Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges
you’ve faced when pursuing a career in music?
DPone: When you’re up, you’re up. Everyone
wants to be your friend and attend all your video
shoots and shows. When you’re down, you’re
down. People disappear and ride the next artist’s
coattails. Dealing with loyalty from those around
you can be difficult. I’ve learned a lot about who
you keep close and the humility it takes to stand
strong when faced with others disloyalty and
indiscretions.
Mistah Wilson: What are some of tha rewarding
things?
DPone: Meeting so many different people from
all walks of life. Seeing the appreciative reaction
of fans during and after my performances. Most
importantly, being able to support and provide for
my family.
Mistah Wilson: Where do you get inspiration
from when writing new songs?
DPone: I’m inspired by whatever mood I’m in at
the time of writing a song, random thoughts,
current events, any situations me and my family
go through, and the entertainment I get out of
being hated on.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some of your musical
influences?
DPone: I have a few musical influences, but
there are a few that are always on my playlist.
Such as:
Rakim because of his pure lyricist skill and the
ability to rhyme to any beat and genre of music.
Ice Cube because he’s a gangsta rap pioneer. He
speaks on a wide range of issues from hood
politics to our nation’s politics.
Nas because he’s a master at storytelling and
truly represents Hip-Hop.
Dr. Dre because of his work ethic, production,
and his business savviness.
Frankie Beverly and Maze because of their
smooth soul sound and they’re more of a calming
influence.
Mary J. Blige because she came from the streets
and battled through all adversity to keep it soulful
and helped pioneer Hip-Hop crossover songs.
MC Lyte because of her voice command,
delivery, and educational lyrics. Straight bars!
Mistah Wilson: Pasadena has such a vibrant and diverse
music scene. Not from a competitive standpoint, but who
would be in your top5 DENA artists (and not just
rappers)?
DPone: Pasadena has given birth to so many talented
artists and has become a competitive scene. It’s hard to
have a top 5, but Dena is on a major rise.
Mistah Wilson: What do you plan to accomplish through
your music?
DPone: My plan is to inspire those who come from the
bottom and on the road to greatness. I want everyone,
regardless of age and demographic, to relate to my music.
Something for everyone to enjoy.
Mistah Wilson: How important is giving back to your
community to you?
DPone: Giving back to the community is necessary. Not
only do I get to connect with people through my music,
but I get to connect with people when they tell me how a
particular song of mine speaks to them. I am an avid
supporter of parks, recreation, and after school studies for
children. It’s important that I donate sports equipment and
studying resources for children to ensure they are given
educational and extracurricular activity opportunities in
less fortunate areas.
Mistah Wilson: What positive, inspiring words do you
have for tha next generation of aspiring artists?
DPone: Stay committed to your craft. Never give up on
what you love and never give in to negativity.
Mistah Wilson: Where can we find your music online?
DPone: You can find my music on my website at
www.itsdpone.com. From there, you will have immediate
access to all my social media outlets, YouTube channel,
DatPiff.com, Soundcloud, ReverbNation, music links,
etc.
Mistah Wilson: Yo, DPone, thanks for coming through
for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock. It’s
been awesome. If you have any shout outs, drop em…
DPone: I want to give a big shout out to my family, all
my fans and supporters, the entire West Coast movement,
and my TeFLoN WesT Entertainment family. Shout out
to Pasadena and the entire 626, the place I call home. ♦♦♦