Darq

The textbook definition of the word dark is defined as the absence of light or knowledge. Christopher Williamson aka Darq would have to be looked at as the complete opposite of that definition for a number of reasons. First and foremost, with his stock quickly rising on the New York underground scene, it's clear to see that the lights are on and all point to whatever Darq has going on. Lastly, unbeknownst to those who have never met him, Darq is Caucasian, a fact that, given his namesake, has proven to be both a gift and a curse. Never one to back down from controversy, Darq takes it all in stride.

Introduce yourself to the people so they can get familiar...

What's up Yo! Raps? It's Darq, the BX representer. I want to thank you a great deal for giving me this opportunity.

So your artist name is Darq. How did you get the same and is there any deeper meaning of it?

Obviously, being Caucasian and having the name Darq causes some controversy. It actually started as a joke and became so much more. On the block before I ever started rapping, I got into a fight with a homie that couldn't speak English very well. Instead of saying he was going to give me a black eye, he said he was going to dark my eye. Of course we had jokes for a long time and when I did start rapping I was considering going by the dark knight. A friend suggested I lose the knight bit, since it's been done. Drop K up Q and Darq became my name.

You are from the so called "Hip-Hop Mecca" New York, from the Bronx to be exact. Must have been a hard time growing up in the hood being Caucasion?

For me being white growing up in the BX was different because my mother and I were taken in off the streets by a family that had many different cultures and ethnicities. My grandma owns Little Sheppards Day Car Center on Andrews Ave. in the Bronx. When she took us in and put a roof overhead, I was given a family. I was blessed with 35 cousins, so my younger years I was given survival lessons and many scraps. Being the only white one, they knew more than I did what I had to face, but in the 80s and 90s New York was different and so was hip hop. Outside the center on my own I was faced with racism bad. I've been called every white derogatory name in the book, but over time I just learned the game and how to maneuver. After a few beat downs, you learn how to give em. It took me a long time to become comfortable in my skin, but once I did I realized that hood is hood and once I started spitting that's when the respect came. I'm true to self. I don't try to be anything I'm not and real recognize that and over time the world will too. I'm the kid from Poe Park not white just Darq.

Bronx is the home of many great rappers. What is your concept of standing out?

The Bronx has so many legends and the shoes to fill in this borough are larger than life. For me my concept for standing out is bigger than just the X. I'm trying to stand out over any genre that's over saturated with so much of the same. In order to keep climbing the ladder I have to make sure that Darq is a brand and not only the music but to the point where the whole package is undeniable.

Let's talk about your music. How would you describe your sound and style?

I write what I feel. I use the lyrics to express myself. My music is very universal. Everybody has gone through the same experiences that make me write songs like Fly Away and Oh No. I'm not stressing whether or not they get one line, so long as they can feel the song. Being born and raised where hip hop started gave me the essence of the art form, but having live in Philly as well, I can see how my experiences there really show themselves in my music. The Bronx gives me the lyrics, and Philly gave me the soul. It helped my style and sound because I'm a Bronx lyricist all day, but the soul I've added into my music I must thank Philly for.

List some of your biggest accomplishments so far in your career...

From last summer to this summer, I've been blessed and riding the waves, first the BX Remix featuring Cuban Link. Then in December, I took home the Elegant Hoodness #1 Artist Of The Year and now the UMA Most Promising Artist Of The Year award.

Yea, I just heard that you won the Most Promising Male award at the 2009 Underground Music Awards in NYC. Congrats!

Thank you. I would like to take a minute to thank Urban Threshold and the Underground Music Award committee as well as all my fans, friends and family for the constant support threw everything. Being honored was truly a blessing for me.

What does the UMA award mean to you?

Truthfully the award was a great look. It felt great to finally have my grind and the buzz I've created acknowledged, but honestly it means more work. There's so much more to achieve and I couldn't have asked for a better start.

Named Most Promising Artist 2009 means that we have to expect big things from you. Are there any current projects you are working on? What's next?
- Kai Dellinger

And the Winner Is…UMA’s “Most Promising Male” Darq

HHLO.net sits down with Darq, the winner of the Underground Hip-Hop Awards “Most Promising Male” award winner to get the science behind his name, some background on this up and comer and what’s developing for him on the Hip-Hop front.

Hip Hop Lives: What’s up Darq? For those unfamiliar with the name, give the readers some background on your movement.Darq

Darq: What’s good Hip Hop Lives! Its ya boy DARQ, the Bronx representer. My movement to put it simple is beyond the music. It’s about bringing life back into the borough where this game originated. So throw ya X up!

