Dahhm Life – “Zoned And Locked” Prod. By Ph8
“How are you going to change the world?” —DahhmLife, “Spirituali”
Most people don’t have the tenacity to take steps towards changing the world, but Dominic Ruiz isn’t most people. In his music, there’s an underlying theme that screams “make a difference” and he’s doing just that.
“My music will always be honest,” Ruiz says. “I’m a real person. I’m not perfect, but I do have something to say. I’m not afraid to create songs other emcees might be afraid to make. I’ll always make songs that reflect my personal struggles and successes. The world is not an easy place to live at times, but we all have the power to change what’s wrong. We also deserve to celebrate what’s right.”
The Albuquerque, New Mexico native has been making underground hip-hop for the past several years under the moniker “DahhmLife.” When he was a young child, Ruiz gravitated towards the music of A Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, The Roots, Lords of the Underground, Artifacts, De La Soul, and Gang Starr. It helped shape his personal musical style and gave him the courage to pursue the craft.
“I love that hip-hop is inclusive,” he says. “The culture and the history are easy to identify with for me. It’s almost like a metaphor for my childhood.”
While hip-hop is his main focus, he’s branched out into other areas of music and appreciates the intricacies of them all. From hard rock like Tool and the soul music of D’Angelo, The Stylistics and Marvin Gaye to classical piano, jazz and blues, almost nothing is off limits.
After many years of jumping from project to project, Ruiz joined hip-hop band Zoology as their drummer in 2008, alongside longtime friends and collaborators Phillip “Flux” Torres and Andy “Wake Self” Martinez. The group quickly garnered a significant local fan base and became synonymous with high-energy, polished performances. Sharing the stage with artists like Souls of Mischief, Blackalicious and Talib Kweli kept opening doors for Ruiz.
2011’s Play With Your (Knowledge Of) Self [Skull Control Records] was the first actual attempt at a solo album. Recorded in several places over a five-year period, the experience only ignited Ruiz’s passion for making more records. Zoology’s Krush Love was released on Skull Control/Jivin Music that same year. However, bubbling beneath the surface, he craved his own creative outlet, one that was his and his alone. Although he recognizes the benefits of being in a group, there are massive differences between the two.
“It’s hype to play with a band,” he says. “The reaction the crowd gives a band is irreplaceable. Being able to play the drums and rap in the same set is really cool too. It’s different during a solo set. Some of the same elements can be found, but during my solo sets I feel like the crowd listens to what I’m saying more. Being a solo artist is therapeutic because you get to write about whatever you feel at any given time. With a group it’s all about compromise. If someone has an idea you don’t love, you have to be willing to run with it to make a good song happen. When Zoology clicks good things happen.”
In 2013, Ruiz released Spirituali, which was released under his own imprint, Real Renaissance Recordings. He wrote and produced many of the songs while expecting his first child, an event that really made him slow down and look at things more carefully, knowing every decision he made could affect the life of his family.
“I never actually had a plan before,” he says. “Now I have it mapped out. Becoming a father has also turned me into a better person overall. I have to set a good example for my kids. I also have to take my plans with music as far as I can to show my kids they can do the same.”
With guest spots from Qwazaar of Typical Cats, fellow Albuquerque artists Wake Self and Def-I, Spirituali demands a listen. Ruiz bobs and weaves his way through each verse with Muhammad Ali-like precision. On standout tracks like “Life Is” and “Above,” his brilliant social commentary and intense introspection radiates messages of positivity and resilience.
“My biggest hope is to show people that there are many different ways to look at one thing,” he says. “I want to inspire thoughts they never knew they were willing to entertain. Most of all to create something that other people like myself can relate to. Life hasn’t been easy for me. I feel like everyone should know there are other people out there who relate to their story; to the good and bad events of their life that make them who they are.”
If the future of hip-hop is to sound like this, welcome Dahhm Life with open arms.
DAHHM LIFE X PH8
PHOENIX LION EP – Street date April 14, 2015
Phoenix Lion features Dahhm Life as the sole lyricist in a social and introspective narrative served on the pulsating bass lines, classic drums, and addictive melodies created by Ph8. The project keeps it moving with 8 original anthems that take you from classic Hip Hop to personal tragedy and a fresh outlook on the finer details in life. The songs are heavily driven by Dahhm Life’s fearlessness and ability to illustrate the world through his organic perspective. The essence of The Phoenix Lion is finding the inner strength to rise from catastrophic and life changing events with new hope and power.
The first single from the forthcoming Phoenix Lion EP entitled “Zoned and Locked,” is the project’s lead track. Driven by an insanely chopped “Sir Duke” sample, Ph8’s mesmerizing beat is the perfect canvas for Dahhm Life’s verbal assault on the inequities of society and lack of new talent in today’s Hip Hop music.
