Dorian (hip-hop)

Ricky Rodas and DJ Chicho sit down with Dorian Sucks to talk about his upcoming show with Prodigy of Mobb Deep on October 28th. - The Lunch Table Talks

Dorian: Becoming The Master

He worked in Corporate America and coached NCAA D-I Basketball, but he left that all behind for a new career path where he can tell his stories through the art of music, and attempt to impact the world on a larger scale.

Chicago | Arena Music
Chicago

Only a year into his hip-hop career and Dorian is already making an impact. The Indianapolis-bred, Chicago-groomedhip-hop artist, who graduated from both the University of Indiana and later the University of Central Florida where holds a Master’s degree, released his first LP The D.U.C.K. Tape last month on Valentine’s Day, and has already caused quite a stir.

The D.U.C.K. Tape, which he self-produced and self-released, is a conscious 11-track collection that has garnered attention for its song "FUCKEM [Ode To The Police]," a record that couldn't be any more relevant than now considering the racial and social issues currently happening in America at the present time.

Clearly, Dorian has a lot to say.In thisArena exclusive, he talks all about his debut albumThe D.U.C.K. Tape, as well as how Indianapolis' music scene differs from Chicago's, using music as an outlet, giving the middle class a voice, why it's important to take risks, and much more.

Arena: I heard you have a Master's degree and coached D-1 hoops, yet you're pursuing music as a producer and rap artist. Why decide to pursue music and go down this path when you had, and still have, other opportunities?

Dorian: Throughout my coaching career, I moved 11 times in a span of 5 years. You are constantly chasing the next job and your entire livelihood depends on the temperament of a 19-year-old kid. I fell in love with helping people and I knew that music could be a great avenue for that, hence I pursued it.

The Master's degree came because I was coaching and going to graduate school is a way to get into the profession. Once I got out, I realized how much of a crock of shit it was and how no one really cares about your level of education in Corporate America, especially with the baby boomers still hogging all of the jobs. I was working remedial crap jobs with people that barely had high school diplomas. I want to control my own destiny and I don't have the personality to wait for someone to give me more money because I've put in x amount of years.

Arena: Fair enough. Another thing I noticed about you right away is that you're based in Indianapolis, and you've also spent quite a bit of time in Chicago and, let's face it: Chicago's music and art scene is talked about heavily compared to Indy's. That said, tell me about your city's music scene and how it differs from The Chi's.

Dorian: Indianapolis is my hometown. I attended middle school, high school and college in the state of Indiana. The art scene isn't as vast as a place like Chicago, so you really have to search to find places to showcase your ability. I've been doing some open mics where I go and perform my songs acapella because I want people to focus on my lyrics. In Indianapolis, we are very quick to embrace trap rap, but slow on the socially conscious. I'm cognizant of that so I've been focusing on building a fanbase nationally, as well as locally.



Arena: About a month ago, you released your debut album The D.U.C.K. Tape. Not only is it a pretty deep record, butyou produced it all on your own, too, and you've only been doing that for about a year. Knowing that, what it was like putting that together and what you wanted to portray, both musically, and lyrically, on this collection of songs.

Dorian: I know every artist says this, but putting this project together was therapeutic. It was a emotional release for me and I tapped into sides of me that were dormant or that I didn't know existed. That's why I rap with so much emotion. I was a virgin going inside some pussy raw for the first time. Six strokes and I was out for the count.

My lyricism is inspired by my middle class upbringing as a college graduate who has attempted to make it through the controlled American Dream. That dream is bullshit and I’m not the only one that feels that way. I want people to know that I feel them and I understand what they’ve been through. Hip-hop usually focuses on the lower class or the upper class, yet the middle class buys all the albums. Who is speaking for them?

It also was an arduous process. I had to teach myself how to make beats, sequence them, structure songs, stack vocals, add ad libs, register, market, promote, find cover artists, photographers, engineers, video producers. I was super ambitious. I bought the software Feb 14th, 2014, [and] I wanted the album to be out April 1st, 2014. Then May 1st. Then June 1st … it didn't come out until Feb 14th, 2015. It took a lot of hard work being independent, but it was a great day when it released.

Arena: So what motivated you to start producing, how would you describe your production style, and how have you grown since you first started producing last year?

Dorian: The main motivation to start producing was that I needed beats to rap to and I was broke. I didn't want to pay someone for a mediocre beat nor did I want to wait on them to give me the canvas to create my art. I taught myself from YouTube video tutorials and I studied a lot of the producers I admired growing up -- Dre, Kanye, Timbaland. I focused on bass lines and drums for this project.

