The Don Kap (and his Hawk Eyes) brings substance back to rap with his real-talk approach and in your face attitude. He has no time for fakes and will shit on them if they try him. He could have been a Lawyer or a Psychiatrist, but instead he got a Masters in film and already has a movie coming to theatres this summer.
The Don Kap’s Soundcloud Page
Listen To The Don Kap On Spotify
instagram @thedonkap
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I make music because it’s the fast and easiest way to tell a story. I’ve made a movie and it took me 2.5 years. I can make a song (from beat purchase, to writing it, to recording it) in 1 DAY.
My influences growing up were the Lonely Island and Future.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I’m ill-tempered, impulsive, and in your face. In addition to those three things, I ain’t afraid to speak my mind and I will never let a label control what I say in my music. I’m New York. LA is fake.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Heartbreak after disappointment, after heartbreak after disappointment. People these days live behind a screen and get jealous of other people’s fake lives only to then illustrate themselves a fake illusion of their own. Everyone is guarded these days, everyone lies. This sad reality fuels me to write and record music about fakes.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I write down concepts/song subjects. I then find a fire beat and lease it. Then the magic begins.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Money talks and bullshit walks. I ain’t afraid to invest in myself and I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks other than myself, because I am always right and I have excellent judgement.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
Indie, unless the label gives me a large advance, gives me free range (in writing), and agrees to set large budgets for all my music videos in which I direct.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
It helps. It also hurts as previously stated. I whole heartedly believe I do not need Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to get to where I want. All I need is real life connection and that alone is more powerful than all that fake shit.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
What’s wrong with being a sell-out? This is a business. Money talks and bullshit walks. As long as I’m saying what I need to say, I don’t care what people consider me. If me choosing a fire beat that millions of people agree is also fire, and I just so happen to be rapping truth over it, does that make me a sell-out? No.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
The first rapper to perform in space, you feel me.