Things have been extremely hectic for Dyme–A–Duzin. The Brooklyn-bred MC is busy promoting his new album, Hip Hope, & continuing to propel his career to a higher plateau. Already signed to Atlantic Records & an endorsement by Puma to help boost his brand, he’s been heavily touring and performing with anyone you can mention. Aside from headlining shows at SOB’s, SXSW shows, and performing for Power 105.1, he’s also fresh off the plane from Atlanta after rocking a couple shows for the A3C Festival; sharing the stage with acts such as 2 Chainz, Vic Mensa, MMG’s Rockie Fresh and many more.
With every project that comes out, the Brooklynite MC has also been busy cultivating his brand and expanding musically. Every project has increasingly been much more organized sonically, lyrically raising the bar and continuously outdoing all of his past projects. Now we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dyme-A-Duzin to get his personal opinion on the truth behind being a signed artist, his opinion of where hip hop needs to go and what he seeks to attain through music in the long run.
RESPECT. Mag: Peace to you Dymez! How’s life been after the release of your latest hip hop album, Hip Hope and how have the fans been reacting to it?
‘Hip Hope’ has definitely been a milestone in my career. I feel like it’s the best project I’ve released. The fans love it and all have their own favorites. I’m also gaining new fans everyday from it. The buzz is building.
What were your intentions for Hip Hope?
I made ‘Hip Hope’ to contribute good music to the culture. Especially for New York City. Hip hop started here and I feel like we lack identity these days. I wanted to stand up for NYC hip hop. Create something innovative & nostalgic all at the same time. I see the release as the beginning of the movement.
Your video in promotion for the album “Body On Me (remix)” has been catching a lot of steam. How did you hook up with Casey Veggies to collaborate on it?
Casey & I both performed at SXSW this year. I performed the original version at the Nice Kicks showcase. After the show he expressed how much he liked the record. A few days later I sent him the track & the rest was history.
What can you let us know about the upcoming video “The Real Swank” and the message behind the record?
The concept of “The Real Swank” was something I created in high school. ‘Swank’ is a mindset. Someone with ‘Swank’ has a sense of class, style & luxuriousness regardless of their status. There are people out there that try to claim the term as their own but don’t represent themselves in that way. I’m just letting them know who the original ‘Swank’ is.
We see that along with big names, you also choose to include artists like Wati Heru and Surf Club’s Adrian Lau on Hip Hope. What’s your relationship like with the New York hip hop scene?
I don’t really concern myself with what the “popular” acts out of NY are doing. I’ve tried to play the friendly supportive role but that’s ended up backfiring. I’m focused on myself, the ‘Hip Hope’ movement and the true stars coming out of NY that are looking for a shot. We’ll be the New New York hip hop scene.
Already with a signing to Atlantic Records, endorsement from Puma and shows all over the world at such a young age, what do you think is next for you in your career?
I want to do a tour for the album. I’m looking to get on the radio. And I definitely want to collaborate with artists all over. I just want to keep making good music & performing. Performing is one of my favorite things to do.
What do you think hip hop is missing to help push it forward to new grounds?
We need more artist to think outside of the box instead of trying to do what they think will get them a quick buck.
Many tend to underestimate just how much hard work and consistency is needed to be a hip hop artist. What’s one thing you know now that you were blind to a couple years prior?
Labels don’t do it all for you. If you don’t grind they won’t move. Don’t think signing to a label is the end to all your problems.
For any who haven’t heard of Dyme-A-Duzin and are blind to your movement, what would you say to them about your music that makes you worth checking out?
A breath of fresh air. A honest perspective from a young BK creative trying to push the envelope in hip hop. Lyrics, concepts, melodies and flow. Songs.
What’s been your proudest moment in your career thus far?
My proudest moment would probably be opening up for Erykah Badu & The Roots. As well as Mos Def & Talib Kweli. These artist have had such an impact on my life growing up. It was an honor to perform on the same stage.
Is there anything that you regret in your career thus far? and Why.
No regrets.
How far do you want to take it? At what point in your career will you sit back and say, “I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do from the beginning?”
I plan to continuously evolve and expand. I’m just gonna obey God and do whatever I was called here to do. There are no limits.
Any closing comments?
Download ‘Hip Hope’ now! It’s good music. IamDyme.com! Thank you to all my supporters. Much love to Radamiz & RESPECT. Mag.
Be sure to stay updated on anything Dyme-a-Duzin by checking the website and following his Twitter @DymeADuzin. Brooklyn’s on the rise!
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