Darrell Cole’s new project ‘RETURN ON INVESTMENT PT. 1’, is a body of work that encapsulates the journey he’s been on and the man he is today, dedicated to his late father. The title and artwork pay homage to his Sierra Leone heritage, which Cole acknowledges as hugely inspirational throughout his journey as an artist and beyond. Reflected in the artwork is the Cotton Tree, also known as a Kapok Tree, a historic symbol of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone.

Accompanying the release is collaborative single ‘Free The Mind’ featuring Kojey Radical and JVCK JAMES. The stand out track sees the three artists share centre stage and create magic over a Hip-Hop summertime instrumental. The 11-track project also boasts a feature for Belgian rapper Krisy, who put his unique flare on soulful club track, ‘Bah Oui’. Throughout the project Cole's showcases not only his lyricism but his ability to explore musical styles and genres, refusing to be labelled solely as a Hip-Hop artist. Following the hype created by both ‘Celebration’, ‘Bruddah’ and ‘Knights’ which dropped over summer, Cole has created a buzz and set the tone for this new chapter in his life. On the project, Darrell worked exclusively with his friend and producer Samuel Kareem who is also part of the collective ‘ALLE$ LIFESTYLE’.

Darrell sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

it all started in a garage in Antwerp, with a few friends. The thing that sparked my love for music was constantly having music played around me. My parents were huge r&b, soul/funk lovers.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’d have to say Styles P, Jay Z, Nas, Fela Kuti. I’d love to work with Smino, Benny the butcher, Freddie Gibbs. Those are the ones currently on my bucket list.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

First of all I travelled a lot to make music, so that died down… most of the people I work with are overseas so I had a lot of virtual sessions. Right before the pandemic I was actually about to release music… but it wasn’t made for the pandemic so I had to hold off for a year/until the world started opening up a bit.

4. How would you describe your sound?

The general word I would use for my sound is Black music. So it goes from jazz, hip-hop, Afro… soup. Whatever falls under the category of black music, that’s what I make.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Definitely my song Bruddah being posted on the English football team’s IG page. I’ve always been a fan of the English team.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Stay true to who you are throughout the whole process. Don’t get lost in the sauce.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

That latest Venna track called Standard really stands out sound wise - imma keep my eye on Venna.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

JVCK JAMES - Joyride, Mary J Blige - My Life, Pop Smoke - Faith, Styles P - Ghosting.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love cooking, I travel a lot and watch hood movies with my girl.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Inspiration (lol), my phone - cause I use the notepad on it… and last but not least, food.