Hip-Hop artist Hotep Dutty!
Where did you grow up? Until I was 11, I grew up in Hephzibah, Ga. Then once my parents split, I moved with my mother and two little brothers to Augusta, Ga, “Glenn Hills Circle” to be exact.
What influenced you to get into music? The writing aspect of it. I loved writing and creating and being over explanatory about everything. Once I saw artists from my city do well in it, I figured I could too. So when the opportunity presented itself, I took it and never looked back.
At what age did you write your first song? I wrote my first verse at the age of 20, my 1st song was probably about 25. Late bloomer.
What is a songwriting session like for you? Well, I love being alone with the beat and just trying to find that right hook that matches what the beat tells me to write about. Being different or nontraditional is what I seek out mostly. I want you to see exactly what I feel.
What inspires you to create? At first it was to show others how great of a writer I was, but I believe my delivery wasn’t matching my lyrics, so I wasn’t as respected as my peers. Then I kinda found my voice but I was rapping about subject matter I really didn’t feel I could maximize in. Now, as a polished veteran, I create because I know it’s what I was born to do. I’ve recently within the last 6 years become a more enlightened artist with a message to give to my people. Everything I’ve been through in my life has prepared me to be an influential individual. Now I create so others can see my thoughts.
What is the Augusta music scene like? The Augusta scene is an untapped market waiting for an opportunity to show what it has to offer the world. We have limitless potential of talent that are slowly but surely learning how this new area of music and business has been shifted from major labels to the artists and their undeniable talents and work ethic. We’ve came along way and are continuing to grow rapidly.
Do you write for other artists? No, unless you mean like hooks for my songs and what not, but I never wrote a verse for another artist.
Do you perform live often? I’ve been performing a lot lately. I was honored to be the featured artist at this year’s Juneteenth Festival which was a very special moment for me. I performed in Atlanta, Ga in September for the 1st Annual RBG Music Festival which was a honor as well. I just performed at the Elementz 6 event, with a lot of the city’s radio stations personalities, producers, bloggers, business owners and important supporters who appreciate what I bring to the table as far as the Hip-Hop in Augusta. On December 27th, I will be throwing myself an album release party where I will also be performing with some of my favorite artists in the city.
Tell us about your latest project. I’m about to release my 1st solo album titled “Da Circumference Of My Awareness.” I’ve been working on this album for 3yrs and it will show my various musical talents from beat picking, writing, delivery and content. It’s basically me therapeutically expressing myself in my own personal prospective of my life without using profanity or the “N” word because most people can’t hear or listen to you if your being too vulgar or offensive. My album will change mindsets and save lives to those who really take the time to dissect and research the subject matter I rap about. I’m here to raise the awareness of my people.
What can we expect from you in 20/20? More videos, more shows, and a relentless promotional campaign for my album “Da Circumference Of My Awareness,” and the growth of my label Applying Knowledge Entertainment. It's a marathon. R.I.P. NIPSEY HUSSLE!!!
Originally published:
December 22, 2019