HHLO: Some may think a Caucasian with that name is a little controversial, so discuss the name Darq and the story behind it.

Darq: Obviously, being Caucasian and having the name Darq causes some controversy. It actually started as a joke and became so much more. On the block before I ever started rapping, I got into a fight with a homie that couldn’t speak English very well. Instead of saying he was going to give me a black eye, he said he was going to dark my eye. Of course we had jokes for a long time and when I did start rapping I was considering going by the dark knight. A friend suggested I lose the knight bit, since it’s been done. Drop K up Q and Darq became.

When people ask me what it means to me, I tell them darq is a state of mind. It reflects how I feel, how I communicate, and what the world goes through on a daily basis.

HHLO: When did hip hop get your attention? What made you want to make it your career?

Darq: Hip hop got my attention at an early age. I was eleven when I stepped into my first cypher. It was at that moment that I knew I was destined for this as a career and a lifestyle.

HHLO: Musically, who are some of your influences and why?

Darq: I would have to say Jay Z at this moment in time because I feel he’s been able to make hits and still remain true to himself. He is able to keep himself relevant as a business and an artist.

HHLO: You were born in the home of hip hop, The Bronx, then moved to Philly when you were in your early teens, how did the move affect your morale at such an early age and how has the experience influenced your music?

Darq: Being born and raised where hip hop started gave me the essence of the art form and now that I’ve been back in the Bronx a couple years, I can see how my experiences in Philly really show themselves in my music. The Bronx gives me the lyrics, and Philly gave me the soul. I feel the transition gave me a different perspective on the artistry.

HHLO: Congrats on your first nomination and win for the ‘Most Promising Male’ at the Underground Music Awards! I understand these awards are like the Grammy’s for the indie world. How does it feel to be recognized and what do you think this can do for you career wise?

Darq: That’s love and much appreciated. The UMA’s most definitely felt like how I would picture the Grammies. The whole process, from the nomination, through my campaign, to the night of the event, I was so busy working and grinding that now a week later, it’s finally settling in. It feels like all the sacrifices the team has made, my family has made, and I’ve made, are finally paying off. As far as what it can do for my career, it will definitely be a stepping stone, but my careers in my hands and it’s my job to take this moment and make the most of it. Hopefully the attention will get me some more recognition and open some bigger doors.

HHLO: I also hear your about to drop a new record featuring one of The Bronx’s finest, Cuban Link called ‘BX’ as well as another BX artist on the rise Bugz. How did you guys all link up to make the record and what can listeners expect to experience?

Darq: Yes, we are currently getting ready to push the “BX” remix, which contains a Big Pun sample. As soon as I heard the beat I didn’t care what it took, I was gonna get Cuban on the remix. I had never met him before. With the help of AD the General and the nan movement, for three months, we moved chess pieces and got in front of him. We made it happen and that experience for me was career changing because it put me in focus and building with my idols brother was an accomplishment in it self. Cuban and I hit the booth and banged it out. Bugz, on the other hand, is a brother to me and an artist I respect more than most. Bugz and I go way beyond music. Bugz was incarcerated at the time, so I called his manager and told him as soon as the cage opens he’s on something major. It took about 4 months and he would be right back in position. When he came home and heard it, he saw the buzz I was able to create while he was in the box and he roasted it like he was right there with us and the song was complete. It was a dream to me to have my vision come to life.

HHLO: As a relatively new artist trying to stand out in this saturated music industry, what are some of the strategic things you and your team ar - Jen

Hey Darq, for those new to the movement, break down what you have going on.

Whats good illroots.com! The Darq movement is simple, it's bringing good music and the bx back to the forefront in hip hop. At this moment in time, we just finished up the "DarqRAW" album due for release Oct 31st, hosted by Bedtyme357 and distributed by Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes

Take us through the origin of the name.

Obviously, being caucasian and having the name Darq causes some controversy. It actually started as a joke and became so much more. On the block before I ever started rapping, I got into a fight with a homie that couldn't speak english very well. Instead of saying he was going to give me a black eye, he said he was going to dark my eye. Of course we had jokes for a long time and when I did start rapping I was considering going by the dark knight. A friend suggested I lose the knight bit, since its been done. Drop K up Q and Darq became.

Lets talk about when hip hop first caught your attention. When did you know this was your calling?

I will never forget that moment. I was eleven years old when i stepped in my first cypher and even then I felt the hairs on my neck stand up. I knew right then and there I was destined for this.