As I've grown and evolved, I'm hearing music differently now and seeing different colors. At first, I was making beats just so I could rap to them. Now, I want to make beats that are their own entity. This project was lyrically driven and is something that can beat in your car with the kicks and bass lines. My future projects will be more full, rich and diverse.

Arena: One of the songs that's being talked about is "FUCKEM [Ode To The Police]," which, let's face it, with the situations happening with Ferguson, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin, it couldn't be any more relevant than right now, at this point of time. That said, what was the driving force behind this particular track?

Dorian: Growing up as a black man in America, you experience racism in some form everyday. We go from being the cutest thing in the world when we are little boys to the most dangerous when are teenagers. We have to be conscious about how we are perceived at all times and if someone is going to misread our intentions for danger. Unfortunately, this leads to deaths at the hands of those who are meant to protect us -- the police.

There are other songs out dealing with this, but no one was expressing the anger. There is an entire population of people across the country who are mad and fear for the lives because of the color of their skin. It's 2015, this shouldn't even be a conversation. This song represents those who can't articulate their anger how they want. If someone thinks this song is bullshit, play it after you get pulled over by a cop. Nothing else will connect with your soul better.

Arena: Let's get to know the music even more intimately. Take me behind one of the other tracks onThe D.U.C.K.Tapeand tell me the story behind it. I know you have plenty of thoughts and meanings behind all of your records.

Dorian: On "Please Listen (Ode To Smug Gums)," I wanted to address how most rap fans don't listen to lyrics and are quick to judge without educating themselves. You have guys out here now that aren't even pronouncing words correctly and they have millions of fans. The first verse I speak about injustices, both institutionalized and self-inflicted, in the black community. The second verse I seek to entertain those who don't want to listen to socially conscious rap, so I mock them by showing that I can give them what they are accustomed to -- braggadocio -- while still stimulating them subconsciously. I flip 18 sets of back words in the second verse, and that's never been done before. Most people won't catch it until they listen three of four times. That's just ridiculous wordplay.



Arena: From your perspective, what is the most difficult things you deal with as an independent artist and as a regular person outside of the music?

Dorian: The most difficult thing is the constant judgment from those that knew you as just a regular person and who put these celebrities/artists on a pedestal. They are too dumb and blind to see that you can accomplish anything in this world if you aren't a coward. They want everything to be safe and not take any risks, hence they will never be great at anything outside of their bubble. You are constantly being ridiculed and slandered, even though your intentions are noble.

I just want to help people and give them someone to connect with at all times, yet these people who are covered in this rotten sledge of doubt that stems from their own insecurities always want to voice their opinion about your art.

We live in a destructive society where negative information about people is a multi-billion dollar business. Those morals that these blogs, tabloids, memes, etc. carry over into regular society and force people to speak up when you don't want to hear what they have to say. Friends, "friends," family, associates, colleagues, trolls, enemies … fuck them all. I know what's in my heart and I'm going to do what I want regardless of their cynicism.

Arena: So when people listen to your music, what is one thing, or some of the things, that stick with them and they can carry away from it?

Dorian: I just want to help people become the best version of themselves. Most didn't grow up like me: two parents, master's degree, college basketball coach, military brat, black male middle class, and been in the Corporate America rat race. But I tell great stories and my life experiences have helped me relate to anyone. There is no way anyone can listen to this album, study the lyrics on Genius.com and can't take away something that will help them with their life. - Arena.com

1. Dorian, it’s great to connect with you! Please tell us a bit about you & your music…

With this being my first project, I was really exploring myself as an artist and a producer. I knew I wanted to speak on social issues and I wanted to help people be confident in who they are by giving them my story, but I had to figure out how to deliver it without it being too backpacky or too similar to what is already out. I’m a middle class, black male from a two parent household who has two degrees and was Division I college basketball coach. I’m also a person who has been sued, fired, almost got kicked out of college for academic probation, has 170k in student loans, has had an engagement end, whose mother has rheumatoid arthritis in both of her eyes and at one point had 88 cents to my name. I’m open. I’m vulnerable. And I’m secure. And I’m still here. Speaking to you. We all experience problems. We all have negative energy thrown our way. But it’s about what you do once the obstacles hit. Are you going to stop? Are you going to turn around? Are you going to hurdle? Or are you going to just bulldoze it over? My music gives people insight into all of those perspectives. From my own personal experiences and from stories I tell.

