Exclusive | Rapper Dre of the East Talks His Latest Project 'Desert'
North Carolina rapper, Dre of the East, talks his latest project, Deserts tapping into different genres, and chasing his passion in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I’m a very unique person that you really can’t box in. The only way to describe me is as myself.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
North Carolina rapper, Dre of the East, is a rapper and producer who wants to expand his art through music. Dre has been making music since he was fourteen and took it more serious once his football dreams didn’t fall through. Music gave him new life and a spark within himself that he pours into his music. He also brings his community together to network at his artist/producer mixer and seminar called Media Majorz. He dropped two projects in 2022 and both projects are dope listens called Desert and Free World.
Dre of the East - “DNA”
Desert is a vibe as it touches every genre but has a serious rap element. Versatility is the wave in today’s game to stay ahead of the curve and gain new fans. Dre taps into each of his personalities and gifts us with Deserts which can be a good ride to work or away from work.
Dre's Streets (feat. Mike Jones)
We talked with Dre of the East in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
DRE: I've been engineering music since I was 14. I didn't start making music seriously until I was completely done with football (2017) so roughly about 5 or 6 years. When I was done with football, I felt purposeless and felt there was no reason to be alive. I felt I was just taking up space and air. I’m not a pitty person. I didn't look to others to understand or help. I didn't like that feeling so I set out to change it because I was the only person who could. I looked at a few different things.
I had my degree in Criminal Justice but my job didn't make me happy. I had been with my girl at the time for 5 years and even though I loved her and she loved me, the relationship didn't make me happy (I would never place that responsibility on a sole person other than myself). I even looked into religion and it wasn't fulfilling to me. I still had my engineering equipment from highschool so I began to write and record song about the struggles I was having at the time and it sparked something inside of me. Music gave me a reason to keep going and to be somebody again and unlike football, I controlled my destiny.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
DRE: I have been influenced by many. Greatness has no form or structure so you can find greatness anywhere and be inspired by it. I have been influenced by artists from the bottom no names to the top well knowns and everything that I took became a vital part of who I am today. If I had to choose a favorite musician, it'd be Drake because of his longevity and versatility.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
DRE: Drake, Tim McGraw, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Paramore, Lil Baby, Bad Bunny, Morgan Wallen, Lil Durk, Doja Cat, Andre 3000, Sugarland, Post Malone etc. I want to work with every artist that has every influenced me. I’m a versatile artist because of these people and wish to become the best artist there has ever been. Touching every genre and actually good at them will require guidance from the greats.
What inspired you to create your EP “Desert”?
DRE: Most of my fans support me as a rapper. Right before I dropped Desert, I dropped a project called Free World. I was a country/rap fusion project. I knew it would throw off alot of my current fans. I didn't want to lose them or make them feel like I don’t want them as fans anymore so I figured I'd drop something for them right behind it I knew they'd like. So it was like Free World was dinner and Desert was what came after.
What is your favorite track on desert and why?
DRE: If I had to choose, I would say "Underdogs" because of the production and the overall message.
Dre of the East - Underdogs (feat. Kydd & Bobby Snow)
What motivates you and how do you define success?
DRE: Success motivates me. I define success as simply making a living (funding your life) doing what you love. The opposite of success is failure and I believe that people only fail if they quit.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
DRE: My music is me. If you listen to my music you'll learn who I am and if you already know me, then you'll understand and appreciate my music even more. I'm a very unique person that you really can't box in. The only way to describe me is as myself. Same is to be said about my music.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
DRE: I want to say no because we see people that are successful that all have diferent stories. BUT there has been something in common about all of them. They all had the "IT" factor and thats hard to describe. I'm not sure if theres a bluprint for "IT".
Dre of the East - LDT (feat. KWorld)
Who is your greatest inspiration?
DRE: I would say "Kanye West". I dont really agree with a lot of his antics but over the years I have realized we have alot in common. I’m a producer, engineer, singer and song writer just as he is. I also love his confidence and his refusal to give into what society wants you to be.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
DRE: The most influential is Lil wayne. He has inspired an entire generation of artist. Face tats, dreads, bar heavy even the "lil" before their names. All thats wayne. But most successfull is Drake. He has dominated the charts in multiple genres and its indeniable.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
DRE: I would say passion, sadness and joy. It depends on the mood I’m in and what im trying to invoke in the music. I try to create feels.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
DRE: I quit my job in 2018 to fully chase my passion. I went broke and went back to work. I quit my job again in 2021 and haven't had a "real" job since. There has been highs and lows and so many sacrifices to count. I've spent well over 100k over the past few years on bad investments and taking chances on myself. I dont regret anything. It’s a part of the process.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
DRE: When I'm writing and recording a lot of times I surprise myself. I get really exited. Hell sometimes i've cried cause in my head im like "How the hell do you do this." I have no background in music. Everything was self taught so seeing how good at this I have become is shocking at times even to me.
Dre of the East - Swervin (feat. Tae Brisko)
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
DRE: I just see myself successful. I mean Multi-millionare successful.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
DRE: I would tell them to make sure it’s something they truly love. Alot of people think its the same as having a hobby. Its not. Once you KNOW its what you truly want to do, JUST GO. figure it out along the way. There isnt a blueprint for it nor will it ever be the perfect time. JUST GO.