As you began your journey, who are some of the artists that have inspired you musically?

There have been many artists throughout the years that have inspired me. AZ tops my list, Nas, Jay Z, Eminem and of course Big Pun

You have had a pretty good year in regards to gaining recognition for all your hard work. Lets start with the UMA for 'Most Promising Male'. Take us through your thought process as you were nominated, your promotions about the nomination then your eventual win.

In the beginning of the year and end of last year, I was grinding hard, so with all the ups and downs, I really wasn't even thinking of the UMA. Then I received a phone call that I might be up for a nomination. When the nominees came out and I saw I was nominated for most promising, I wasn't as surprised because of the year I had. Once the voting started, my campaign was crazy. My team and supporters rallied behind me. I was surprised how much love I received. The night of the awards I wasn't really expecting to win, I was just going with the flow. When the category came and they announced Darq the winner, the building went crazy. That is a moment that will never be forgotten

How did it feel to be recognized and what do you think this can do to help your career?

To finally be aknowleged for doing what i love is an accomplishment in itself. As far as this helping my career, I think it was a stepping stone, but my career is always in my hands. If anything the light is shinning on Darq more now than ever. This is just the beginning but I was honored by the uma committee and I have a lot to prove why I'm most promising.

Since the UMA's you have dropped a big record called 'BX' featuring an up and coming artist named Bugz and a Bronx OG , Cuban Link. The record was big on the sites, blogs and mixtapes as well. What was the purpose in dropping the record and what kind of feedback did you get from those who took the time to listen?

The purpose of doing the record from the start was to pay homage to Pun, but I've always been a fan of Cuban and that experience was one for the books. I also wanted the record to solidify Bugz and my position as bronx emcees. We were also part of a bigger movement and the sites embraced the song. The love has been a blessing for everyone involved.

You also recently released your first full length video entitled 'Bronx to The Bay', whats the concept behind the video and what can viewers expect to experience?

Yes the "Bronx to the Bay" video was filmed, produced and directed by my homie Karte Fowler for 3a films, who has been a very big supporter in the Darq movement. The concept was to show me and Airis, a Bay area emcee who is featured on the song, trying to unify coast to coast for two areas that don't really have a lot of attention in hiphop right now. As far as what the viewers can expect is just two emcees coming together repping there homes to the fullest.

I hear your working on your next mixtape, who will be hosting it? Who are some of the artists and producers you are collabing with?

Yeah the mixtape/ street album is called "DarqRaw, Risking it all willingly" it will be hosted by DJ Bedtyme357 also another big supporter of the Darq movement. It's currently in final stages. Some artists on the project are Cuban Link, Young Bugz, my home girl Ms FeFe on a song called "Rep yo City", Gifted of NAN on a song called "Bang Bang Bang" and Amy Davis on the title track "RAW". As far as producers Knowlege who produced several tracks, Sadge, Gunner, Will Wonder who produced Ryder", which I will be hitting the circuit with heavy on the performance side. It's all fire!

Aside from all that's been discussed, what else do you feel it will take - Hallway

Hey Darq, give the readers some background on your movement. Your originally from the home of hip hop, the Bronx, but you have also spent a good amount of time living in philly, how have the real life experiences of these two places played into your sound and style?
I was born and raised in the Bronx until I was sixteen. I was sent to live outside Philly and I was going back an forth for ten years. At first it was culture shock, because even though Philly is the second largest city on the east coast, the lifestyle between there and here is different in so many ways. Living that way for so long, I became able to adapt both styles and blend them into one. I feel both cities are struggling in hiphop right now, so the fact I've been able to create a buzz in both has been a great accomplishment. It helped my style and sound because I'm a Bronx lyricist all day, but the soul I've added into my music I must thank Philly for.
You seem very diverse with songs like 'Fly Away' and 'Oh No', what is the Darq formula in regards to your creative approach?
To always think outside of the box. Never allow yourself to be limited by what the industry says is hot. Good music is undeniable, and having creative control always as a independent artist never hurts.

You've spent several years hitting the tri state showcase circuit, what are some of the specific things you have gained from these experiences and how has it helped from a promotional standpoint?
I've gained a lot of confidence. I've been embraced by my peers and shown love from fans nearly everywhere I have preformed in the region. Through each show comes a diffrent experience and new faces. From a promotional stand point, every show has helped the darqness spread.

