Exclusive | Rapper Let The Dirt Say Amen Talks His Latest Album 'God Hates Gucci'
Let The Dirt Say Amen poses with Best Rap Album trophy received from the Wammie Awards in D.C.
“My love for people is my motivation, and the testimony of artists and legends who defied the rules and won using love to create something more powerful than bombs and bullets”
By: Adonis Armstrong
D.C. native rapper, Let The Dirt Say Amen, is a must listen to lyricist on the rise! LTDSA brings the organic Hip Hop sound back when you hear his production. He released an album called God Hates Gucci and it is a certified classic project. The storytelling and the metaphoric punch lines over soul flips has garnered the emcee three Wammie Awards such as Best Rap Album for Bullets , Best Hip Hop Album for God Hates Gucci, and Best Hip Hop Artist respectfully since 2020. Let The Dirt Say Amen is definitely a artist to add to your playlist as he sets to release more music in 2023.
Let The Dirt Say Amen - Busta Vs. Michael Myers
We talked with Let The Dirt Say Amen in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
LTDSA: Honestly I've been creating since I was a kid but I started getting serious around the age of 17. I attribute my beginnings to my parents who brought random instruments into the home when we were young and the music they played. My grandpops on my mom's side as well, who used to play strictly Jazz in his car on rides we took together. Those things got me moving.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
LTDSA: I could name a few but short and sweet, I got two words. Bob Marley. Out of everyone. As far as Hip Hop, some of my top cats are Andre 3000, Black Thought and Yasin Bey aka Mos Def. As far as producers, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, DIamond D, Dilla and Rza.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
LTDSA: In no order Little Simz, Alchemist, Black Star, Andre 3000, Madlib, Ladybug Mecca...and why, because their art inspires me.
What inspired you to create your LP “God Hates Gucci”?
LTDSA: Ultimately, I believe all my work comes from God first and I'm just the dude he told to create it. God Hates Gucci is my second album and came to me based on the current state of hip hop and the communities we all come from. I wanted to speak an alternative into existence from the "demon time" era of music.
What is your favorite track on God hates gucci and why?
LTDSA: Not sure if I have a favorite but right now I'd say “Lamonica”. It's just a groove and it swings in a different way than most rap songs these days that all kinda sound like the same damn song.
Let The Dirt Say Amen - Lamonica (feat. Nathaniel Star)
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
LTDSA: Living life. Everything I see, hear, read, and listen to somehow plays a role in what's next. Sometimes it's the moments of making no music at all that fuel the art when it becomes an idea.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
LTDSA: My loved ones are my motivation. My love for people is my motivation, and the testimony of artists and legends who defied the rules and won using love to create something more powerful than bombs and bullets. Success for me is working solely on music and art related things and being financially stable as a result. Taking care of my kids and my queen. Traveling to the places I touched in dreams and learning from different cultures and communities as a result of the art I do and having so much abundance that I have no choice but to give it to folks who are in need in the ways that God sees fit. Making folks feel like music ain't all fuckery. That's success to me. God's will for me. That's success.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
LTDSA: I describe my music as what rap is missing. What separates me from the rest is that you can hear God before you hear me once the music plays.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
LTDSA: Of course. Do I know what that formula is? Hell no! However I will say that success comes first from the belief that you can do it. Combine that with commitment and the pursuit of the goal and I believe success will meet you at the perfect moment. Bunny Wailer once said that if you keep lifting weights, you'll automatically get stronger. Hint.
Let The Dirt Say Amen - SHEED (Official Video)
Who is your greatest inspiration?
LTDSA: JAH, the most High!
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
LTDSA: Not sure I can answer that because there are a few who I see as being blessed to be in the top positions of the industry, ranging from just artistic to business shit. I would say the most influential is LET THE DIRT SAY AMEN. They'll catch it later.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
LTDSA: Dedication. Not sure if that's an emotion but I'm dedicated to my pursuit. I see nothing else for me because this is what I'm best at in my life.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
LTDSA: We might be here all day for the full answer but let's just say I never made any real money at rap. I've made money, but I walk a path that most folks aren't willing to walk in this era. My most recent sacrifice has been leaving my family on the east coast to pursue my personal legend in Los Angeles and I didn't come here with the bag. I don't sell dope or real estate so most times my pockets ain't rocking but I got a few devoted tribe members that support and believe in me maybe even more than I do so we get by and keep going knowing that my sacrifice now could lead to something beautiful for my youths and the people I love and even many more.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
LTDSA: Creation all around from the making of a dope beat to writing, to recording and making it a song is a beautiful thing. It's also painful because you don't always get the banger you're looking for. The most discouraging thing is the moments when I don't believe in how dope God made me.
LET THE DIRT SAY AMEN - Just Say Dope
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
LTDSA: Around the globe. Sustainable and thriving. JAH willing! .
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
LTDSA: This game is cold and not for the easily shaken. If you do art that's really worth something and doesn't fit the industry model, you're gonna have to be committed to the fight to get where you wanna be. Don't listen to those that don't encourage and don't waste your time on folks who don't support whether they be famous or everyday people. Don't wait on anyone. Do what you can and you'll attract the right energy and team. And oh yeah...find a great team to help with the things you ain't strong at. last which should be first....BELIEVE!
LET THE DIRT SAY AMEN - LL DOOM
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
LTDSA: I came to bring the pain, hardcore to the brain.
peace,
Let The Dirt Say Amen
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