There are people who write about culture, and then there are people who protect it. Carl Lamarre has spent nearly two decades doing both. Building trust where there was skepticism, creating pathways where there were walls, and reshaping what representation looks like inside one of the most scrutinized music institutions in the world. His journey isn’t just about breaking into an industry; it’s about elevating it from the inside while staying rooted in something deeper than fame, chart success, or social status.

But long before Billboard titles, artist playbacks, magazine covers, and industry weight, Carl was a young man absorbing the world quietly, creatively, and differently than most. His earliest experiences would become the blueprint for how he navigated every subsequent professional setting.

Early Life, Roots, And Development of Voice

Carl Lamarre was raised as an only child in a Haitian immigrant household, shaping his independence and self-expression. “I grew up in a Caribbean household, and both my parents were immigrants who came from Haiti. I’m an only child,” he shared. His love for writing began unexpectedly and at a young age. “There was a show on Nickelodeon called Doug, and you know that inspired me to really get in my creative bag in terms of being a writer,” he said. “Little did I know, I'd be the same person running around, journaling everything. I kind of knew from a young age that I was going into journalism, so I started writing very, very young.”

Carl also attributes his communication confidence to the private practice he developed during his childhood. “I would talk to myself often,” he said. “Me talking to myself prepped me to have a certain level of confidence and dialogue. When I'm in a room full of people, it’s ‘easy breezy’ for me to have conversations because I was so used to having them with myself.”

This early pattern contributed directly to his interviewing style, one that artists often respond to with unusual openness. And as he grew, that instinctive communication ability turned into something measurable: influence.

Discovery Of Writing Impact and Early Accolades

During high school, Carl began writing for his school paper, where he recognized the reach and influence of his perspective. “I initially wanted to be a sports reporter. Being able to see that my work was able to touch beyond my high school and all of Long Island was pretty big,” he said. “That's when I knew. Okay. I'm on to something, like people are actually checking for me.” He also received recognition for his writing, winning third place in a regional sports opinion piece contest. Journalism became not just an interest, but a direction. “Journalism was always plan A. Plan B was to be a gym teacher, but that was my backup plan in case I really messed up at this thing. Thankfully, I didn't.”

With momentum building, Carl sought an environment where identity, ambition, and cultural impact could collide, which led him to Howard University.

Howard University: Academic, Personal, and Cultural Formation

Carl’s time at Howard University significantly contributed to his development as a writer, communicator, and cultural participant. “The energy is so infectious at Howard. You know it’s black pride and black joy all over, and I wanted to be a part of that,” he shared. Personal circumstances also influenced his decision. “I had some trouble in the household, so I was intentional about trying to find a place where I could grow and create my own identity.”

Furthermore, writing for the student paper, “The Hilltop,” shaped his newsroom professionalism. “It was a real battleground for me to really hone my skills and for me to develop an identity. Seeing my name physically in a newspaper hit different.” Competing with upperclassmen strengthened his editorial resilience and sharpened his writing style.

That competitive edge, sharpened in Howard’s newsroom, made him ready, even if he didn’t realize it, for his first true industry leap: VIBE Magazine.

Foundational Industry Entry Through Vibe Magazine

Carl secured a pivotal internship at VIBE after his freshman year. “They were like, ‘yo, you know, we're still looking for interns, but the internship starts Monday.’ They hit me up on a Thursday and wanted me to come interview on Friday,” he said. “I did the internship the next day, and they told me that I got it. That internship changed my life forever.”

Despite feeling intimidated at the time, the experience ultimately proved pivotal. “I was considered the worst intern because I was so shell-shocked,” Carl said. “But one thing that I learned was to always ask questions and just shoot my shot.” The internship led to long-term freelance roles, including BallerStatus.com and MoreHipHop.com, where he grew his voice and completed his first interview. “The first interview that I did was in 2008 with Joe Budden, and I was fresh off my internship,” he said. Those early steps eventually led him to a full-time position at Billboard.

But before Billboard covers and industry recognition, there was grind, sacrifice, freelancing, and the unglamorous hustle of proving he belonged.

Sacrifice, Freelancing, and Early Professional Grind

During his early 20s, Carl prioritized real-world experience over academic structure. “I cut class flat out to go do interviews. I’d often skip out on assignments to attend listening parties,” he said. “I knew putting myself out there, networking with those people, growing my name and my presence, trumped being in those classrooms.” Although he does not recommend the approach today, he credits it with accelerating his access and career momentum.

That commitment and willingness to be where the culture actually lived became central to what would make him one of the most trusted interviewers in hip-hop.

Interview Style, Trust, and Access to Elusive Artists

Carl is recognized for interviews that draw authenticity from artists who are often guarded in press settings. “I do so well in connecting with subjects to where they feel like I grew up with them from the block, not knowing I'm just a suburban cat,” he said. “That's a huge skill set. Not many are able to reach that point.” This capability positioned him for high-profile conversations with major artists across generations.

One of Carl’s most meaningful professional encounters involved Nipsey Hussle, a Grammy-nominated rapper, businessman, and community advocate from Los Angeles who emerged from the West Coast hip-hop scene in the mid-2000s. Celebrated for his artistry and his neighborhood impact, he was tragically killed in 2019 at just 33 years old. “We must have sat and talked for three hours. The amount of game and gems received from him was life-changing,” he said. Months later, Nipsey publicly affirmed his trajectory. “He gave me a big hug and dap. He's like ‘Yo, bro. I'm so proud of you, and you are going to be the face of hip-hop journalism,’” he continued. “After that day, I've never had any doubts about myself as a journalist or an editor.”

Nipsey’s affirmation not only validated his path, but it also fueled the confidence necessary for Carl’s next major milestone.