Your last mixtape was Darq Day Vol 1, is there a Vol 2 in works, if so how will they differ and what can listeners expect to hear?
Darq Dayz vol 1 was the beginning for the Darq and DJ Nitro collaborations. DJ Nitro is from yonkers and we met through a mutual friend. At the time, he saw something in me, that I didnt see in myself. He would stress to me to rap over industry beats, which back then I hated more than anything because i felt it wasn't original. So when we did finally get together, we just wanted to have fun and bring it back to dj an emcee. We just threw the project together really quickly and never expected it to get the love that it did.
Right now, I'm working on a mixtape/street album "Darq R.A.W. Risking it All Willingly", which is at the forefront. With me on my grind and Nitro on his grind with the Mixxxkingz, going back in for part 2 has been a little difficult, hopefully we will be in the works by the fall. Vol 1 was fun, but the next one will be problems. There's a lot we both want to say right now, so we're looking forward to getting to Vol 2.
Lets get right into it, you have been nominated for 'Most Promising Male Rapper' at The UMA's which is like a grammy for the underground. What went through your mind when you heard about it, and why are you 'Most Promising'?
To tell the truth, I felt like it was christmas morning. I jumped around like a six year old. Sometimes it's hard finding happiness in the pursuit of a dream. It was very unexpected to be in the category of 'Most Promising'. It feel like finally being recognized for my potential to be something bigger.

Whats next on the schedule for Darq?
The release of my first official video "BX to the Bay" featuring Airis, an up and coming Bay Area emcee. The video was produced an directed by Kartezzzzy from 3a films and n.a.n. tv. I'll be wrapping up my street album 'Darq R.A.W.' and finishing my commercial album which we've had some issues with. The original title was "Classic Material" but due to producer issues the title is being changed and will be announced at a later date. As always just to continue to wake up every day an grind for a better life for my family and my team.

Where can we find you online?
myspace.com/darqness
twitter.com/darqbxkid
facebook.com/darqraw
Youtube.com/darqraw
Hopefully sometime this year I will launch my own website.

Last shouts?
I would like to take the time to should out my kids Caleb, Jayden and Nathan, my blessings, my whole family, my Too Much Entertainment fam and everyone who's been supporting me along the way. Thank you. - Cartel

Whats good Darq? For those unfamiliar with the name, give the readers some background.

This is my favorite question. The name Darq started off as a joke that only a few people new about but once I started rapping I decided to keep the name. The true definition of the word dark means the absense of light and for me that just what life was like. It was a struggle. It was Darq.

When did you first know rap was your calling? Was it a specific song, moment?

I was eleven years old when i stepped in my first cypher and even then I felt the hairs on my neck stand up. I knew right then and there I was destined for this.

Musically who are some of your influences?

I would have to go with Pun obviously BX all day, AZ, Nas, Jigga and definitely Em for blowing the doors off hip hop.

You have been on your showcase grind for a hot minute, what can future fans expect to experience from seeing you perform?

Fans can always expect a true hip hop show from me. I feel I bring alot of energy to every stage I step onto. I can honestly say there's nothing I enjoy more than shutting it down. My fans love me for it so I have to make sure I bring it. So to all my future fans, buy the ticket. I'll make it worth it every time.

Congrats on your recent nomination for an Underground Music Award for "Most Promising Male Rapper', how does it feel to get recognized and why do you feel the nomination suits you?

Thank you. I feel honored first off. I would like to thank Urban Threshold, U.M.A. panel and all my supporters who made this possible. Thank you for recognizing the amazing year I had - possibly the best in my career so far. As for the most promising, i believe its the best category for me. When people meet me, see me preform or hear my music, they recognize the potential in me, and the fact I've gotten to this point with no artist development is an achievement in itself. I think that makes me really promising. The nomination has just given me more to strive for, another reason to elevate myself to the next level where once again my grind, my heart and determination will continue to prove who Darq is.

Not to long ago you released a single called 'Fly Away' and a video to follow which got love on Worldstarhiphop.com and several other sites, what's the general concept of the song and what did you wanna get across to those who saw the video?

The video of 'Fly Away' was actually a recording of a performance which won me 1st place in an Elegant Hoodness showcase. It was a great performance, so we started posting the video on myspace. The love and positive feedback we received landed us on a couple of bigger websites, even being number one on worldstarhiphop for a brief second. It was a good look.
The song fly away actually started as a song for my brother. I had put aside because the thought was incomplete, but when I started working with Amy Davis and I heard her voice, the song came to life. I heard the beat soon after and I changed the concept a little bit, writing more about struggle and addiction, being I have a lot to say about both.

As an artist gaining alot of attention in the underground, what are some of the things your doing to stand out in this saturated market?

