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Yo DraMatiQue, let me ask you, how long have you been a hip-hop artist?
I’ve been a serious professional artist since 2001…but I really started rapping as a hobby in the late 90s.
How your city influenced your hip-hop career!
Artistically, it really broadened my horizons. Sacramento, California (Bay Area) has both underground and mainstream scenes, which allows me as an artist to experience both spectrums. As a result, I’m not afraid to take creative risks when crafting my own style and voice. It’s been crazy since I started as an underground East Coast/Midwestern backpack style rapper.
Also, where did your host name come from?
One of my best friends since childhood. Actually, Gao gave me the name. Everyone around me insists that I’ve always been “dramatic” with an extreme, over-the-top personality…haha…so I guess that does suit me. I’ve always been unique, so I came up with a different spelling, which is actually the French version of the word. Ironically, my great-great-grandfather was also French.
How are you coping with the nationwide lockdown due to the Covid-19 coronavirus? Has this had any impact on your music career?
I’m dealing with it and trying to adapt like everyone else in the world. I was definitely challenged in a lot of unexpected ways. It has had a positive impact on my music career in general. I have been on an indefinite hiatus from music for the past five years. The pandemic has made me reevaluate everything and reminded me why I love making music in the first place. So that was motivation to finish what I started and have fun along the way.
Please tell us more about the creative process behind your latest album “Millionaire”?
The album definitely took a little longer to release than initially expected. I was signed to an independent record label in the Bay Area, but we ended up parting ways midway through the project. The unfinished album was essentially shelved until I was able to regain distribution rights and release the album on my own independent label. From a creative perspective, Millionaire is the culmination of my hard work and dedication and represents my vision for success while staying true to the classic elements of the hip-hop art form. I mixed different styles and experimented a bit in a structured musical environment. It turned out great and I’m really proud of the album. I did however realize that it was “safe” creatively, so the follow-up album I’m currently working on is more contemporary, but also more edgy and unpredictable.
How do you write and produce material? What mood are you usually in when making music?
I write all my material myself, so I always start with production. Once I have the beat/music and listen to it over and over with headphones…then I can write the song. It’s a very organic process that happens every time I put pencil to paper. After rehearsing the song intently, I’ll go into the studio and record multiple takes. I’m the executive producer on all projects, as well as a production engineer, so I actually choose to do all the editing, arranging, and effects for every track I record. I produce premixes and then send the tracks out to be professionally mixed and mastered. I have a small team of trusted engineers/producers, but I’m definitely “hands on” throughout the music process. I can create high quality hip hop music in any mood.
Did you vote this year?
Yes…absolutely! ! ! I have received my ballot in the mail and will fill it out. The first time I voted for Obama was in 2008. We are in the historical period of a new civil rights movement, and this election is crucial.
What is your favorite social platform?
Twitter. It’s great for promotion and I love tweeting about it like all the other celebrities…lol. Of course Instagram and Facebook are also good.
As IndieHipHop.com, we always ask this important question. What is your definition of true “indie hip-hop”?
I believe indie hip-hop is based on artistic originality and creativity rather than being determined by record sales and mainstream influences/culture. In this digital age of streaming, today’s artists are better off choosing to be independent rather than signing to a major label. Rappers like TechN9ne, Macklemore, and Chance have proven this over the past few years. This inspires me to make sure I take ownership of my masters and enjoy the creative/financial independence of not having a major label. Also, the music industry is filled with copycat artists who specialize in grunt rap and over-the-top auto-tune, but I think the hip-hop audience is slowly starting to crave something else.
Where can people find you online? Remove all important links.
www.facebook.com/dramati2ue
www.instagram.com/dramati2ue
www.twitter.com/dramati2ue
www.youtube.com/dramati2ue
www.ourstage.com/epk/dramati2ue
www.soundcloud.com/dramatique
www.reverbnation.com/dramatique
https://itsmyurls.com/dramatique
Is there anyone shouting?
Thank you to my first and second day and all my loyal fans who supported me along the way.
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