2. When did you first start producing music?

I bought the software on 2/14/2014. I taught myself off of YouTube and through trial and error. I had my computer, my 25 key midi keyboard and my infantile creativity. I gotta give him a shoutout because his Youtube Channel helped me more than you can ever imagine, so “MusicTechHelpGuy” had a complete series on how to use Logic Pro X. Now, my ears are attuned differently to music and I hear things that I wasn’t that conscious of before. I excited to see where my production goes in the future.

3. Can you tell us what you’re working on for this year?

Right now we are just working on the promotional cycle of this album. Being independent, you have to do everything so we are in full blown marketing mode at this point. I know what I’m probably going to do next, but once that creative energy consumes me to the point where I can’t focus on anything else, that’s when I’ll start working again.

4. Who is your biggest inspiration when making your music?

I’m inspired by the people who don’t have a voice. By the people that can’t articulate themselves like I can in a written or verbal form. By the people who feel all of these negative emotions about themselves, their families, their friends, their enemies, the world, etc. and they have don’t have a therapeutic outlet to express how they feel. I was thinking about these people before I even wrote my first song or made my first beat. We are put on this world to leave it a better place than it was handed to us and I just want to help people become the best versions of themselves through my art. I’m the voice of those who are drowning in student debt. I show you all of my sides so if you intently listen to the lyrics, you have to connect with something.

5. What is like being an independent artist nowadays?

I like being in control of my business and I don’t trust anyone so it’s been great for me so far. My business partner, C. Rice, is the only person I trust with this right now and we are making serious moves to be two cats from Indianapolis with no direct musical connections. You are rewarded for your hard work and we are outworking everybody right now and that is an addicting feeling. Most artists think they are going to make a dope track, post in on Youtube/Soundcloud, text their friends and then virally it is going to happen. It doesn’t work like that. We aren’t idiots so the climate of the music industry plays into our favor. We know just as much as a label might know. The only difference is they have direct access to distribution channels and media outlets that we have to work hard to get. But as far as marketing/social, there is nothing that they can tell us that we haven’t considered on some level. Iron sharpens iron and I’m surrounded by katana blades. We will go major eventually once we get the respect both artistically and economically from a label that fits our goals.

6. What has been the biggest challenge with managing the ‘finance’ side of the work you do?

No big challenge on that right now. We are clever with our marketing initiatives and we do a lot of research before we commit to something. We aren’t the type of people to just throw money behind something and expect it to work. Grassroots is the best type of marketing to establish a fanbase and that’s what we are focused on right now.

7. Do you think a new era of socially conscious lyrics is taking off now?

I don’t think it’s taking off, I just think more people are conscious of the socially conscious, lol. Back in 2007-2008, socially conscious hip-hop was in trouble because Jay was still retired, Kanye’s Mom passed away, Em was recovering from drugs, Nas was going through a divorce, TI was going back to jail and there weren’t any young guys who had that combination of commercial appeal and lyrical respect. Wale, Cole and Kendrick made people pay attention to lyrics again and they all got co-signs from the guys I just listed before them. That opened the lane for socially conscious rap to be commercially viable. I place a huge emphasis on my lyrics and I hope people study them and understand that.

8. Do you see yourself as a music artist as well a ‘business’?

If you don’t see yourself as that, you are an idiot. If you want to just make music for the love of the art and not monetize off of it, write songs and perform in your house. Once you decide you want to reach the masses, you are a business. You are a brand. And you need to make business/brand decisions. That doesn’t mean doing what’s hot or chasing a certain sound. I will always remain true to my goal of helping billions of people become the best version of themselves. But this is the music BUSINESS. There are people at those labels who have no love for art or artists. They love, or at least they think they love, money. All they see is the bottomline. Is it black or red? We negotiated and signed our own distribution deal already. Before our first project was even out. That’s why you can find the “The D.U.C.K. Tape” on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Rdio and a myriad of other places.

9. Your focused on helping others to be the best version of themselves – can you give 1 tip to stay motivated?

Forget your enemies. Forget your naysayers. Forget the negative energy vampires. Importantly, this can mean family and friends. Now, I’m not saying to disrespect the people that love you, because love is the most important commodity we have and that is why I do all of this. But because your friends and family love you so much, they don’t want you to take risks where you could get hurt or fail. Because seeing you fail will hurt them. So although they feel like they are protecting you, in some cases, they are inhibiting you from going after what is truly in your heart. Only you know what is going to make you happy. You have to find whatever it is to keep that fire burning and you have to keep feeding it logs. No one else on Earth can make your dreams come true. Only you and what you believe can make that happen.

10. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! Where can we find and follow you online?

