Dios Negasi - Lasorda (EP) + 10 Questions
West Coast emcee/producer Dios Negasi has been involved in hip-hop for many years, most recently unleashing music with his eight-man crew Reagan Era Records. Fresh off the heels of the release of his The Davinci Surplus EP he has just dropped his new solo project the Lasorda EP with more music coming this year.
We caught up with Dios Negasi who answered the infamous Wordplay Magazine 10 Questions.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It started when my pops played Sugar Hill Gang for me and made me memorise it.
Music in some shape or form has always been apart of my family. My pops used to sing back in the days (or so he thought he could sing, he used to sound crazy to me). My older brother Rello was into breakdancing and pop locking as well as our cousin "HALO" so me being the youngest I followed whatever they was doing. I used to have to memorise N.W.A and perform for they homies, but it was my older sister T Rose that inspired me to write my 1st rap. She was the first person I knew that was rhyming like that back then. After I spit my 1st rhyme the reaction from the people became like a drug to me and I've been addicted ever since to that feeling.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Nas, Ghost Face, Jay, Wayne, Red Man, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Roc Marci, The Alchemist, Kanye, Dre 3000... I could go on forever. As far as who I want to work with... I want to work with people who respect the craft enough to master they pen! Kane said it best "ain't no half stepping" No candy bars! People who want to add to the culture... not just take from it.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
LASORDA dropped September 22nd which is Tommy Lasordas birthday. R.I.P.
It's the 2nd solo joint I've released this year. More then DA VINCI SURPLUS Which was pre Reagan Era Records, LASORDA has that Reagan feel to it. BLACK VIOLENS drops this October. It's a REAGAN ERA RECORDS/ CHAMBER MUSIC ENT COLLABORATIVE PROJECT. I did all the production on the album, and brought out the Reagan MCs and we rocked out at THE CHAMBERS studio for a few hours. BLACK VIOLENS features GRAND OFFICIAL, DRODIANS, BLU, CHRIS SCOTT, DRUDRIKID and CHRIS SCOTT. Lastly we will be closing the year out with the 2nd REAGAN ERA RECORDS album due out late November. The album is untitled as of now.
4. How would you describe your sound?
BOOM BAP SOUL. (GOLDEN ERA RENAISSANCE).
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Writing and producing 3 albums with no features. I told myself I will never do that again!!! It was hard work!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
If you make music for the love of it you will never be disappointed. Study your craft and stay focused. Never be afraid to be yourself and never settle for less.
Enjoy yourself and have fun, remember that u actually like to make music.
I could never understand how some cats get on and they rocking stadiums and on T.V and they be mad! How you mad and you living your dream!? Smh! Oh and before signing a contract always have your lawyer look it over.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
You know what... my peoples just put me on to this cat named "October London”. He sounds like Marvin Gaye 100% but it's fresh though when you on some R&B type vibe. Other then him go check out all the homies! HALO, SKRILLZ DIOR, SNEEK ROTHSTEIN, DYVERSE, BIG HERK, IKE BURNERZ, DRUDRIKID, BLACK FACE RELLO, T-ROSE, SEPTEMBER 8TH, OMINOUS, CTHEILLUSTRATIOR, CHRIS SCOTT, CREASED KHAKIS, SICK JACK, G BONE, KILLAHRON, GRAND OFFICIAL, TOO NASTY, DRODIANS, YOUNG WORLD, BLU, JUS MIC, DONELL SMOKES, BLOCK SCHOLARS, PEN ACADEMY.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Reagan Era Records. The Black House - Sauce Walka - Ghetto Gospel 3. Stove God Cooks - Reasonable Drought. Boldy James - Bo Jackson. Roc Marciano - Rosebuds Revenge.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Making Money. Kicking it with the family.
Hitting restaurants. Gambling. Roasting fools! I need to stop but I like drinking beers. Watching Science fiction movies.
Kick shopping and checking out this chick named Himynamestee. I think she pretty.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
BEERS/SMOKE/ENGINEER.
Words: Gavin Brown