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DNA is doing some serious things in the South and now takes on the UK with a new mixtape with DJ Ames. We sent Tricksta to get the latest from this talented Alaska rapper.
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a rapper?
I was around the age of 11 or 12 when I first started to realize my passion for music, and I hit the studio for the first time at the age of 14.
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
Not really at first it was just to get popular around campus and flirt with the girls, but later 2pac became my greatest inspiration.
So how did you get your name? What’s the story behind it?
Well I was setting around one day just thinking of Gods purpose for mankind, and it dawned on me that everyone of us has a little good and a little bad, plus it's what we are D.N.A. Devils-N-Angels.
Where exactly are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene like there?
I’m from Forrest City, Arkansas but now living in Anchorage, Alaska, the hiphop scene in both of the places is still under construction lol.
What projects have you released so far and what feedback from the media have you had?
Well let’s see, there is Ghetto Streets which was the first group project I did with the U.T.M. Then I featured on Pastor Troy and The Congregation Book 2, and in between these projects there were a few minor projects I won’t mention. As for the response it was cool for the time, we had a little radio play.
Let’s talk about your latest project. Where can people get it, who features on it and who dealt with the production?
Well my latest project is Hawg4Life which will be available in May and you can pick it up on iTunes, Napster, Limewire and a few other online stores. There is a song from the album called Mone feat. Young Buck which should hit these online stores in a few weeks. The features on this album are Yo Gotti, Lil Boosie, and of course Young Buck. As for the production I myself have two tracks on it, "Bottles Up" and "Night Shift". Then there are tracks from, Kev, Kwestion, Raw Beats, and Marvelous J.
How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved?
No I don’t have a distributor right now so I will be online and in the streets.
Is there a shop or website stocking and supporting your music?
The only shop right now would be the online stores I mentioned earlier.
Getting radio play is real gripe for a lot of Hip-Hop artists, but have you had any radio play? If so what DJ’s and stations are supporting you?
There has been no radio play for this project but I've had radio play before on a few local stations and internet stations, big ups to Blog Talk Radio to Dj Tony 2Tru and Dj F.
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
I think that radio will always be important but today there are allot more outlets. Personally from my point of view it depends on what you mean by survive. As an artist trying to survive maybe you should reinvent yourself naturally. On the other hand of survival, taking care of yourself is most important, so when the music doesn't live up to it's means, I will always survive. So if any rappers need tracks get at me if you need mixing and mastering hit me up.
Dance/Electro/Club styled Hip-Hop seems to be the only Hip-Hop getting airplay on radio and TV. Do you think that to survive you have to change your music to fit in or do you think it’s more a case of moving with the times?
As with everything I think the internet helps and hinders any artist.
Do you think the internet helps or hinders independent artists?
Well my main motivation would be to provide a better life style for all of my fam, but not to say that the life we live now isn't good, cause it is.
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
I think the first image people see of you is how they perceive you, image is important, you wouldn't go to a ball dressed as bomb would you, lol cause people will think exactly that of you. So I think that if you’re trying to sale something it should be well packaged.
Let’s talk image and branding for a minute. Some artists spend lots of money on artwork and other acts aren’t that interested. How important is image, artwork and branding to you?
Yeah I have one on there Called All Day but it hasn't been played on any TV stations to my knowledge.
What was the last album you brought and where do you buy your music? Is there a good record shop in your area or do you buy on-line?
The last album I bought was Lil Wayne's the Carter 2. I shop at Best Buy or any other place that sells music.
http://www.myspace.com/dachampdna
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Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
I was around the age of 11 or 12 when I first started to realize my passion for music, and I hit the studio for the first time at the age of 14.
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