A couple of weeks ago, Driddy – a well known Brooklyn based rap artist released his hot new single titled “controversy.”. The song is raw, unapologetic and addresses racial tension using lines such as ‘Man, I don’t got time for no segregation’. It is a powerful story bringing out the pictures of a hostile world riddled by violence calling for unity in times of turmoil.

During our discussion Driddy traces his stage name back to its origin in Brooklyn slang meaning annoyance or irritation. It all started when he was a child listening to Notorious BIG and later as a young professional in the music industry. As a self-taught lyricist, he draws inspiration from life experiences as well as his urban background to create real storytelling through music.

“Controversy” serves like a loudspeaker through which Driddy’s disgruntlement and commitment resonate, amplifying social rifts and reflecting on industry troubles. He desires for an open music scene where artists are fairly compensated and given adequate support.

Driddy transforms emotions to narrative with the intention of creating a change through his music. The interviews reveal his creative layers to find an artist who believes and sees his art as a tool for genuine expression and societal awareness. Driddy keeps advancing and is thankful to his fan base for their continued support. He promises more gripping tales as he journeys through the world of the music industry.

Listen to Controversy below

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What is your stage name?
My stage name is Driddy

Is there a story behind your stage name?
The story behind my stage name

My stage name “Driddy” comes from New York City slang, where it signifies feeling annoyed or irritated, and sometimes even serves as an insult. Growing up in Brooklyn, this slang was used on an everyday basis wherever I went.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration for making hip-hop music from various sources. Firstly, my personal experiences and the environment I grew up in greatly influenced my music. The streets, the people, the culture, and the challenges I’ve faced all contribute to the stories I tell through my music.

What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music played a significant role in shaping my formative years, especially growing up in Brooklyn. It was an integral part of my daily life, influencing my perspectives and aspirations. My sister and I bonded over old-school hip-hop, immersing ourselves in tracks like Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy.”

These artists and their music were more than just entertainment; they were storytellers who painted vivid pictures of urban life, struggles, and dreams.

Are you from a musical or artistic family?
No, I didn’t come from a particularly musical or artistic family background. However, despite this, I found my passion for music and the arts on my own journey. Growing up, there wasn’t a lineage of musicians or artists in my family, but I was always drawn to the creative world. I discovered my love for music through my own exploration and exposure to various genres and artists.

While my family might not have been directly involved in the arts, they always supported and encouraged my interests. Their support provided me with the freedom to explore and pursue my passion for music independently. It was through my own experiences, curiosity, and dedication that I developed my skills and found my voice in the artistic world.

Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I found inspiration to enter the music industry from various sources. Growing up in Brooklyn, I was surrounded by a vibrant urban culture where music was everywhere. Artists like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas, who came from similar places, inspired me with their stories and how they expressed their experiences through music.

I also looked up to musicians from different genres like Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and Michael Jackson, admiring their creativity and how they used music to convey powerful messages that connected with people.

Moreover, the support and encouragement of my friends and community played a big part. Their belief in my talent and their excitement about the music I made encouraged me to pursue a career in this industry.

How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
Since I was young, my love for music pushed me to learn how to write lyrics and rap on my own. Growing up in Brooklyn, where hip-hop had a huge impact, I got hooked on the storytelling aspect of the genre. I started by diving into songs from artists I admired, picking apart their lyrics, and trying to understand how they rhymed, and how they flowed.

Without any formal training, I took it upon myself to practice endlessly. I spent a lot of time writing lyrics, trying different ways to rhyme, and figuring out how to express emotions and stories through my words.

It was all trial and error, just constantly working to get better and find my own style in music and rap. I got inspiration from my own life experiences and everything happening around me. I’d mix these bits into the lyrics I was crafting, trying to make them my own.

How could you describe your music?
My music reflects my life, feelings, and what I see around me. It’s a mix of stories and emotions, combining different sounds to create something unique. I write lyrics that come from real experiences, drawing from hip-hop and other music styles. Whether it’s about personal stuff, life’s ups and downs, or things happening in the world, I aim for my music to connect with people in a real and relatable way. Overall, my music is just me sharing my journey through beats and stories.

Describe your creative process.
My creative process starts in my home studio, where I bring my ideas to life. I spend a lot of time crafting lyrics, experimenting with melodies, and recording my vocals. Having a comfortable space at home allows me to freely explore different sounds and express myself authentically.

Once I’ve laid down the foundation, I link up with my music engineer, J-Vee from G Spot Music Studio. He’s an integral part of my process. J-Vee takes the raw recordings, works his magic, and turns them into a polished piece of art. His expertise in mixing and mastering brings out the best in my music, weaving together all the elements to create a cohesive and impactful track.

Collaborating with J-Vee adds another dimension to my creative process. His skills and insight elevate the sound, making sure every beat, lyric, and emotion is finely tuned. Together, we transform my initial ideas into a finished product that I’m proud to share with the world.

