24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

Don Polo: My name is Don Polo a rapper/producer. I’m a full blood Haitian from Long Island, NY. SAK PASE! I represent Family 1st Entertainment I grind hard and I play even harder. I’m definitely a firm believer in “What you get out is what you put in” that’s why everyday I give it a 1000%. I’m not here to be somebody that I’m not I just wanna bring good times and real life experiences.

24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?

Don Polo: For starters growing up I always had an instrument in my hand. My pops had his own band, so I was always around music and it grew on me. From there basically I started taking piano and drum lessons around 7, and it just evolved into writing by 10. I guess you can say my pops is really who got me into all this.

24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?

Don Polo: Totally different from what it is today. You know technology wasn’t advanced as it now, and there wasn’t even any social networks. It was really all about music videos and the countdowns. I remember 106 & Park with AJ & Free, TRL, Rap City the Bassment with Big Tigga, Sucker Free Sundays, and even after midnight you had BET Raw Uncut.

24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?

Don Polo: Everybody always tries to create an image that their not. The difference between me and them is I speak from the heart. Everything I’ve been through, everything I’ve done, everything I have, whether it’s materials or people that surround me, it’s all real and a positive energy. I wanna create my own lane and just cruise in it.

24: Tell us about what you are working on.

Don Polo: Currently, I’m doing promo for my new mixtape ‘SleepWalkLife,’ and building my brand, Family 1st. I’m writing, producing, and prepping for my next tape. You can follow me at @F1TheDon for any updates, and check out SleepWalkLIfe at DatPiff.com, MixtapeTorrent.com, HotNewHipHop.com or even my site at www.F1stMusic.com.

24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?

Don Polo: So far I’ve worked with Phillies, True Product, SwaggOnTheBeat, P at 906 Music, Self at TSL Lounge, and BMC Beats that’s it. As far as who I’d like to work with, I’m a huge fan of Cardiak, Lex Luger, DrummaBoy, Boi-1da, and Kanye West.

24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?

Don Polo: Yeah I am. I feel like I’m making good progress.

24: In today’s free download age, what do you need that you don’t to make yourself a household name?

Don Polo: I feel like I need to create my own brand with a strong team that delivers a product that stands out to any audience.

24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?

Don Polo: I think it’s great. Hip-Hop is live and unified right now, and I think that’s how it should be.

24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?

Don Polo: I’m also a financial adviser, I manage big money stocks and own ‘Family 1st Realty.’

24: Where do you see yourself going in 2012 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artists out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?

Don Polo: Sky’s the limit, but I do know I’m gonna make a name for myself by being me, Don Polo, and putting out as much hot and free music out through the right contacts.

24: How can fans go about contacting you?

Don Polo: You can Facebook me at Don Polo, follow me at @F1TheDon on twitter, go to my website www.F1stmusic.com, and for booking/features or any type of networking you can get at my right hand man on twitter at @IAmF1Green or email Family1stMusic@gmail.com.

24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

Don Polo: If you haven’t yet, go checkout my mixtape ‘SleepWalkLife’ at www.DatPiff.com, www.MixtapeTorrent.com, www.247mixtape.com, www.GetRightMusic.com. Stay in tune on twitter @F1TheDon for all upcoming events.