Musician Interview – Doc STRANGE – Ya’ll Still Can’t Rhyme Like This

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, hip hop artist Doc STRANGE shares the work that went into his new album, Ya’ll Still Can’t Rhyme Like This, and what inspires his music.

 

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Doc STRANGE about his life and career, what inspires his music, and his latest album, Ya’ll Still Can’t Rhyme Like This.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I would call myself an expert of Hip Hop expression.  With me that expression is through making beats, rhymes, and the fashion of the culture.  My commitment is on a religious level.  My entire catalog is independent, forward thinking and retro at the same time.  

When did you first WANT to write music?

It started in high school.  At breakfast in the cafeteria, different tables would be into different activities.  Some kids were into comics and drawing.  I did that, too.  But mostly, I was at the table with the Hip Hop heads.  We were banging on the table making beats with our pencils, or beating on the soda machines, freestyling.  Everybody had a pad with graffiti and rhymes in it.  

When did you take a step to start writing music?

Like I was just saying, that was the start and the first step.  I did not know what bar structure was or anything.  I didn’t even think of it in terms of something I could even make money from.  I barely knew how to write hooks.  I just wanted to spit something hard and clever.  I wanted my peers to be impressed.  

What was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?

I released “Rhyme Like This” in 2001.  I was inspired by the start of the internet indie boom.  Plus, everybody dope in the south and Texas was independent.  So, I wanted to move like that.  I wanted to be Def Jux and Pusha T at the same time, with a splash of the Bay Area’s style in there.  I am a fan of raw music that relies on emotion and intelligence over commercial appeal.  

What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?

Ironically, it’s called “Ya’ll Still Can’t Rhyme Like This.”  It’s coming full circle and polishing the original formula.  That original flavor is me on the rhymes with my partner DJ B-Down on the beats.  I inspired myself.  I looked back at all I have done and focused on what works best, which is my story told in an attractive and engaging way.  I leaned into why I am the way I am and breaking that down in song form.  It’s a sonic celebration of a man who has become the MC he always imagined he would be as a kid.  I did that.  

Focusing on your latest release. What were your biggest challenges with Ya’ll Still Can’t Rhyme Like This?

The biggest challenges came from the promotional side of it.  I was committed to spending more money to get better results in advertising and marketing.  A hit is funded and manufactured, it’s not magic.  I am still proudly indie, so there isn’t label money to spend.  Maintaining a good budget is the biggest hurdle to overcome.  

What are you working on right now?

I just finished an EP with a producer named David E. Beats.  It’s called “The Uncanny” You are going to hear premium Boom Bap inspired by “X-Men ‘97” I was just arranging the song list and listening to the final mixes.  It’s super solid.  I am also finishing up a full length with my full team of producers.  All the coldest beat makers I personally know, I am rocking with them.  I have 2 other projects in the vault, too.  I am plotting and scheming a bone chilling roll out for y’all.  

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

I like to have themes.  I write like I am making a movie script.  That said, I have made music inspired by sci- fi, spy thrillers, financial seminars, UFO documentaries and Blaxploitation.  And then, sometimes I just flow on beats, so you have something to groove and trip off of.  

What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

I really like “Espionage!” I take myself out of the equation and appreciate it as a fan.  Plus, I have one of my favorite beat smith’s on there, Menace the DJ. (Grammy award winning producer and 1 half of the band Branoofunk). We went beat for beat on that one, I made half the tracks, and he made the other half.  It is a love letter to Boom bap and James Bond films.  

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

I am a Dungeon Family disciple.  Everything from that collective.  I am obsessed with classic east coast cocaine gangsta rap.  I am a Wu- tang fanatic.  I believe my soul really resides in the Bay Area.  Detroit is pure lyrical inspiration, dudes like Boldy James, Sada Baby, Elzhi, Slum Village, J- Dilla, Marv Won and Guilty Simpson.  

Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?

Both.  I make beats, collaborate with comrades in the game and build with a variety of musicians as well.  

What instruments do you play?

The MPC, the Ensoniq and any beat machine is an instrument.  That is what I play.  

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

I love performing.  I have been on stage since I was 16.  I was a drama major at UNT, coming off several UIL awards in high school.  I never get scared.  Nervous feelings is just un focused energy.  You can watch me at a few spots in Deep Ellum, TX and anywhere else fine Hip Hop is on display.  

Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?

My music is located on all streaming platforms and Bandcamp.  Treat yourself, don’t cheat yourself.  

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

I run a popular sports bar to make my daily bread.  I play with stocks and own some properties as well. That gives me the ability to make whatever I feel like, without being indebted to a label.  

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

Of course.  Everyone I know personally shows love and support.  

What’s something you never expected about writing music ? What have you learned that surprised you?

I always saw it from the singular motive of making what I like, personally.  But you cannot go forward or get paid like that.  I never expected, as a young naïve artist, how much you really have to appeal to the taste of your audience.  As I have grown in the game, I write and produce as a humble servant of dopeness.  I want MY people to dig it.  

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your music?

Whenever I do a show in Dallas or Atlanta, I feel super official.  Those shows stand out the most.  Those are 2 places I deeply love and respect.  Honestly, any time I am blessed with a gig, I get a rush of happiness and well-being.  That is enough in itself.  

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

I am putting together a crazy stage show I want to put on the road this year.  A true audio/visual overload.  I am also going to do more with live musicians.  I am in the development stage of these operations.    

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?

Listen to a variety of music.  Make yourself jump out of your comfort zone.  People are too safe and formulaic nowadays.  Write about real subjects that excite you and others.  

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Absolutely.  I finally find myself falling in love with the journey, not the destination.  

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Tweets by DocSTRANGE1

http://www.facebook.com/docstrangeexperience

http://instagram.com/dstrange007

Docstrange.net   

https://linktr.ee/dstrange007?utm_source=linktree_admin_share

 

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