Stream Now: Dapo – “Best in the World”
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Dapo, I’m a hip hop artist based in Long Island, New York.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
It started out as just me freestyling at the lunch table, doing little battle raps here and there. I just thought of it as a hobby to be honest. I started writing and realizing I had some serious potential and dope creative visions and ideas. I started slow, not getting much traction, but eventually things started working out, I learned how to market myself correctly, and now I’m just being patient.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
My new song “Best in the World” is the lead single off my upcoming album titled “House of Mirrors”. Basically the idea behind this song was to create anticipation and hype. I’ve been told by many friends, fans, etc. That they enjoy when I rap, and they think I’m at my best when I’m rapping more than using melodies, or whatever. I still use catchy melodic flows, and things of that nature, but I kinda went back to my roots for this song. The song is basically a reminder that although I focus on sonically sounding great, and making music with melodies, harmonies & structure, I forget that I can be the best rapper on the world if I want to take it back to that.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I like to think of myself as a very versatile artist. I can do a melodic trap song, then the next day do a boom bap rap song. I think what makes me unique is my flow patterns, how I piece together some of the flow switches, how I use my wordplay in certain areas. My beat selection also sets me apart. Most beats I use have a specific vibe to them.
Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Kanye for sure. J Cole & Kanye West are my two favorite artists and although I enjoy Cole more, I’d definitely say I draw more influence from Ye. How he structures albums, how hard his beats hit. The use of Autotune for a stylistic purpose. In my opinion, Kanye is the best, bad singer ever. The way he uses Autotune you can tell he isn’t a great singer, but it still sounds sonically great. I use Autotune in a similar way. Not on this song, but when the album comes out people will understand what I mean.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
When King II hit 100,000 streams. That meant more to me than anything. Especially on an album that means so much to me as an artist. King is my signature series, with the second installment being the most successful. King II took a lot out of me and to see it do so well and kinda jumpstart my career meant the world to me. Also performing with my boy King Cxge was a big time moment. Secrets (single) hitting 25,000 streams.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
Sometimes it really does get difficult, especially when you want to give something everything you have, but you also are human. Sometimes I really do struggle mentally with all of it. The need to be successful, the drive, the hunger, never wanting to duck the grind. But then also realizing you are human and are allowed to have fun, are allowed to be social. Sometimes I find myself being locked in the studio for days not really communicating with many people. Especially when working on an album.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Do what you love, don’t follow trends. Make music you enjoy and want to make. Don’t try to make a quick come up. Also, find ways to monetize your art, streaming revenue isn’t enough. Find a way to sell Merch, there is ways to do it without inventory / money as well. I don’t wanna give out to much free game on here, but there are ways to do it with little to no start up money. Find a way to make money from your art outside of streaming. Merch, shows, website subscriptions. Something outside of streaming.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Thank you, thank you so much for riding with me, thank you for supporting my music, my art, my visions. I appreciate it more than ever.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
“Speakin’ in Tongues” is the next single. I plan to drop late January or early February. I have a couple more videos and singles lined up, then my next album “House of Mirrors” will be coming out sometime this year. I’m excited to bring that to the people because it has a lot of old Dapo vibes. A lot of wordplay, rapping, unique and different flows, hard hitting beats. The visuals also go crazy. I’m excited for this one.
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