I think my heart and my music separate me from the rest. Really I think when people hear my passion, feel my energy, and recognize my grind, they believe in the cause that much more. This gains respect from my peers and fans, building my fan base by just doing what I love.

Whats next for Darq?
I wake up everyday and continue to grind hardbody and break down the doors that will hopefully land me a situation to bring my music to the masses and create a better life to feed my children and my fam.

Where can we find you online?

The Darqness is spreading on:
myspace.com/darqness
twitter.com/darqbxkid
facebook.com/darqraw
youtube.com/darqraw

Any shouts or plugs?

I want shout the Too Much Entertainment family for believing when no one else did, my family, my kids, all my peers grinding threw hard times, the whole Nan movement and the Bronx of course for birthing me and the art form.
We on the rise back where we belong BX all day. - J Hatch

Whats good Darq? Let everyone know a little about your movement.

The movement isn't just about the music. I'm on my grind all the time to get the Bronx back to where it should be.
Your name has an interesting story and origin, can you share it with the readers?

Obviously, being caucasian and having the name Darq causes some controversy. It actually started as a joke and became so much more. On the block before I ever started rapping, I got into a fight with a homie that couldn't speak english very well. Instead of saying he was going to give me a black eye, he said he was going to dark my eye. Of course we had jokes for a long time and when I did start rapping I was considering going by the dark knight. A friend suggested I lose the knight bit, since its been done. Drop K up Q and Darq became.
When people ask me what it means to me, I tell them darq is a state of mind. It reflects how I feel, how I communicate, and what the world goes through on a daily basis.

You were born in the BX, lived there til you were 16, then headed off to Philly. How was that transition in your life and how did it effect you from a musical perspective?

Being born and raised where hip hop started gave me the essence of the art form and now that I've been back in the Bronx a couple years, I can see how my experiences in Philly really show themselves in my music. The Bronx gives me the lyrics, and Philly gave me the soul. I feel the transition gave me a different perspective on the artistry.

Its not secret your a fan of Pun and built your style on the base of having valid lyrical content, do you ever feel, in todays market, that you have to dumb it down for listeners to really understand you?

I write what I feel. I use the lyrics to express myself and I don't feel the need to dumb it down. My music is very universal. Everybody has gone through the same experiences that make me write songs like "Fly Away" of "Oh No". I'm not stressing whether or not they get one line, so long as they can feel the song.

Congrats on the UMA nominee, what catagory is the nomination under and how can people vote for you?

I'm nominated as most promising male rapper of the year and voting is easy. Just go online to www.urbanbuzzfactor.com and click on vote for most promising male rapper and then click on Darq. You can vote once a day everyday from one IP address until August 6th, 2009.

How does it feel to be recognized for your talent?

I been at this for almost 10 years and I'm grateful for the love and support that we're getting. Every artist struggles to see their music through to the end and its an incredible feeling to be recognized .

When can we expect a new CD from you? Are you working with any other artists and producers?

Right now I'm working on the album Darq R.A.W. (Risking it All Willingly) and I hope to have that out by late summer/early fall 2009.
I work with many talented artists, such as Gifted from N.A.N., Amy Davis, Young Bugz, and Cuban Link. I've also worked with many up and coming producers such as Knowlege, Will Wonder, Sadge a.k.a White Shadow, and the big homie Gun from Philly.

You have done a ton of showcases, take the readers through your mental preperation until the moment you step off stage.

The most important thing on the day of a show, is to try and block out all distractions, anything that takes me off focus. I usually try to take it easy. I wake up, do a light work out, try and get a good three meals in, and rehearse. I go to the barber shop, where I find my peace and get a shape up. I come home, shower, go through another rehearsal, and head out to my show. Once I'm in the building, I network and let everyone know I'm there. Once my name is called to the stage, I say a prayer, take a deep breath, and become an animal on the mic. Like I'm the only person alive. Once I step off stage, it's right back to reality.

Whats next for Darq?

The street album, "Darq R.A.W.," the release of my video, "BX 2 Da Bay," finishing up the commercial release - TBA, and continuing on my grind to the top.

Where can we find you online?

myspace.com/darqness
youtube.com/darqraw
facebook.com/darqraw
twitter.com/darqbxkid

Any shouts or plugs?

