What is it that makes someone tirelessly pursue a
goal or a dream, that most consider un-attainable or
simply foolish? Whatever character traits can be
attributed to such passion, the soft-spoken, yet out-spoken
rapper professionally known as DirtyRap,
has plenty in reserve to keep him rolling until his goal
is attained. DirtyRap is no hip-hop spring chicken.
He’s been around for a minute, opening shows for Twista,
Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, Mack 10, Too Short and a
host of others. He’s put out albums. He’s talked to
a lot of people. But what’s interesting about this
Finalist in SRC/Loud.com’s $100,000 Search for Hip-Hop’s
Next Superstar is his unorthodox approach to music.
Maybe not his approach, necessarily, but his perspective.
It’s a mature and calculated process, yet at the same
time very much in the moment. "My music is the
foundation for everything that I plan to accomplish,
so I always write with a bigger goal in mind.
I'm careful not to lock myself into one mold because
I no longer make music for myself; I'm building an
audience, I make it for them also."
D-Rap, was born in North
Florida, and raised in South Carolina at a time when Hip Hop
seemed to be more than just a product. He used it to guide
him through a life where there were few instructions given,
and no maps to follow. While friends chose routes that usually
end in death or prison, he chose to play the game differently,
and was given the same respect that he gave to his friends.
"I didn't knock their hustle, so they didn't knock mine. That's
what real dudes do...respect each other’s differences."
Contrary to the fact that he was embedded in the south, he was
heavily influenced by east coast rappers Rakim, De La Soul, and
Nas. "The creativity, rhythm and intelligence within their music
was infectious, and pushed me to think on a different level. Not
just when it came to creating music, but in life". Though
southern hip hop legends like Getto Boys, 8 Ball & MJG and UGK
were definite influences, it wasn't until the emergence of
'Outkast', that the soul of the south really grabbed the nations
attention and laid a roadmap for him to follow.
"They had all the ingredients of east coast rappers, but with
southern essence and swagger; that was the icing on the cake".
Since then, catchy hooks sandwiching thought provoking verses,
have been the format of all DirtyRap compositions.
As he gets closer to the door of success, D-Rap hopes to
balance the business, with the love he has for the music,
and give the people something familiar but new, creative
and all authentic DirtyRap. "My music is a real representation
of me, packaged for today's audience. Loud.com has helped
me fine tune it all, kind of like on-line artist development.
The business end of my game, from networking to marketing
and promotion, have all been upgraded by using Loud.com's
resources to the fullest."
As a testament to his work ethic, he has put out four self-
recorded full-length albums: “Who Dat Is?” “Major Dreams,” and
“DirtyRap Tunes 1 and 2” and is constantly booking shows with
his group the GnacBoys. His most recent project, "Stackin' Up"
the Mixtape, is available for free download at www.loud.com/dirtyrap,
www.myspace.com/dirtyrap and on his own labels website,
www.TheCityEntertainment.com.
"Stackin' Up... is worthy of a listen-through or two. DirtyRap
oozes with potential and with time he could be a powerful force..."
- The Black Review by Black, (www.ArizonaBeats.com)
Listen as he blends a deep, intentioned
flow reminiscent of Scarface, with the soulful social commentary of
Outkast, while keeping a light bounce to his intricate wordplay...
definitely worth the ride. So jump on and get Dirty!!