Dre of the East - BlackHeart Freestyle (feat. XBrodie)
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
DRE: Follow me on all platforms and socials @DreOfTheEast and follow me along the journey. Everything is documented and you will learn everything you need to know.
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Exclusive | Rapper Let The Dirt Say Amen Talks His Latest Album 'God Hates Gucci'
D.C. rapper, Let The Dirt Say Amen, talks family, sacrifices, and his latest album, God Hates Gucci in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
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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Exclusive | Laolu Talks Overcoming Depression and Her Return to Music
London singer, Laolu, talks overcoming depression and her return to music! Check out the exclusive interview here!
We talked with U.K. singer, Laolu, in an exclusive interview! This hot new singer was born and raised in South East London, and developed a kinship with music that has spanned much of her life. Laolu graduated in Commercial Music Performance, and it wasn’t long until Laolu was writing her own material and performing across a wide variety of venues including the Indigo O2, Somerset House as part of the ‘What Next’ Campaign supported by Bigga Fish, Cargo, Proud Camden, Street Fest London and the Queen of Hoxton.
Her involvement in the ‘What Next’ Campaign saw her work with the likes of Little Simz and Katy B, supporting acts including Chipmunk, Ghetts, The Wombats and Miss Dynamite. Laolu worked with DJ and producer Blinkie at the very beginning of her career, who also introduced her to the artists J Warner and Benjamin AD.
Laolu - “All In Me” (Music Video)
Laos is an honest soul who openly shares a struggle with depression, which through her music she hopes she can inspire others going through similar issues.
With her return to music, Laolu discovered a new understanding of the direction she wanted to take her sound and her music. The struggle with depression served as a source of inspiration for her upcoming release ‘All in Me’ which talks the listener through the journey she has experienced.
We talked with Laolu in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Laolu: I first starting singing in primary school around age 10, and started songwriting shortly after. The first time I ever sand was in the school choir and we sand ‘oh happy days’ from Sister act, I just remember everyone coming up to me after saying “oh my gosh you can sing, you can sing!”
Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?
Laolu: I am a huge fan of Brandy, Andre 3000, Kelis and Faith Evans, new school I like SZA, H.E.R and Toro Y Moi and I’m a huge Janelle Monae fan.
Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?
Laolu: I really would love to collaborate with James Fauntleroy or Syd (The Internetz) both are extremely talented and I feel we’d just vibe and create something special.
Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?
Laolu: If I’d have to choose I’d say my latest single ‘How To Feel’ I feel I really tapped back into the original R&B that only a few artists are still doing and I just love how the song develops from start to finish.
Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Laolu: I just love creating and being around others who have genuine love for the art of music, nothing beats being around musicians and just seeing the enjoyment on their faces. The love of music motivates me and overcoming depression and making music again.
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
Laolu: I go off what I experience in life, what my friends experience, sometimes it’s the energy I get when I’m in a session and the producers start creating.
Question: How do you describe your music to people?
Laolu: Honest R&B with a hint of alternative and raw lyricism, I don’t sugar coat what I write or sing about.
Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Laolu: No, I think some are lucky but longevity is granted to those who never stop loving what they do and always strive to grow and learn as a musician or artists. I feel right now we are in a time where people just want good music they’re not fussed about popularity they just want real music.
Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?
Laolu: That would be my family, we haven’t had it all the way easy but we never allowed things to deter us from what we all wished to achieve. My sisters a lawyer, my brothers a photographer, my other brothers in music and real estate and my mums been successful in all she’s done as single parent, I only hope to make them all proud.
Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Laolu: Probably Daniel Caesar, I believe his talent is so raw, his vocals are amazing and so effortless I believe him and H.E.R the singer are really doing solid R&B for the younger generation.
Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Laolu: Right now it’s a bit of everything, my E.P ‘All In Me’ that’s coming out later this year, is based off things I experienced whilst battling depression, I speak on every and about where I am now.
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Laolu: I don’t really have a social life, I’ve always been a home body but I have to invest in my music and my dream so not seeing friends and going out is a sacrifice I’m willing to make. All my money goes towards music so I don’t really see it as a sacrifice more of an investment.
Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Laolu: Most exciting process is getting the music out and performing live, seeing people vibe and just letting you know they appreciate and like what you’re doing. Discouraging aspect would be working towards a timeline and things getting pushed back, you know when you’re excited about a release and when it doesn’t go as planned it frustrating but I believe everything happens for a reason and just to trust the universe.
Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Laolu: Doing tours and being successful, I believe that the best is yet to come and I will continue to make music that’s honest and music that connects with people.
Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Laolu: Always look towards the end goal, remember why you started and keep going no matter what, it will not be easy some days you’ll question ‘why am I doing this’ you won’t always see results straight away but every seed planted will yield results at the right time. Remember to love what you’re doing and not to lose yourself in the hype.
Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Laolu: Please support my music, it’s literally been what helped me out of depression and I hope my music helps anyone else battling through it. Thank you for taking the time to listen and share xX