Young Bugz, Take Money Records, Too Much Entertainment, Amy Davis, family, friends, and all those that believe in me and the movement. Please also continue to vote for Darq for most promising male rapper atwww.urbanbuzzfactor.com. You can vote once a day, everyday until August 6th. I thank you for all your support. Shout out to all my fans, supporters, and promoters.
- Javier Sanabria

Darq, what it is fella? Let the people know who you are and what the F it is that you do!
What's good people. My name's Darq, I'm an emcee from the bronx and I spit my ass off!!!!

Your a beast on the mic, who are some of your favorite emcees?
There's a lot of them, but I would have to say AZ, Nas, Jigga and of course Big Pun forever.
If you could do a dream record with one artist and one producer, who would they be and what would fans experience?
If i had to chose an artist to work with, it would be AZ because his flow and his unique voice on a track with me would be a problem. He's been an idol of mine from jump. As far as a producer, I would have to say Eminem because I feel when he produces tracks for certain people he brings the beast out of them and fans would expect that to be a major record.

Whats up with the name Darq? Very unique, is there a story behind that?
There's is a very funny story behind the name. On the block before I ever started rapping, I got into a fight with a homie that couldn't speak english very well. Instead of saying he was going to give me a black eye, he said he was going to dark my eye. Of course we had jokes for a long time and when I did start rapping I was considering going by the dark knight. A friend suggested I lose the knight bit, since its been done. Drop K up Q and Darq became. When people ask me what it means to me, I tell them darq is a state of mind and we face that on a daily basis. Everyone can relate.
How important is it for a new artists to have a solid team around them? Who are some of the key players artists should have on their side?
Having a solid team is very important. You're only as strong as the people around you. I believe that the people you surround yourself with are key players and should be hand selected very carefully. They believe in you as an artist and will always have your best interest at heart. Your managers, lawyers, accountants, publicist, producers, and agents should all have the same focus and work ethic and the same goal: to get you where YOU need to be!

UMA time again and Darq is nominated! How does it feel to be in a catagory with some of the best new emcees out and be considered Most promising?
Actually the fact that I was nominated was a blessing in itself and to be in the category most promising made it even more worth it. When I saw the nominee list, I realized I had a mutual respect for a lot of the artists also nominated, so to be considered one of the best up and coming is an honor.
Lets talk about your approach to music and creating, do you have a specific formula to your own success?
Truthfully as an artist, rapping was never something that came naturally to me. I've seen so many emcees that anything they touched would fall into place. I had to work day and night to develop myself. When I'm writing in my zone, I try to be as honest and truthful as possible and live by t.t.s. True To Self.

Whats next on the agenda?
Next on the agenda is "Darq R.A.W.", my mixtape/street album and then getting the commercial album wrapped up. As always, I'll continue to keep myself in position to keep the darqness spreading and to get the right situation around what we have already started.

Where can fans find you online?
myspace.com/darqness
youtube.com/darqraw
facebook.com/darqraw
twitter.com/darqbxkid

Shout out your peoples!
Shout outs to every one holding me down, my too much entertainment fam, my kids, my squad, and all my supporters. I love yalll! Keep the darqness spreading! - J Hatch

Whats poppin Darq? Welcome to DreamBIgHustleHard.com, tell the people about your movement.

What up Dream Big Hustle Hard. My movement is more than music. I’m staying on my grind to get the Bronx back to where it needs to be. I’m trying to keep people on their toes.

Bronx is definitely the home of hip hop and there are a lot of heavyweights to compete with, when it comes to the Bronx and Hip Hop in general, where does Darq want to be situated and remembered in the scheme of things?

Lyrically, I feel like I can hold my own amongst the heavyweights. I would like to one day live up to the hip hop artists I grew up around and learned from. I’m hoping to inspire future generations with my music so I will be remembered as one of the best. I want to hold my city down.

It’s no secret that lyrics are not the most important thing in today’s mainstream hip hop market yet you remain true to your roots. Do you feel that can help or hinder your situation in getting to the next level?

I think that good music will always be good music. I stay true to my roots because I have a saying, t.t.s. True to self. I think that if you can share what you feel and help others through your music, it would be of great assistance to my career. I think that if I didn’t speak the truth, that would hinder my career because people can relate to my lyrics. When it comes to mainstreaming my music, I just want to stay true to myself and keep cranking out hits.

Let’s discuss your name, being Caucasian and having the name Darq could seem a little controversial. Is there a story or meaning behind the name?

The name started as a joke as a teenager. I had a friend who didn’t speak English very well. We got into an argument and he told me he wanted to dark my eye. Instead of blackening it, which he did. We had jokes about it throughout the years. When I started rapping, I was going to go by the name dark knight but friends told me it had been done. I took off the knight, dropped the k, upped the q and Darq became. When it comes to the meaning of Darq, I think it’s a mind state. The things we all go through on a daily basis. We all live in the darq at times.

