Kardinal Offishall initially put Toronto hip hop on the map in the late 1990s. However, fans became more acquainted with Toronto through rhymes from Drake. The eventual Young Money signing of Drake would lead to more attention being placed upon the Toronto hip hop scene. Eventually, such stars as JD Era and D’NME were born.
Far from a slouch, D’NME follows the trend of most international artists, with a strong focus on lyricism. D’NME has found success, as he makes music that appeals to everyone. While staying true to himself, D’NME teamed up with DJ Whiteowl for his Guns & Roses mixtape. The sincerity of his record led to him going gold on DatPiff.com.
One of the more talented artists in the game, D’NME gave Hip Hop Vibe a moment of his time to explain to us just who he is. D’NME would discuss Canadian hip hop, speaking a bit about Drake. He would also talk about lyricism in hip hop, along with him being a major label prospect.
Whether we’re speaking about Canada, Compton, Brooklyn, or Guatemala there’s an individual in every city or country who is capable of being violent. I kickbox on a regular basis but does that make me a notorious gangster? No. Does that mean that if I have to defend myself, I can and will? Yes. I can only speak for myself. Often times I hear people say “Dudes in Canada ain’t about that life” and to this day I don’t know what that means. If they’re referring to getting shot, shooting people, or being a cocaine kingpin and bragging about it, that has nothing to do with me, but terms of being physical? I invite that if it’s necessary.
Who are some of the legends on the Toronto hip hop scene? Other than Maestro Fresh Wes, there hasn’t really been a “legend” of any sorts. Maestro was the first Canadian rapper to have a top 40 hit in 1989 so for that accomplishment alone he comes to mind. When you look at different cities, L.A. for example, you automatically associate California with Ice Cube, Ice T, N.W.A, MC8, Dr.Dre, Snoop Dogg, etc. Toronto doesn’t have that because the actual scene doesn’t allow artist’s to really reach that “legendary” status. One rapper from Toronto who I would consider a legend is Jelleestone. He had a really strong movement a few years back. His music was very “street,” but he wasn’t able to channel that aggressive style into something that would be suitable for radio.
What inspired you to begin rapping? Just being able to say whatever I want, but in a clever yet artistic way. I respect the art of rapping before anything else. I respect the fact that you have to show and prove yourself to an audience of strangers who pass immediate judgment of your abilities, as opposed to someone just gassing you up because you wrote about how your “swag is turned on, up or to the left”. I have a different outlook on the art of rap because of how I came up. I used to battle a lot, I used to get into ciphers, I used to rhyme anywhere and everywhere. As I progressed, working towards becoming the best rapper in the world began to inspire me. To this day I’m really competitive whether it’s with myself or someone else on a song with me. I want to stand out. I don’t rap because I want to look cool or impress people. I have a genuine love for rapping in a technical sense.
How do you feel about the success of Drake? Drake is Drake, that’s pretty much all there is to it.
Have you had any offers from major labels? Yeah, as a matter of fact, I’ve been in various meetings with a couple labels who are interested. I’m not in a huge rush to sign because I’m aiming to acquire the right situation. I’m looking to enhance my career so a label has to offer the type of situation that would ensure that. It’s real easy to sign a deal because it seems like you’ve made it but truthfully a record contract is nothing more than an opportunity to make it. So I have to make sure things make sense. I’m not looking for a label to kickstart my career, it’s all about expansion now.
If the deal was right, which major label would you choose, if given a choice? That’s hard to say- simply because to me the “name” of the label is irrelevant in how “right” the deal is. The deal becomes “right” when you’re a commodity. I would sign to a label run by a crackhead if the deal made “business” sense to me and all the priority promotion was in place. Obviously I’m being facetious but when you think about it, a major label who hasn’t had a successful artist in ten years could hit a goldmine and all of a sudden become the highest earner.
How do you feel about the overall decline in lyricism in United States hip hop? It’s horrific, and trust me when I say this, it’s not only in the US, a lot of places outside of America have declined lyrically as well. Truthfully, I understand that everyone doesn’t cite Rakim or Big Daddy Kane as an influence, but Jesus Christ, can we have some dignity in today’s lyricism? I mean, Hip Hop is supposed to uphold a certain standard. You’re supposed to be booed off stage when you suck! You’re not supposed to be revered for rhyming “cold” with “cold”. For me it’s not about lyricism only, I actually want to have a more advanced level of vocabulary as well as creative metaphors. Lets infuse skills you know what I mean? Hip Hop needs to have some more integrity. It’s ludicrous to me that lyrical rappers are overlooked now a days.
Other than yourself, who is your favorite rapper at the moment and all-time? Of all time? I have trouble naming my top five of all time, and you want me to give you one? (Laughs) Favourite rapper of all time? It’s a toss up between 2pac, Eminem, Jay-Z, B.I.G and Big L. All of them are the perfect representation of what an emcee should be. At the moment I’m liking what Lupe Fiasco is doing. His “Bitch Bad” record is incredible. I’ve always had a respect for his talent and what he does lyrically.
What are some of the goals you have set for yourself, as a person and entertainer? I’m trying not to be so cynical as a person. I’ve always had a “you’re guilty until proven innocent” type of mentality, but that stems from harsh life-experiences. With regards to the entertainment aspect of my life, I eventually want to expand my label “9th Law Music” and be as successful as any artist past or present that runs their own label. Overall, I just want to keep getting better at rapping and making music. I want to be eighty years old with the tightest raps. (Laughs) Another thing that I’ve been just envisioning is stadium tours, that would be a milestone for me career-wise.
By The Hip Hop Writer
