ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue28 Issue28 | Page 19

Mistah Wilson: Yo, DPone, what’s good, fam! Glad to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock! What’s new? DPone: Shout out to ThaWilsonBlock family for supporting me throughout the years. I’m honored for this opportunity and thank you for having me. In 2010 I moved to Austin, Texas because I received a big opportunity to showcase my music in another region to expose my family to a more family oriented environment that the city of Austin provides. I had great experiences, learned a grip about the music business, performed in many states, and met a lot of talented people. The experience has humbled me and gave me a mature perspective on managing my brand in the music industry and release nothing but dope projects. It’s time to work! Mistah Wilson: How was life growing up in Pasadena for you? DPone: Growing up in Pasadena was a challenge. During my childhood, we lived near Villa & Cypress and then we moved to a small apartment on Los Robles, across from the 99cent store. The neighborhood was rough and I hung hang out at the Mini Mart on Fair Oaks, Jackie Robinson Park, Boys and Girls Club, and many other spots. Naturally, my parents didn’t want me hanging out in the Pasadena streets, but nobody could tell me anything back then. Lol I was in the streets, getting into a grip of sh*t. When my parents divorced, we came on financial hardships, and I was homeless. I lost a lot of homies during gang wars and put in major work to survive hard times. Honestly, I’m a nomad. When I was homeless, I lived everywhere. I’ve lived in Monrovia, Covina, Glendora, and El Monte. The entire 626 is where I call home. Mistah Wilson: What was it that led you to become a rapper? DPone: Back in the day, I was supporting my friend’s dream of being a rapper. I bought studio equipment and played around with rapping. I would get on a couple tracks with my friend, who had been doing it for years. People kept saying they liked my flow, my delivery, and always told me to keep it up. I didn’t think much of it because I only had 2 solo songs out of 16 songs that people heard. In 2006 I took my skills seriously, went solo, and I’ve been perfecting my craft ever since. Mistah Wilson: We heard of you years ago on Pasadena’s music scene with tha release of D’OG Chronicles volume 1. What you got crackin these days? DPone: The D’og Chronicles Vol 1 hosted by DJ Ill Will was a blessing. Simple fact, Ill Will doesn’t work with just anybody. So for him to cosign The D’og Chronicles put me on the west coast radar and had me on multiple top websites. Currently, I’m working on my new mixtape, “Big Body Musik (Barz & Hookz)”. It consists of my signature bars filled with inspiring lyricism and strong delivery. I will be releasing this project this summer. Get ready!