Facebook – DorianGroup82
Twitter- DorianSucks
Instagram- DorianSucks
Youtube – DorianSucks
SoundCloud – DorianSucks

Posted on March 2, 2015 - Tax Twerk

Compounding on the abundance of lyricists that have been coming out of the Midwest, rapper-producer Dorian adds more fuel to the groovy, socially conscious hip-hop fire. Based in Chicago, this Indianapolis native released his debut project “The D.U.C.K. Tape” on Valentine’s Day 2015. A graduate of Indiana University and the University of Central Florida, this former college basketball coach talks to Entertwine about his journey into hip-hop.

Hi Dorian, Thanks for answering a few questions with us about you and your music! You’ve moved nearly 20 times over the course of your life; how has this influenced you, both musically and personally?

Dorian: When you move that many times, you are forced to talk to people and to be receptive to new experiences. I couldn’t afford not to talk. Talking and venturing out of my comfort zone became a coping mechanism and it was it how I dealt with being the new kid all the time. With that said, I developed a vested interest in a lot of things. From basketball, skateboarding, drawing, movie development, Pogs, Goosebumps/Hardy Boys books…I was interested in everything because I usually befriended somebody who would expose me to new things. So musically, I was always open to anyone who was talented. Outside of conscious hip-hop and soul, my favorite type of music would be pop. I love huge pop records. Because when I was younger I went to all types of schools. All-white, all-black, schools on military bases etc, and the only songs that were a guarantee that everyone knew were huge pop records. So New Kids on The Block, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Spice Girls and now Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, more recent Taylor Swift…I love that music. It galvanizes people from all over the world and from all walks of life. My background definitely had a lot to do with me appreciating the art.

Could you tell us about the time you spent as a college basketball coach? What was this experience like, and how was the opportunity presented to you in the first place?

The opportunity never really presented itself, I had to chase it down lol. After I graduated from Indiana University, I made 800 cold phone calls and sent out 1300 cold e-mails trying to get a coaching job. I was able to get on as a volunteer assistant at Less-McRae College. I then coached high school ball for two years at Montverde Academy. Then I was a graduate assistant at VCU. Then the director of bball ops at Jacksonville University. Anyone who knows anything about coaching and you know that most jobs are unpaid starting off and you have to move constantly. I sacrificed and lot of relationships and a lot of my social life to be a coach. Coaching is where I fell in love with helping people and impacting lives and that’s what I want to do with my music. I want to impact billions of people’s lives with my music. I want to make people the best version of themselves and I got addicted to that feeling when I was coaching.

You reside in Chicago, Illinois now, correct? How does Chicago differ from the other places you’ve lived, specifically Indianapolis, Indiana, both as a music scene and a city?

I’m back and forth from Chicago and Indianapolis. Indianapolis is my hometown and since I’ve lived in both I have a great pulse on the music scene in both places. Chicago really supports independent art. They cultivate and nurture talent organically there and that’s why you are seeing so many artists from all genres of rap coming out of there right now. People are always excited to hear what’s new and I have a lot of support in Chicago. That’s where my studio is and that’s where I first ever hopped on the mic. In Indianapolis, because Indiana is such a conservative state, the appreciation for the arts isn’t there like it is in Chicago. There are a lot of talented artists in Indianapolis, but there really isn’t anywhere for them to display their gifts on a consistent basis where people will be objective and have an open mind. Mark Battles is probably the only guy that is doing real damage out of Indianapolis right now but that’s going to change soon with me and my camp.

What experiences and events inspired the writing and recording of your new mixtape “The D.U.C.K. Tape”? Could you tell us about the overall concept of the album, as well as a bit about each of the featured tracks?

Being this is my first project, you can say my entire life inspired this. What really made me buckle down and do it was an incident I had up here in Chicago. It was Christmas time and you know during that time of year people are always sending things to your house. So one day I come home and there is a box in front of my door from my Mom. I didn’t know what it was, so I just bend down to pick it up without using my legs. At this time, I was working out about 3x/week and my lower back had been kind of sore. When I picked up the box, it was way heavier than I anticipated and my lower back went out. Literally, I couldn’t move. It took me 10 minutes to crawl about 8 feet to my couch and I laid there for 2 days straight. While I was there, I started seeing these colors in my dreams. Then these colors changed to numbers. 52…67…88…101. Then these numbers changed to musical notes and clefts. Now, I’m a dude that thinks a lot and retracts a lot of memories frequently. But I started retracting memories that were decades old. I thought about my elementary school music teacher and how he taught me how to read music when I was 9. I played the trumpet 4th and 5th grade, played the drums 6th and 7th grade and then I sang in the church choir from 8th grade until I graduated high school. I realized how music was a big part of my life and took all of that and decided I wanted my voice to be heard. So I bought the production software on 2/14/2014. I taught myself how to make beats from Youtube tutorials and “The D.U.C.K. Tape” was released on 2/14/2015, exactly one year later.

