex opens up about balancing his personal life, including being a father of three, with his musical career and weed lifestyle. He emphasizes the importance of setting a responsible example for his children while pursuing his passions.
Alex Legato: "I got kids, so I don't know how I’m gonna feel, you know..." (29:10)
8. Weed and Its Role in Creative Process
The discussion shifts to Alex’s personal experiences with weed and how it influences his creativity. He shares anecdotes about his initial encounters with marijuana and how it eventually became a central theme in his music production and songwriting.
Alex Legato: "When I took a hit correctly, it changed everything for me. It became a better experience." (80:05)
9. Tours and Live Performances
Alex highlights the success of their "Smoke Me Out Tour," which has spanned 46 shows across 50 states, showcasing their wide-reaching influence and dedicated fan base. He hints at future tours and continued efforts to expand their musical reach.
Alex Legato: "We’re doing 46 shows and adding more. It’s almost every weekend." (105:34)
10. Social Media and Music Distribution
The hosts and Alex discuss the pivotal role of social media in modern music distribution. Alex acknowledges the necessity of platforms like YouTube and TikTok in promoting their music, despite initial challenges and the oversaturated market.
Alex Legato: "Social media is a tool we have to use to show our music to people who might not see it otherwise." (109:22)
11. Business Ventures and Personal Passions
Beyond music, Alex shares his passion for classic cars and business investments. He describes his love for building and maintaining muscle cars, particularly Mustangs, and how this hobby complements his entrepreneurial spirit.
Alex Legato: "I love building cars. I have several Mustangs that I have meticulously worked on." (68:11)
12. Experiences with Weed and Shrooms
The conversation takes a personal turn as Alex narrates his experiences with dabbing and psychedelic mushrooms. He recounts a particularly intense shroom trip that ended awkwardly, highlighting the unpredictable nature of psychedelics.
Alex Legato: "That trip was a nightmare. My uncle thought I was a demon." (100:00)
13. Future Plans and Releases
Wrapping up, Alex announces the upcoming release of their 10th-anniversary album, "L7X," set to drop on April 17, 2025, coinciding with the 420 weekend. He also teases upcoming tours and collaborations, reinforcing their commitment to evolving the Mexican music scene.
Alex Legato: "We’re dropping 'L7X' with 17 bangers, all about weed, hoes, and the game." (08:27)
Thomas Dopas: "We'll link everything in the description for our listeners." (106:18)
Notable Quotes
- Alex Legato: "We bridged LA lifestyle with corridos to create something unique." (02:02)
- Thomas Dopas: "Spanish music has exploded globally in the past five years." (03:43)
- Alex Legato: "Social media has become an obligation for artists to reach their audience." (109:39)
- Thomas Dopas: "Once you start dabbing right, it changes everything." (80:05)
Conclusion
This episode of "DOPE AS USUAL" offers an in-depth look into Alex Legato's journey as a pioneering artist in the Mexican music landscape, his integration of 420 culture into his art, and the balance between personal life and creative passions. Alex's candid storytelling and reflections provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of music, culture, and lifestyle in today's globalized world.
Listeners are encouraged to follow Legado 7 on Spotify and other platforms to stay updated on their latest releases and tour dates.