I was checking out your discography and you seem like you have been steady on the showcase grind for a long minute, what have you learned from performing and interacting with possible future fans that you feel is beneficial to your movement?

I think that I get to know what people are thinking and feeling about my music and I think that I can gain so much from performing for many different audiences. I get the compliments and criticism that I need to learn and grow in my craft. I also get to meet many different artists and promoters that show me different ways to go about the business. I love meeting new fans.

As a new artist on the come up, how do you balance building your buzz in the streets and on the internet?

I try to get involved in many different shows in different cities to get my name out on the streets and I keep up with my internet sites and getting new friends and fans. I try to spread the word through all media outlets to keep the darqness spreading. I promote my songs and videos and I try to get my music to the next level everyday. I try to manage my time to keep things on the up and up.

What projects are you currently working on, and who are some of the producers and artists your collabing with?

I’m currently finishing up my commercial album, as yet untitled and I’m hoping to get the street album, R.A.W.(Risking it All Willingly) out towards mid to end of September. I just finished a video for my single “Bronx 2 Da Bay” with my homie Limitless and I’m constantly writing and keeping my bars up. I work with many talented artists, including, Amy Davis, Limitless, Young Bugz, CoDizzle, Cuban Link, Gifted of N.A.N., etc..As for producers, I work with Knowledge, Sadge a.k.a. White Shadow, Will Wonder, and the big homie Gun from Philly.

Where can we find you online?

www.myspace.com/darqness

www.facebook.com/darqraw

www.twitter.com/darqbxkid

www.youtube.com/darqraw


Any Plugs or shouts?

I’d like to shout out my kids, Caleb, Jayden, and Nathan. My family and squad that hold me down, my Too Much Entertainment family, my collaborators and producers, and all the believers, supporters, and fans that have stood by me through it all. - Lex Borerro

What’s good Darq? Let everyone know a little about your movement.

What's good RapMullet.com? I appreciate you taking the time to interview your boy Darq. The Darq movement is about staying on my grind to constantly elevate myself musically and hold my city down and get the BX back like Pun never left. I want to put the Bronx back on the map.

You are originally from the BX, then you moved to Philly when you were 16, now your back in the Bang Bang Boogie. How did the move affect your music and overall outlook on the rap game?

Well, I was born and raised where hip-hop originated and moved to the city of soul. I combined the two and I think it showed me that hip-hop can be many different things. A little gangsta, a little soul, a little truth, etc. I just brought what I learned in Philly to the Bronx and improved my outlook on the rap game. I also brought the Bronx to Philly to keep them on their toes.

You have a lot to be happy about these days, let’s start with the UMA nomination for ‘Most Promising Male Artist’ of the year, that’s quite impressive. How did you feel when you heard you were nominated and why do you think this title is suitable for you?

I felt like a kid at Christmas. For once in my career I felt like I was recognized for my talent as a hip hop artist.. It made me feel that all the struggle and hard times might have just been worth it.

You’re a beast on the show scene, in and out of town, what can fans experience when they see you perform?

For me, when it comes to performing, I constantly try to bring my A game to the stage. If you are seeing Darq for the first time, expect R.A.W. pure energy. With songs like, "Oh No, BX, and Fly Away," prepare yourself to be blown away.


Talk about AD and the Elegant Hoodness Park tour and how that has helped your buzz stay strong and remain relevant.

AD The General has been a big part of the success of my movement over the past year. Behind the scenes, AD has been a friend, a mentor, and one of the first promoters to believe in me and go above and beyond to understand me and guide me in the direction I wanted to take. In the Elegant Hoodness arena I took number one artist of 2008.
This is my second year performing on the Park Tour, which is a great way to keep hip hop alive in the community. I can spread my music to different generations and ages. The Park Tour is a family event, which gives me a chance to speak to the youth and that keeps the Darqness spreading and the name relevant.

As a new artist making noise in the game, what are some of the strategic movements your making in order to stand out in today’s saturated hip hop market?

I try to be innovative and unique. I work with many different artists and producers with many different styles and sounds. I write my own lyrics and try to stay true to self. I want to make a name to carry through the ages so I stay on my grind to keep the fans interested. I've been chasing this dream for a minute with the goal of making good music that people can relate to.

Who are some of the other emcee’s on the come up that you have your eye on and respect?

