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Interview By Kevin "Kayda" Luz (http://www.str8hiphop.com/user/54978)
SHH: Congratulations on winning the UMA Award for best Southern Artist for 2008? How will this shape the rest of your career?
Derty Den: It gives me another stepping stone towards everything we've been working for and then everything else will fall into place with hard work and consistency. But it was a good look for Carolina indeed.
SHH: Where are you from?
Derty Den: Enfield, North Carolina. One of those real small towns where everyone knows each other.
SHH: How was it growing up in Carolina? Where exactly did you spend your adolescence?
Derty Den: It was great, i love carolina all day, everyday. The strip on the weekends were all the homeys kick it at, then off to the number spot, grab a dice game, chillin in the shade with a bottle of Perk, car systems booming, goin fishing on the weekends and piecing together a bike to ride...i seen the good times and the bad times. That's what made me a man. Those life images are shared in my music, but it is what made me who I am today.
SHH: What's the hip hop scene like in your area?
Derty Den: Very busy kinda like new york in the early 90s. My man Manifest has a popular studio there so it gives everyone access to quality production and work, so it has that feel of working hard together for the larger picture.
 SHH: When did you feel you wanted to start a career in music?
Derty Den: Its in my blood... i live, breathe and talk it... its me. I just had all the energy and drive in the streets at first that helped me grow as a artist. Then I used to battle cats in school and in the hood, and that's when I realized I really enjoyed this. So many things played apart in my pursuit.
SHH: What artists influence your music if any?
Derty Den: Well actually the people around the way is who influence my music. The artist that influenced the moves i make are people like Scarface, Biggie and Jay-z. A lot of others influence me, but those are who have influenced my music on a larger scale.
SHH: How would you describe your style/sound to the people?
Derty Den: Its raw... Something fresh and interesting. Being from the South we have this authentic way we move. That is how my music is, its a natural flow mixed with a southern accent, added with my charisma and ability makes me attractive to the fans. Like in "Poppin", you can hear the accent, charm, humor, serious nature... That's why I think its such a successful record.
SHH: What are you working on right now?
Derty Den: Well i just dropped "Heatwave", the hottest mixtape this year hosted by Don Cannon. The record "Poppin" is doing extremely well and I know this is going to be that record, so I'm working that record right now. Other than the usual, writing these records... Preparing for the LP and working with my crew, the GDA we a problem for real.
SHH: What's your outlook for 2008 (What are your goals for the year)?
Derty Den: To take my music to places we never been before. On the strength of Up in the club, Bump That Shyt and Poppin... I'm doing that. Next I want to set up the team and help others achieve there goals and get started. All of that, along with dropping an LP... I will be very happy.
SHH: What producers are you working with?
Derty Den: I mostly work with Manifest, the dude is serious. I also work with Black Jeruz, Ski beats, Taz of KutusN, Jimi Comway, The Nsurgents, City sid,the list goes on and on...haha.
SHH: Who would you like to work with in the future mainstream or underground?
 Derty Den: Scarface mainly, but basically anybody i can build with.
SHH: What do you feel separates you from the next artist trying to make it in rap?
Derty Den: That im not chasing the dream of being a rapper, i'm building a brand. The sky is the limit for me. They can have rap, i'm gon' give the people what they want. Its the drive and determination of wanting more that's gonna have people saying... "How'd he do that?"...(Laughs).
SHH: If not music what would you be doing? What were you doing before making music?
Derty Den: Nothing at all probably. The hood doesn't provide many father figures so were prone to mistakes and pitfalls many others can avoid, so I hope I would have been an executive...but we'll never know. But before music I was always in trouble, so my path was definitely troublesome.
SHH: Where can people check out some of your music?
Derty Den: Check me out on myspace.com/dirtydengit or u can just check the search on the internet and look up Derty Den.
SHH: Are you currently touring? And if so, where can the people check you out at?
Derty Den: Right now i'm working the region and i have 17 spots in n.c. and 12 in s.c. so check me in tha kak.
SHH: Shout outs and thanks...
Derty Den: North Kak... We in the building, G.I.T. Records, Ace Entertainment, GDA Muzik, M.E. Music works and Stall and Dean. Big thanks to Manifest, everyone at 92Jamz, Furious Styles, PMP World wide, TastemakerMag, Hoodpromo and AllAccess, Chuck T, Don Cannon, Woogie, Hottwax consulting, YoRaps, ThatsHiphop, AllHipHop, HipHopGame, Str8hiphop, Onsmash, Bottom Feeder, Ozone, XXL, the Source, Rap Us, Myspace and all the stations and websites that show me love and support. Its just so many, I don't wanna leave anyone off so I'm just saying thanks to you all... Big Gates, Big Gates. |
Robin Thicke - Ms. Sexy