The concept is just a revelation of my different personalities. Duck is the most outrageous of all my personalities and I wanted to present him first. Because he is the most brash and ornery. If he can be accepted by the masses, the rest of me will be just fine. People say my delivery is aggressive and angry, but I don’t mind that. It captures your attention and forces you to listen. Plus, when you are talking about what I am in a song like “FUCKEM (Ode to Police)”, am I supposed to sound happy? It’s a song about the broken justice system and police brutality. What the hell is there to smile about? Now all of my songs aren’t like that, “Story (Ode to Appreciation)” for example is great storytelling rap, but there isn’t much playful, mindless music on this project. I’m either making you laugh or making you think. If you want to be mindlessly entertained, turn on the radio.

What does the recording process look and sound like for Dorian? What programs, gear, and musical equipment do you use to achieve and capture your sound?

With this being my first project, I can’t talk about my “writing process”. These concepts/songs/melodies have been in my head for years. I was constantly learning throughout the recording of this album so there wasn’t a set process. The most consistent part of the process was going to Studio 11 in Chicago and working with my engineer Kris. He taught me a lot about the structure of songs and how mixing plays an integral part in conveying a song’s message. I make all of my beats on Logic Pro X using just my Macbook Pro and a 25 key MIDI Keyboard. I didn’t event have a drum pad for this album but I think the drums and basslines are the strongest parts of this project.

Connect With Dorian:
Twitter: @DorianSucks
Instagram: DorianSucks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv74ctZ1fV0
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/doriansucks - Entertwine

Rating: 8.5/10 - That Other Ish

With the increasing popularity of his controversial song "FUCKEM (Ode to Police)", BlazeIndieLA.com captured an exclusive interview from Chicago-based producer-MC Dorian regarding the song, his musical history and his goals for the politically-charged track. Based in Los Angeles, "Blaze Indie LA" is the #1 Syndicated Urban Music Review Show on the West Coast. - BlazeIndieLA

Tell us about your music

With my art, there is something that everyone in the world can relate to. You might be able to relate to police brutality, growing up middle class, or going to college, but I tell stories from so many different perspectives that if you listen intently, you will find something that connects with you. That’s why I annotate all the lyrics on genius.com. The depth of the entendres connects with everyone on some level.

What do you like most about your profession?

That we control our own destiny. The harder we work, the more it pays off. We have ultimate autonomy to say and do what we want. There aren’t many professions that have that luxury.

What’s your favorite album from another artist?

Fav rap albums ever: College Dropout & Graduation – Kanye West, Blueprint – Jay-Z, The Eminem Show – Eminem, Stillmatic – Nas, Back 2 Da Basics – Yo Gotti.


What song of yours are you most proud of?

“Kappa Kappa Gamma (Ode to Misconceptions)” is the song I am the most proud of at the moment. The storytelling on there is amazing. I think I painted a great picture visually for both families. The chorus fits great and I had fun making that beat.

What is the formula for success in the music industry?

There is no formula to success in any industry period. If there was, everyone would be “successful” which in turn would mean no one is successful. Think about it. You just have to do what is best for you what is in your heart. No one can read your soul and tell you where your story goes. Do what feels right and follow through. - Nora Gouma

MUSIC

Is there a story behind your name Dorian?

Alton Dorian Clark is my birth name. My parents are from Dayton, OH and there was an actor in the 80’s named Dorian Harewood who was also from there. My mom liked his name so she gave it to me. It just so happens that Dorian is also a mode/scale in music, so I didn’t have to look hard for a stage name. I was born to do this. Literally.

How long have you been producing/rapping?

Cliché answer of the day, I’ve been doing this all my life (laughs)…Naw, I have always dabbled with writing or reciting rhymes/poems here and there but I was too focused on school or my career as a basketball coach. Growing up in Indianapolis, the art scene wasn’t big there, especially for real lyrical hip-hop so it wasn’t something that I considered doing full-time. I moved to Chicago in 2013 and I bought the production software on 2/14/2014. That was the day that I became serious about making a career out of this. Chicago’s hip-hop scene was buzzing at the time with Chance, Vic Mensa, Lil Bibby, etc so there was a lot of support for good artists. I sat down at my computer for literally 30 days straight watching at least 100 hours of YouTube videos to learn how to use the software. The songs/lyrics were already in my head, I just needed a way to get them out.