There are a lot of emcee's I respect. Such as, Young Bugz, Wordspit, Fred Da God, Gifted of N.A.N., Tru Sun Ali, Codizzle, Corey Guns, Cali Budd,Cortez an Billy the kid Murda ave gang, Nuborn, Sha stimuli, etc... All of these artists are on their grind everyday and there's many more out there trying to come up in the game.

What is the current focus of Darq musically? What artists and producers are you working with in the lab?

I'm writing everyday, working on finishing up the commercial Darq release, as yet untitled, getting the street album, "R.A.W.(Risking it All Willingly)" out as soon as possible, and staying focused on getting my name out there. I'm going to be doing shows in as many cities as I can, keeping my internet buzz going, and staying on my grind.
I'm currently working with some talented artists, such as Cuban Link, Young Bugz, Codizzle, Amy Davis, and Airis a.k.a. Limited Edition.. I have some talented producers on my albums too. Sadge a.k.a. White Shadow, Knowlege, Will Wonder, and the Philly dude, Gun.

Where can we find you online?
www.myspace.com/darqness
www.facebook.com/darqraw
www.youtube.com/darqraw
www.twitter.com/darqbxkid

Any shouts or plugs?

I’d like to shout out my fans and supporters, those that believe and support me, my music, and the movement, my family and squad, my collaborators, my kids, Caleb, Jayden, and Nathan, my promoters, friends, and those that hold me down, and my Too Much Entertainment family. - Big Chew

My movement is simple and goes way beyond music. Everyone knows how much I value the importance of my borough so until the BX is back where it needs to be, I’m not sleeping.

When did hip-hop grab you and make you realize this was what you wanted to do with your life?

I was born in Bronx Lebanon hospital. I feel I came out the womb breathing hip-hop. I remember I was six years old break dancing in Poe Park and stepped in my first cypher at age 11. I knew at that moment there was nothing else.

Who are some of the artists and producers that have inspired you to be the best you can be?

There have been many artists threw out the years that have inspired me. Az first off that’s who I feel to me is my top. Nas, Jay Z, Eminem and of course Big Pun. Of the producers, my homie, knowledge, who produced fly away for me is the first producer to ever truly inspire me and is plays a big part in me tapping into my true talent. Industry wise I would say Just Blaze, Kanye West, Dark Child and Swizz Beats.

You’re originally from the Bronx, when you were 16 you moved to Philly, and now your back in the home of hip hop. How did that move and those experiences that followed affect you musically?

My life was twisted when I was sent to Philly it was mad different and I really developed my skills there before I came home. Being from the x, the lyricism is mandatory, but the soul in my music and always having an open mind to go left, I would say I learned in Philly from a more musical standpoint.

Now you have rocked many a stage, and you always put 100% in to your show. Describe what happens when you touch the stage and why it’s so important to go all out and have a solid performance every trip.

When I touch any stage anywhere I find it very important to leave it all on the line. For me being Caucasian I have 30 sec to grab the crowds attention so immediately I’m giving raw pure energy. It’s important because you never know who’s in the building or the impact you may have on a person. A good impression keeps your name moving and remembered. They might not remember the song but will remember you.

Congrats on your recent nomination on being the UMA’s ‘Most Promising Male Artist’, how does it feel to be recognized and why do you feel you fit into and represent this category?

Thank you. I am honored. It’s really a blessing. When I found out I was nominated most promising I wasn’t surprised, the win was the surprise. I was up against some strong artists and I am thankful to be chosen by the fans. They see something in me. I had a very exceptional year and learned a lot from people always telling me I have potential. I believe inside myself that I am a sure bet and promising myself and my fans to continue to rise to the top.

Lets talk about the importance of team. Your roll with Too Much Entertainment, what’s the working environment like and how do you guys plan to make an impact on this music industry?

Team that’s the key word for me because I’ve been blessed by the key players around me. My belief system is crazy. My role with too much started as just an artist an now I have the franchise tag and own a very large percent of the company. As far as our plans to impact the industry we want to set a new standard for just making good music.

What’s next on the plate for Darq?

The darq raw street album is next. Getting that wrapped up and out is priority for me now. We’re cooking up some bigger things as well, but just staying focused and on course is key.

Where can we find you online?

MYSPACE.COM/DARQNESS

TWITTER.COM/DARQBXKID

FACEBOOK.COM/DARQRAW

YOUTUBE.COM/DARQRAW

Any plugs or shouts?

Everybody who supporting the movement to keep the darqness spreading, my family, my team. It’s much love - iStandard