H.E.M. Steel’s DC’s United The EP is a bold and personal project that blends the sounds of past decades with modern energy. Produced by GsharpBeatz, the EP symbolizes unity between two different D.C. neighborhoods—Southeast and Uptown Northwest. It’s more than music; it’s a message of coming together despite differences.
After almost quitting music, a conversation with his cousin reignited Steel’s passion. That turning point led to an EP rich in emotion, blending rap, trap, neo-soul, and R&B. With themes of ambition, love, and self-reflection, the songs touch on everyday experiences in a relatable way. Tracks like “Won’t Go Crazy” show off creative production, while “Where Tha Moneys At” reveals Steel’s mindset as an artist today.
The influence of Go-Go and local D.C. culture adds depth, alongside nods to artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Musiq Soulchild. Collaborations with Ainae and Keyz The Virgo bring soulful balance to the EP’s sharp edges.
Steel’s hope is to inspire listeners and restore a sense of community through his music. If this EP is the beginning of a new chapter, his upcoming LP is sure to raise the bar even higher. DC’s United is heartfelt, driven, and unifying.
Listen to DC’s United The EP
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Congratulations on DC’s United The EP! Can you tell us what inspired the title and how it reflects the music and message of the project?
My producer and I are from two different quadrants in Washington DC. I’m from Southeast and he’s from the Uptown part of Northwest. There have been differences between our quadrants over the years on many levels, but the title of this project reflects that we both stand united with a shared vision & love for music.
Was there a defining moment or event that sparked the creation of this EP?
Yes, there was. So… at one point, I thought I was done with music altogether. Then one day, I played some of my older music to my cousin and she told me that it looks like I am letting my gift be wasted by not doing anything with it. So… I felt like I owed it to myself to do this project. In the process, I fell deeper in love with music and I have a deeper understanding of it now thanks to the work done on this EP.
Each track feels like it carries a specific weight. Did you approach this EP with a concept in mind, or did it evolve naturally as you created the songs?
Yes, I did have a concept in mind along with my producer GsharpBeatz. The goal was to blend some of the elements from previous eras (90’s, 2000’s, 2010’s) together for a cohesive sound.
How would you describe the sonic identity of this EP compared to your previous work?
This is genre-bending music which is completely different from my previous works. While pulling from different eras with a modern approach was the goal, we also wanted to blend different genres… rap/trap hip hop, neo/trap soul, and R&B. So in that scope, I think this is completely different from anything I’ve done before.
What genres or influences were you tapping into while producing DC’s United The EP?
Well, there was many artists that I was inspired by when I writing, performing and collaborating. Scarface, LL Cool J, T.I., Nipsey Hussle, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, 21 Savage, Wale, Big Sean, Musiq Soulchild, Jhene Aiko, Bryson Tiller and Kevin Ross were heavy influences. Hearing their music helped inspire me a lot when I was conceptualizing the songs.
Are there any particular sound elements or production techniques you experimented with on this project?
I think “Won’t Go Crazy” displays the different sound elements I thought was different and would stand out. When I mixed that song, I wanted to layer the harmonies a little different from what we’re used to hearing. I think it that turned out better than I expected it to.
Lyrically, this project feels powerful and intentional. What themes or stories were most important for you to express?
I wanted to just focus on three things… Feeling lit, embracing love and having introspection. Those are common themes in our daily lives and I wanted to find a balance between those three things.
Is there a specific lyric or track on the EP that you feel captures the essence of who you are as an artist right now?
“Where Tha Moneys At” sums up exactly where my space is currently at as a Man and as an artist.
“DC’s United” sounds like a call for unity. How does your hometown (assuming DC refers to Washington, D.C.) influence your music and this project in particular?
DC has a very rich history outside of politics. Our culture once stood out in every way. From our lingo, to our wardrobe, and especially the music… specifically Go-Go. Today… we are a far cry from where we once were mainly because we’ve lost our sense of community and identity. My hope is that GsharpBeatz and I can help restore some semblance of those things at our foundation, while also helping our community and culture evolve as well.
Are there any local artists, communities, or movements in D.C. that helped shape this release?
Go-Go music in particular has helped my musicality evolve in many ways so I will always hold that rhythm is my soul. But I would also say this… IDK, Rico Nasty, Crank Lucas, Wale, Shy Glizzy, Kevin Ross, Ari Lenox and others have held it down for the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia). Folks should tap in to our music scene more.
Did you collaborate with any other artists or producers on this EP? If so, what was that experience like?
Yes… I collaborated with Ainae ( was on season 20 of the voice on Kelly Clarkson’s team) and Keyz The Virgo. Two dope female vocalists and also great writers. They made the recording experience feel smooth and are amazing to work with.
If you could have one dream collaborator join you for a remix or follow-up to this EP, who would it be and why?
My ideal collaborator would be Bryson Tiller based on the sound of this album.
How do you hope people feel after listening to DC’s United The EP?
Mainly… I want them to be inspired. However, I want them to feel like they can use this EP for any situations they’re going through as well… good or bad.
What’s next for H.E.M. Steel? Can fans expect visuals, performances, or more releases soon?
I am about to go to a song writing camp in LA in June to get some sync placements in motion. Also, I’m going to start working on my 10 song LP as well starting in July. No cap… it’s what this EP is times 20.
If you could sum up the EP in three words, what would they be — and why?
Ambition, love and legacy. I think the songs fit the scope of those three words perfectly.