What first got you interested in becoming a music producer/rapper?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Every sales job I’ve had, I was always one of the best at that company, but with that I knew I didn’t want to work for someone else for the rest of my life. The last job I had before I started making music was analyzing data for the NBA. Shit was horrible. I worked nights and the pay was barely enough for me to survive in Chicago. When we worked, we had 3 monitors in front of us so I always kept one monitor on YouTube. I watched a number of documentaries on billionaires, politicians, scientists, actors, musicians… anyone who had major success. I picked up on trends and I knew that I was always good at writing. I also knew I could impact billions of people’s lives in a positive way with my words. So I studied the craft and put myself in a position where it was either music or bust. It just so happened that music is starting to work out.

What/who are you inspired by?

This is a two part question to me. I’m inspired by impacting lives. When I was a coach, that was the most satisfying feeling. I still have great relationships with a lot of the players I coached. Some are in the NBA, some are overseas, and some still in college and high school and to know you had an impact on their personal success is a great feeling. I got addicted. I got addicted to impacting lives so every other job I had after that was bullshit to me because I knew it was intrinsically motivated. I was just working at places for money or my own personal success. Not trying to be on no Kumbaya tip, but that’s not why we are here. We are here to leave the world a better place then it was handed to us. That’s whole reason I make music.

As far as people that inspire my music: Pac, Dre, Cube, Nas, Kanye, Eminem. Producers: definitely Dre, Kanye and Timbaland.

Do you use samples or compose your beats from scratch?

Well at first, I didn’t know how to do shit so everything was from scratch lol. Which is good because I have a lot of original compositions that I created. Like on “FUCKEM (Ode to Police)”, the only thing that is sampled is Tupac’s diatribe in the intro and NWA’s voices in the outro. All the music is me. Most hip-hop producers can’t do that. Which works to my favor.

What software and hardware do you use to produce music?

They ain’t paying me, but I’ll give them a shoutout anyway, Logic Pro X. The interface is user friendly. It’s Apple so you know you won’t have problems with viruses or anything. And the stock sounds/plug-ins gives you endless possibilities. My engineer Kris at Studio 11 in Chicago did all the mixing on my album.

Do you have any kind of management, publishing or distribution team behind you? If so what are their responsibilities?

We are independent right now so we are taking everything in our own hands. We just signed a digital distribution deal so the album is on iTunes, Spotify, Beats Music, etc. 100% of publishing all goes to us as well. My business partner, C. Rice, handles a lot of the management right now. We are weighing our options on management but no one has impressed us enough yet. We need a company that can put us in places right now that we would have to wait 3 months to get into. That’s the point of having a management team. They need to get things done despite any hurdle or obstacle that may arise. We are hustlers/grinders by nature, so once we get in the room, we can handle the rest ourselves. But we need someone who can get the door open with a gentle knock as opposed to us bulldozing that bitch off the hinges.




What are some accomplishments that you have achieved, and are most proud of?

To set a goal and to see it go through is an amazing feeling. I decided to get into music in Dec. 2013. I had all these ideas and songs in my head. All of the melodies, drum patterns, lyrics… everything that encompasses this album was in my head at that time. Imagine walking around trying to live life with all of that in your head… crazy. I bought the software Feb 14, 2014. My album came out on Feb 14, 2015. That was exactly one year.

I had to be my own fan, my own financier, my own support system, my own motivator, my own objective critic and it was tough. It took a lot of self-discipline. I didn’t tell anyone close to me and I felt like I was living a double life. That’s why I start off “Misunderstood (Ode to Introductions)” with that perspective. The perspective of a closet homosexual. I’m not gay. But when I was making music, I could draw parallels between their struggle in society and just being true to themselves. Because that’s how I felt. I just want to make music and help people without being judged as “this is just another nigga trying to rap”. By the way, that was the toughest verse to write on the entire album. Shoutout to Macklemore for starting off “Same Love” the way he did. That shit took some balls.

What one tip would you give to other independent artists?

Every second you waste smoking, drinking, chasing ass, playing COD, scrolling through IG, watching ignorant TV/internet videos…you are wasting time and energy that could go into your art. There are at least 100,000 cats trying to rap. Maybe 10,000 are serious. Maybe 2,000 have the talent. Maybe 1,000 have the wherewithal and gumption to go with the talent. What separates you from the rest of them? For me, it’s not wasting time on frivolous bullshit.

