Dukesta – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?

My name is Patrick “Duke” Hill and I am from Marion, NC. I started free-styling around 8 years old and recorded my first song in a professional studio at 13.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

My main influence in music is my father, for his perspective pretty much sculpted my musical preference. Growing up it was a lot of “OutKast” “N.W.A” and “Too Short”, so I grew up listening to a wide variety of lyricist. When I adapted my own perspective I gained a lot of interest in artist such as “Lil Wayne”, “Eminem” and “Cassidy”. Coming up as a freestyle/battle rapper I learned my tricks of the trade from following these 3 artist careers.

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?

The ability to do it all. I love all types of music from hip-hop to classic rock so I’m not shy or excluded to working with different artist and creating different sounds. My main focus is to be relatable to the general public. Rappers these days glorify a life that can only be lived if you as the consumer are in their position financially. I focus on putting myself in the shoes of the consumer and creating a sound that can be enjoyed by all generations.

Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

I have collaborated with a hand full of local artist here in NC. “Truth” (Rude Awakenin’ Productions) from Salisbury, NC, “Newb” from Boone, NC, “Philly Phil” from Morganton, NC and Young Syia out in California. I would like to work with a Drake, Big KRIT , Kendrick Lamar or T.I. in the future. All these artist have a name established in the platform of hip-hop I’m trying to pursuit. They all are able to be commercial but lyrical at the same time and the ability to be marketable is what keeps your head above water when it comes to staying relevant.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

My definition of underground hip hop is rap or hip hop songs that are not promoted or commercialized on the level of an artist who is either backed or has the co-sign of a major record label. Music that might not be as
big because the support of the artist hasn’t had the chance to expand across the nation.

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production?  And who would you like to work with?

I’ve always been a huge fan of Dr.Dre’s productions. His influence rubbed off on cats like Eminem and one of my main goals is to be able to be a force to wrecking with in every part of the spectrum when it comes to making music. My homeboy “Truth”(Rude Awakenin’ Productions) out of Salisbury, “”Black Beard” out of Morganton and ” JT” out of Morganton (both with Who Nu Ent.) produce all the music I create now. ” Truth”(Rude Awakenin’ Productions) actually produced and engineered the entire album ” Who-Nu: The Rude Edition LP” which is available now on iTunes and Google Play.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

I’m in the process of promoting my 1st album ” Who-Nu: The Rude Edition LP”. We are also in the process of putting together our first mixtape which is scheduled to drop in November of this year entitled “The Exile: Mr. November”.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Who Nu? The Rude Edition LP? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album/Mixtape Cover Art.

Since this was my first album I wanted to shock my fans and the general public with my train of thought with the entire project. I let a couple of skeletons out of the closet when it came to past family relationships to taking my first stab at a commercial conscious record. The artwork we chose revolved around the idea of being free thinkers, understanding the sky was the limit when it came to being successful with making good music. The artwork, picture taken in Boone, NC, also reflected on all of the struggles we have had to go through with getting to where we are today. With Phillip Bush aka “Truth” and I both meeting at Appalachian State University, we both felt this was an important picture to use because of the relationship we have been able to build because of Boone. We also wanted the artwork to show the beauty of peace and love, something the media doesn’t show. We believe in balance, taking the good with the bad and when you are always presented with negative images you forget what beauty, love and peace even looks like. We still have a long way to go but you can’t be afraid to climb that mountain.

Where can we find your music and info?

I have music all over the Internet. Majority of my music can be found on my Soundcloud page, but I’m also on Reverbnation, Youtube, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Jango, Xbox music Live, and Datpiff.

Any shout outs?

First I have to Shout out Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior! Without him none of this would be possible. I would like to shout out my father for pushing me to pick up a pen and harness my thoughts. I would like to shout out Phillip Bush aka “Truth” with Rude Awakenin’ Productions and JT with Who Nu Ent. for guiding me and giving me the opportunity to be apart of their dreams. I also would like to give you all at Underground hip hop blog a shout out for making this Q&A possible.