What is your main inspiration?
My main inspiration stems from witnessing young men around my age in their early 20’s who have not only found success in music but have also managed to provide for their families through their passion. Observing their achievements serves as a profound motivation for me to pursue my dream of becoming a rap superstar.

Seeing these individuals navigate the music industry successfully while being able to support their loved ones is incredibly inspiring. It demonstrates the tangible possibility of turning a passion for music into a sustainable career, capable of fulfilling both personal dreams and familial responsibilities.

What musician do you admire most and why?
One musician I truly admire is J. Cole. His artistry, authenticity, and commitment to storytelling within his music resonate deeply with me. What sets J. Cole apart is not just his remarkable talent as a rapper and producer, but also his genuine approach to addressing real-life issues and emotions through his lyrics.

I admire J. Cole’s ability to use his platform to shed light on societal issues, personal struggles, and the complexities of life. His music reflects a raw honesty that connects with listeners on a profound level, making them feel understood and represented.

Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Absolutely, my style has evolved significantly since the beginning of my career. When I first started, I was eager to find my voice and establish a unique style within the world of rap. Over time, I’ve dedicated myself to refining my storytelling abilities and perfecting my flow.

Who do you see as your main competitor?
As an artist, I don’t really see others as my direct rivals. I think each artist has their own thing to offer, which adds to the cool variety in music.

Instead of focusing on beating specific people, I see my main goal as getting better at what I do. I want to keep improving my music, connecting with my listeners in a way that matters, and making tunes that really feel like me. It’s all about pushing myself to do better and grow as an artist.

What are your interests outside of music?
When I’m not making music, I love hanging out with my family. They mean a lot to me, and whether we’re chatting, going on trips, or just chilling, it’s always special.

I’m also really into reading. Getting lost in a good book helps me unwind and learn new stuff. It’s a way for me to escape into different stories and ideas, broadening my mind beyond music and giving me a break when I need it.

If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t pursuing a music career, I would likely explore entrepreneurship. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of starting and running my own business. The creative aspects of entrepreneurship, like coming up with innovative ideas and strategies, appeal to me just like they do in music.

What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my music journey is encountering dishonest music executives and individuals who claim to support artists but are actually only interested in making a quick profit. It’s tough navigating through a landscape where some people are more focused on exploiting talent rather than nurturing it.

Running into these kinds of individuals can be disheartening and frustrating. It’s difficult to discern their true intentions at first, and realizing that they’re not genuinely invested in supporting artists can be a setback. It’s disappointing to encounter those who prioritize their own gains over the well-being and success of aspiring musicians.

If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
If there’s one thing I wish to change in the music industry, it would be to create a more transparent and supportive environment for emerging artists. There’s a need to address the existence of exploitative practices and shady dealings by some industry figures who take advantage of aspiring musicians.

I believe fostering a culture of transparency, fairness, and genuine support for artists would significantly improve the industry. It’s crucial to have better safeguards in place that protect artists from exploitation and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work.

Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
I chose this title for the project because it captures the essence of the song’s message. The lyrics reflect a strong stance against division, discrimination, and the unnecessary conflicts prevalent in society. Lines like “Man, I don’t got time for no segregation” and “Motherfuckers stay starting Controversy” highlight the frustration with social divisions and manufactured controversies.

The lyrics speak to a desire for unity, calling for mediation and evaluation of the divisive issues faced by different races and communities. It addresses the need for a change in mindset, away from instigation and spreading rumors toward a more unified and understanding approach.

The title signifies a bold statement against stirring unnecessary controversies, advocating for a more peaceful and harmonious coexistence. It’s about standing up against negativity, division, and the toxic behaviors prevalent in society, aiming for a more inclusive and united future.

What are your plans for the coming months?
In the next few months, I’ve got some dope new singles coming out. These songs dive into different stuff, showing off different sides of my music and stories.

I’m really looking forward to share these tracks with everyone. Each song is like a piece of my journey, showing how I’ve grown as an artist. I can’t wait for people to hear them and feel what I’m putting out there.

And as time goes on, I’m hoping to gather all these releases into an EP by the end of 2024. This EP will have a bunch of tracks that show off different parts of my style and storytelling. I’ve been putting a lot of heart into this project, and hyped to see it all come together.

Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
Not at the moment, but I’m always open to artistic collaborations in the future. Right now, I’m focusing on my individual projects and ensuring that I give my full attention to the music I’m currently working on. Collaborations can bring about incredible creative possibilities, and while there aren’t any immediate plans, I’m definitely open to exploring collaborative opportunities down the line.

What message would you like to give to your fans?
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my fans for their continuous support and for taking the time to listen to my music. Your support means the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for every listener who connects with my art.

I want you all to know that your support inspires me to keep creating and pushing boundaries. Your feedback and understanding of me as an artist mean everything. I pour my heart and soul into my music, and knowing that it resonates with you is the most rewarding feeling.

So, a huge thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support encourages me to keep growing, evolving, and sharing my stories through music. Stay tuned for more music and updates—I can’t wait to continue this musical journey together with all of you.