Where can we hear your music online?

iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Beats Music, Rdio, Slacker Radio, Amazon, Google Play, Rhapsody, BandCamp, all types of places…The D.U.C.K. Tape is going to be available on DatPiff soon. We signed a dope distribution deal so we are everywhere.

Just type in “DorianSucks” or “The D.U.C.K. Tape” on Google and it will pop up. There are a lot of other Dorian(s) out there, but they suck…for real.

IN CLOSING
What projects are you working on at the moment?

We are going through the whole promotional cycle of this album right now. We might do some collabs with some cats. But I’m really picky so who knows. The focus now is to get people to listen to the music.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years time?

I know this is ambitious but 5 years from now I want to have 4 albums released. 3 that are on a major label. I want to have Grammy(s). I want the Best New Artist Grammy. I want the Album of the Year Grammy, the first for a true hip-hop album. No disrespect to Lauryn Hill or OutKast, those are classics and they are legends. I want to have the #1 song in the world and at least 30 songs that have charted on Billboard. I want to have 3 #1 albums as well.

Do you want to give a shout-out to anyone?

God. The universe. And everyone who loves me.

Thanks again Dorian for doing this interview.

Cited from: http://www.crazypellas.net/cms/interview-with-dorian-449/#ixzz3RyO3zRFc - Crazy Pellas

1.) What attracted you the most to music? What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living?

The absolute freedom of speech. I’ve always been a dude that speaks his mind and I’ve been very cognizant of social issues from a young age. I have too much to say and music, specifically hip-hop, is the only time you have someone’s undivided attention.



2.) Did anyone influence you to do music? If so, who? Influences? Role Models?

My parents had me when they were 21 and 22 respectively so music was always a big part of my childhood. They are from Dayton, Ohio where funk was huge. I heard a lot of Bootsy Collins, Lakeside and the Ohio Players growing up. When the G-Funk era came around, I was already familiar with the samples without even knowing it. That’s why there is a lot of West Coast influence in my music even though I’m from Indianapolis. Dre, Cube and definitely Tupac. Nas, Kanye and Eminem are my favorite rappers of all time. Cole and Kendrick are the two dudes I listen to the most when I’m not making my own music.



3.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

I think people underestimate how much hard work it is to make it in hip-hop. There are hundreds of thousands of cats trying to rap, but how many of them really study the industry… the business side? How many have looked at the trends of what works and what doesn’t? I’m not saying go with what is hot, but everything in life is cyclical and music isn’t any different. Everything I’ve gotten in life has come from my work ethic. I was a Division I college basketball coach because I busted my ass. I sent over 800 cold e-mails and made 1300 cold phone calls before I got my first coaching job. Working hard is the only way I know how to work. That’s why I make my own beats. I didn’t want to wait on someone else. I didn’t want their laziness to dictate my success. In addition, I place a huge emphasis on my lyrics. Most cats today are trying to strike lightning in a bottle with a hot single. That shit won’t last. That’s why I’m making a lyric video for every song on the album. I want people to really pay attention to what I’m saying.



4.) Do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead? Why or why not?

The days of death being 360 deal contracts like Toni Braxton’s? Yeah haha. But major labels will always be the best way to go in my opinion. Today you have more opportunity than ever to make a name for yourself independently. You can build a fanbase and reach thousands of people by grinding out from your bedroom. And labels pay attention to that. But to reach the masses, the major labels have the distribution channels that an independent artist just can’t get. Our goal is to build a solid fanbase and then sign with a major label who is going to market and distribute our art in ways where we didn’t have a reach. We are going to remain independent until the right label comes along that fits our goals artistically and economically.



5.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?

It rewards people that want to work hard. No longer do you have to wait on a label, you can build your fanbase organically. You can do your own research, find your target audience, segment them and feed them the art that’s the most appealing to them. That definitely wasn’t an option 7 years ago. We strive to do a great job feeding our fans. I’m not a big fan of Instagram. I think it’s corny and a bunch people putting on façades for people they don’t know, but it’s a necessary evil. Soundcloud and YouTube are the best mediums for independent musicians.



6.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

Definitely. If your music connects with people and you pound the pavement. Using relationships with DJ’s, attacking campuses, talking to people, I think you still can go that route. There’s no one size fits all to this shit. Either people like your music or they don’t. You just have to be able to consistently feed them once they let you know what they like.



7.) What made you want to get into the music business in the first place?

