Continuing 2DBZ and TheWellVersed’s exclusive conversations from SXSW, we chopped it up with Dee-1 about making the transition from teaching middle school to becoming a full-fledged artist, being nominated for the XXL Freshmen cover, how it’s deeper than music and his hopes to inspire people to better themselves (“It’s about if I die tomorrow making sure that whatever I did while I was here motivated and inspired somebody, hopefully millions”).
The last year really changed my life. I was teaching middle school and for me to step away from that (and) to the point where I wanted to do this but (wondered) could I survive and then see what happened in the last year, getting compensated for all the shows, that’s love and progression. It let me know that I’m not Lil Wayne but I’m no slouch either.
While out in Austin for SXSW, 2DBZ x TheWellVersed caught up with 9th Wonder to speak on Jamla Records, how he found Rapsody, being an “OG” in this game and teaching at Duke University. 9th also speaks on why he wasn’t fully involved with the touring aspect of Little Brother and if he regrets the experiences he missed out on.
Things happen for a reason. Whether it was the right or wrong thing to do, this is where we are now. I had some road experiences but many of the experiences that Phonte and Big Pooh had on the road, I didn’t have. I’m (experiencing) those now with my new artists. It’s like being on the road all over again.
If you haven’t already, check the earlier clip we put up right here where 9th speaks on reuniting with Phonte and his future plans.
In the third and final clip 2DBZ and TheWellVersed’s conversation with Miguel and THURZ, the cali artists speak on their 2012 plans and how important it is to stay grounded as an artist. THURZ reveals the title of his Sophomore album Blood On The Canvas (news that we broke a few weeks ago), while Miguel speaks on his Art Dealer Chic movement and his plans to unite the LA scene.
What I really want to do is create a platform especially for like minded artists from LA — we’re all friends and been to each other’s shows — now is the time that I would like to put all of my energy into making sure there’s a unity between us. You look at places like Atlanta (and how they stuck together) and you can see that there’s a strong bond between artists there. Los Angeles is spread out across a large area and its easy for us to get lost in our own shit. But there are artists who really want to do things and step out together. We all have different perspectives and types of music but our energy is the same. We’re all humble and really like to create. I just want to, in some way, bring us all together. – Mig
We’ve got one more special clip featuring THURZ, Miguel and a slew of your other favorite artists on the way. But until then, check out part one of this interview here and part two right here.
On 4/20, Strong Arm Steady is teaming up with Dearly Departed to release a 2dope limited edition capsule collection. Only 35 boxes are being made, each numbered and contain everything you need to help celebrate the festivies. A stash box, grinder, lighter sleeve, incense holder, blunt razor, o/s snap back and your choice of a heather grey or black pocket tee. Check out the teaser clip up top and head down bottom for a closer look at each item.
Continuing our (2DBZ x TheWellVersed) talk with the two LA talents, THURZ speaks on departing from U-N-I and jumping into his solo career with L.A. Riot. While Miguel speaks on his Art Dealer Chic movement and the reasons for keeping them condensed. Not wanting to oversaturate his fans/bombarding them with massive amounts of music and deciding to take it back to the time where fans actually appreciated the music. Something I sorely miss about the game these days…
Fuck a mixtape. Everybody has done a mixtape and that concept is so overworked. I think it makes it easy to lost the value of good music. Let’s give people a concentrated amount of creativity that really means something to (the listener). Give it to them in a way that it is appreciated and you’re not just bombarded with all kinds of information.
Bringing back their Freestyle in the Park series, RubyHornet grabbed some of the artists (Chance the Rapper, Caleb James, Calez, St. Millie, Legit, Kembe X and Alex Wiley to be exact) that performed at the Under 21 edition of Digital Freshness that went down at Reggie’s in the Chi.
