EXXPOSE: Give us some of your history related to your upbringing?
DERRICK (DZ): Everything that I ever attempted to achieve from 5th-grade, to 7th-grade,
to high school, on to college, I was told that I wouldn't accomplish certain things. Whether it
was student council president, being apart of the marching band, becoming drum major of
the whole band, and even starting this label. I was less fortunate with each and every one
of those processes. And I still made it out on top to achieve those goals. So you can believe that Project Records is only a process moving to become the next great thing.
EXXPOSE: What style of music do you do?
DERRICK (DZ): For now, 'Project Records' represents Hip/Hop and R&B music. As you
stayed tuned, you will witness a whole new world unfold within PJR.
EXXPOSE: Where does your creativity stem from? Put it in the mind of you as a creative
recording artist...
DERRICK (DZ): My thought process and creativity comes from the mind of a go-getter
and the veins of ambition. I sit and think about the tracks, the messages, and the impact
it'll have on the fans. I never stop thinking of ways to improve my music. Ever.
EXXPOSE: What are your thoughts on remaining consistent in the music business?
DERRICK (DZ): Remaining consistent as a business is a definite must. In the words of
Project Record's own 'Royce Dreams' - "What's the point of getting a job, when your going to get fired." This is my job, and this is also a job for others. It's a way to show the
world something new and give them enjoyment and pleasure while their contributing to
ours. I'm not one to become a 'one-hit wonder'. And I strive for finding artists that's all
about the long-time grind and that's the team that became a part of 'PJR'.
EXXPOSE: Who have you worked with in the past? Have you done collaborations or are
you open to any partnerships with your projects?
DERRICK (DZ): I have done collaborations with local artists from around the New Or12leans area. And I'm definitely open to partnerships on certain project because, networkExxpose Magazine
ing can open a list of doors as well as opportunities.
The equation is simple. Soul + swag x New Orleans = Dee-1. He has created his own lane in Hip-Hop by making
music that motivates anyone on a mission to win the game of life. He is the voice of those underdogs who grind
with a purpose.
After graduating from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree, Dee-1 taught middle school in Baton
Rouge by day to help fund his musical dream. After two years of being “Mr. Augustine” by day and “Dee-1″ by
night, he finally decided that his passion for hip-hop was too strong to ignore. Armed with righteousness, realness, and the strong desire to be relevant, Dee-1 set his sights on becoming the type of rapper his students
could be proud of. Sleepless nights being a full-time teacher and part-time rapper were now replaced by sleepless nights being a “full-time dream chaser,” as chronicled in his courageous song, “The Announcement.” from
his I Hope They Hear Me Vol 1 mixtape.
Exxpose Magazine 17