I’ve done the corporate America thing. I have two degrees. I was in an exciting career working 100 hours a week as a college basketball coach. I need to speak my mind at all times. And I want to help people become the best version of themselves. That’s the part I loved about coaching was the relationships I had with those kids and helping them get to a place that they couldn’t get to by themselves. That’s what makes a great coach. And that is the same feeling I bring to my music. I talk about that on “All For You (Ode to Motivation).” I don’t want anyone who’s experienced anything remotely similar to what I have to ever feel like they are alone. Shit sounds cliché, but it’s real. People kill themselves everyday because they feel like no one truly knows them or understands their daily dilemmas. I do. I been broke to the point where I couldn’t afford an 88 cent bag of chips. I have 170k in student loans. I been engaged and it broke off. I’ve had two abortions. I’ve lost family members and friends to every vice possible. You ain’t alone in this shit and I want my music to represent that.



8.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not?
I’m a control freak so independent is the best route for us right now. I write, make the beat, perform, direct and produce the lyric videos, decide on the marketing schemes, edit all the lyrics on genius.com. My business partner helps out too, but I’m in control so I ain’t ready to relegate to some label just for a check that ain’t going to be shit after taxes. We will eventually go major when the time comes, but independent is doing us just fine right now.



9.) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in life and has that had any effect on your path to becoming a musician and if so, why?

I’ve spoke about it a little bit earlier. There’s no one thing that ranks above all. Losing a family member hurts. Being lied to by someone you love hurts. Knowing someone you love who is going to prison for who knows how long hurts. Break ups hurt. Losing a job hurts. Seeing your car catch on fire when you are in the process of moving to a new city hurts. I mean… life happens. The day things stop happening is when you die. The more successful I get, I know there is going to be more negative shit that’s thrown my way. But I focus on the positive. I’m big on people’s auras and how they emit energy. I’ve been cutting chicks off left and right lately because their energy is all fucked up. I love living. And part of living is being challenged. I know most people don’t think like me and that’s why I make music. To help those get through their own bullshit.



10.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?

Nobody is like me. I have an aggressive delivery. I’m socially conscious without being too backpacky. I’ve already made history with “Please Listen (Ode to Smug gums).” No one’s ever done what I did in that second verse. At least to my knowledge. I’m a college grad who worked in corporate America and grew up middle class, but we ain’t rich. I got my dad in my life, but he didn’t have his so I get both perspectives. My folks been married 31 years but I ain’t even got a main girl. And I produce. Who in hip-hop is like me? Seriously? Tell me? Nobody.



11.) Since a lot of popular artists are forced to conform in order to please the general public, is this something you plan to do in order to make money or do you feel that you can be successful by just staying true to who you are?

This is a loaded question. Of course everybody is going to say stay true. But you don’t know where your music leads you. If you “stay true” but the radio picks up on one of your songs, labels it Pop or Top 40 and it becomes the number 1 song in America, did you sell out? I have huge songs in my chamber. Industry shifting tracks. But they won’t be released until I have the proper distribution channels because goal is to just help people. Billions of people. That is where my heart is always going to be. One thing I won’t do is hop on these trends that go on in rap. If the trend happens to come to me in some organic capacity, ok. But I aint doing what everyone else is doing just make an extra $1M or $2M. I got some intelligent fans and they will call me out. Be ready to fight if I did some shit like that.



12.) When you do music, what do you think your listeners get out of your music?

The real life of the middle class struggle. Someone who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. Hip-Hop tends to focus on the lower class or the upper class. The middle class gets forgotten when that is the biggest class in our country. Middle class is who buys all the damn albums. But you got middle class cats either trying to be hood or claiming they got Walton Family money because there’s no music that relates to them. Most middle class families are one phone call away from being back in the hood. I know. We were that family and the shit almost happened a few times. But there’s also things you have to navigate when you are newly middle class. A first generation college student. No one tells you shit. You have to figure things out by trial and error. Corporate etiquette? Those things are covertly taught in the upper class. The new middle class doesn’t learn until they embarrass themselves. People are going to get that I am secure in myself. Always have been and it ain’t because I’m successful and more is to come. It’s because I’m truly happy with how I was made and the situations that have come my way. And I feel everyone should be happy with who they are. Quit comparing yourself to everybody. Physically, Financially, your occupation, material things… none of that shit matters. That’s why I love the song “Kappa Kappa Gamma (Ode to Misconceptions)” so much. I speak on all of that by telling two stories. A dope hip-hop track with great storytelling lyricism. Be happy with what you have and where you are going. You beat 300 million of your twin brothers and sisters to get here. Your Daddy could’ve flushed you down the toilet. Appreciate life. - Start Your Music Grind Now