It’s time to meet Draztic, an up-and-coming artist from Chicago, signed to Seattle’s Jake Records. His album The Image of Pain is available as of today at all the usual online outlets (iTunes, Amazon, etc.) and in select Illinois and Indiana FYE stores. Jake Records label mate Shock G called Draztic “the truth” and everyone else who gets their ears on his music generally nod up and down in agreement. His beats come off with this old meets new sound thatﾒs both catchy and gritty. Dubcnn sat down with Draz for some quick coffee-talk; here’s how it went down:
Your album The Image of Pain is dropping right now, as a newer MC what do you want people to take away from this album? What are you trying to convey?
That we are all everyday people that share the same life experiences. I want people to feel the passion and genuine approach that I try to reflect in the music. I will never pretend to be other than what or who I am. I want people to hear it, enjoy it, and feel optimistic about hip-hop & life on a whole.
Chicago has its share of known rappers and producers, who from the Chi is a favorite?
Tough question, however, I’ll put it this way: Out of the big names, Common would have to be the guy for me. He has one of the best catalogs as far as musical integrity in the industry. Com is that dude! Kanye is nice! Juice & RhymeFest are nasty with the freestyles, two of the best to ever do it. Also there is Ilonde Kelley, Profound, Phoebe Mack, Tillie & and my fam DJ Mars holding it down. As far as producers, DJ Jazz, Debrece & Xtra, Trey Carruthers, Mike B. These are all enormous talents that I respect and admire.
Jake Records is your label, and they’re making lots of moves on the Indie scene. How’d you hook up with those cats?
I actually linked up with Jake out of admiration for Digital Underground. I was never into a lot of label stuff as far as trust. However, I saw that legends of D.U.’s status had inked a deal with the company, and I felt secure in the idea that it could be a fit for me and I gave Scott a call. The rest is history.
I know you’re focused on the debut record right now, but what are Draztic’s plans for the future? What can we expect from you next?
I have been busy securing features on outside projects and assisting in helping a few others in my camp finish LPs. My goal is to continue pushing and supporting the project. Aside from that, I really want to continue creating music. Even with an album dropping I am still in create mode. It’s hard to drop the pen when ideas are flowing. There are many Draztic things coming for the 2009….
Be sure to hit up Draztic on his Myspace and stay tuned to Dubcnn for the latest on Draz and Jake Records!
As always, hit me up on Myspace or e-mail me with any thoughts, ideas, comments and stories, and be sure to drop your feedback in our forums
