Over the past few months I've been having a difficult time making the type of music that I want to. It's a tough thing to talk about but it's the truth. Ever since I put out
Shy State of Mind I sort of struggled to grasp a direction with something new.
Outside was the first concept that I really thought was worth elaborating on for the entirety of a project; however, it was also a very time sensitive release, in my eyes. For it to make sense, in regards to the statement I prepared with it, I thought that it had to be given to you during a season of warm weather. That's one of the reasons it became an EP rather than a full project, and, even with that pressure, I only got it out as early as late-August. Regardless, it felt right as an EP. I created four songs, several in a mixtape fashion, that I found to be extremely cohesive, capturing the exact message that I was aiming for. That being, "go outside, have new experiences, and open your mind," in short. However, after going through that whole process, it's almost humorous that I stressed out so much over the tracklist, artwork, promo materials, and release date, because I feel like no one has even heard it. Part of the reason for this being difficulties with copyrights.
When I mentioned before that I created
Outside in a "mixtape fashion," what I meant was that several of the songs were my interpretation of a previously released song by another hip-hop artist. In other words, I rapped over someone else's beats, rearranging the layout in certain, minor instances. This practice, sometimes referred to as "recycling beats" has become somewhat of a norm in hip-hop over the years. For instance, ever since Drake dropped
Started From The Bottom we've seen a slew of different artists, big and small, rapping on that beat. This happens on a lot of our favorite mixtapes, and, while it is technically copyright infringement, most artists (of the original song) see it as paying homage. With
Outside, I was doing something similar, on a much smaller scale, but the producer didn't view it that way. In an attempt to create a promotional project (not to be sold), I rapped over a few instrumental beats made by a very talented, underground hip-hop producer by the name of Damu The Fudgemunk. These tracks are the first song,
They Say, and the title track,
Outside. Once I had switched into full promo mode I started blasting the project via Soundcloud, to all the reputable blogs I usually count on for a solid post, and many others that I was hoping I would reach for the first time. Shortly after, I received several email notifications that those two tracks had been taken down from Soundcloud, by request of Damu The Fudgemunk's record label. Because of this, several blogs decided not to post a now
2 track EP, and my whole promo plan sort of crumbled before my eyes. All the street promo effort I had put in with stickers and flyers now seemed like a complete waste, and I couldn't really share a half-streamable project via social media.
The whole situation really taught me a valuable lesson, and made me a lot more careful about investing money into my music. It also gave me much less faith in what I had thought were unwritten rules of hip-hop. I guess I was naive to think that no one would ever care that I rapped over their beat if I wasn't selling it.
Outside is still up in certain places on the Internet, and it's my hope that people will eventually see it for the meaningful body of work that I think it is, but it's difficult given the situation. I never meant to disrespect another musician, and I fully understand the actions that they took - it just sucks.
I guess what I'm getting around to saying is that, over the past few months, I've been hesitant with my intentions of working on a new project, because of that experience. I'm trying to find more collaborators this time around so I can make something much more original. That said, it's going to take a lot more time and money, especially time. And especially money too LOL. I recently started working 30 hours a week at Live Nation as a graphic designer, so, along with being a full time student and working on music, it's a lot to juggle at once. But! I have started, and I've already worked with some very talented people, which has made me really excited for the future. To those people that really care about the music that I make, I'm asking you to be patient. I can't thank you enough for supporting me in the past, as it has meant more than you know, and I'm hoping that you'll stick by me in the future. To tide you over though, I do have some good news that I can give you right now! A show date!
Over the past 5 years that I've been making rap music, it's put me in a lot of interesting situations. Needless to say, I've learned a lot from every hip-hop experience I've had, and I have no regrets, which is why I'm excited to announce what may be the most interesting show I've played up until this point. On April 9th, I, along with some good friends on the drums and turntables, will be opening for the unique collective that is Turquoise Jeep, and we'd love for you to join us! Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door
. Our set time will be announced closer to the date, but the show is at 8PM.
If you don't know who Turquoise Jeep is, a quick YouTube search might make you realize that you're far more familiar than you thought. We hope to see you on the 9th!
More details can be found
HERE.
For those of you who read this whole post, you're amazing! Know that you are recognized. Also, dkthatsme.com 2.0 coming soon. Stay tuned!
- DK
