DIE-REK

Canadian native, hip-hop producer, Die-Rek releases highly anticipated project the “Beat Die-A-Logue”. From start to finish it is definitely that melodic conversation you do not want to hear enviously through your neighbors walls. “Beat Die-A-Logue” takes you on an expedition through the soul with work that is laced with intrigue, emotion, authentic bass lines cutting edge drums and impacting arrangements that ultimately are Die-Rek.

The instrumental project, Die-Rek’s “Beat Die-A-Logue” transcends culture and language and is the fitting successor to “The Die-Version Project” that he released independently earlier in 2011. Die-Rek is definitely pushing the envelope for organic music production as can be heard on his last two releases. Big Noise recently caught up with Die-Rek to ask him some questions about his get down.

Q. Big Noise: Whats going down Die-Rek, how are you doing?

A. Die-Rek: I’m living…enjoying the snow-less weather while it’s still here.

Q. Big Noise: How is the weather in Toronto.. and what can you tell us about the Canada hip-hop scene?

A. Die-Rek: Right now it’s 5 degrees, where at this time of year it’s usually like -20 degrees, I call it “Global Warning”, ha ha. The Canadian Hip Hop scene is hungry. That’s the best way I can describe it, everyone down here is forced to kick down doors, if you get in their way you might get hurt.

Q. Big Noise: The Die-Version project is pushing the envelope on organic timing with that classic boom-bap sound… when did you get your start in the game?

A. Die-Rek: I put out a 12?inch single entitled “Questions” in ‘05, that was my debut internationally and from then on I’ve just been cataloging to keep things moving and consistent.

Q. Big Noise: Who does your beats and do you work with any other producers?

A. Die-Rek: I do my own production. Alot of my affiliates produce as well, so I’ve done tracks on their stuff in the past. An upcoming project that I’m releasing early next year showcases some of there material, but nowadays I try to keep it mostly Die-Rek so people can get a better sense of what I’m about.

Q. Big Noise: Where do you find some of your musical influences, can you elaborate?

A. Die-Rek: It’s music that I grew up on, Michael Jackson, Prince, The Commodores, Kane, BDP etc. I surf around the internet now and then, I’ve always been one to follow the “underdog”. I’m not really into the popular artist that are on the lips of people, I like to find the rare gems. That inspires me.

Q. Big Noise: The collabos on the Die-Version project are fresh, you have alot of positive messages in your lyrics, can you describe your witting process?

A. Die-Rek: It’s just based on my life, my faith and things that I have gone through or people that I know. Many times in music we hear allot of life’s problems, whether someone was cheated on, snitching, being shot etc. but we never hear about the answers. Where are the answers to these problems? …with my rhymes I’m into having fun with my lyricism as well as hitting real issues. I don’t only talk about things I go/went through, I talk about my victories too and how I achieved them.

Q. Big Noise: Do you come up with the lyrics before the beat or vice-versa?

A. Die-Rek: Back in the day I could never write to a beat playing in the background ha ha ha, I would get mad distracted. Now that I’m producing, I’m already going into the song with a vibe or mood from when I was making the beat, so when I’m playing my beats back now, lyrics automatically come to mind & I start writing.

Q. Big Noise: For those that may not be familiar with your work, any songs or albums you’d recommend?

A. Die-Rek: I think “Grown Man Biz” best describes where I’m coming from and what I’m about. People can find the video on youtube, or better yet Bignoiseradio.com! The song is featured on a project called The Die-Version and it’s available for free download at Die-Rek.com I would also recommend taking in my mixtape Di - BIG NOISE RADIO

Indie (April 5, 2011)
Review by LaRosa

Have you ever heard a guy grab the microphone and from the first moment you hear him spit you knew he was born to born to rap? That’s how I feel about this Canadian brother who goes by the name Die-Rek. Here is an emcee with one of those voices that God made especially for the purpose of communicating through the medium of hip-hop, hands down. Having released a mixtape already, he is hitting us with his debut full-length album titled The Die-Version Project.

With The Die-Version Project, Die-Rek gives us some grown man hip-hop that is poised to make the listener see his view on life and possibly bring you to a turning point in yours. Touting skills as both an emcee and producer, Die-Rek’s hands are all over this project as he pulls double duty in lacing up the beats that he spits bars on. With a purpose of bringing the listener to a turning point & sharing his own views on life, this project presents a well balanced blend of positive Christian truths mixed with real world wisdom, making it suitable for just about any hip-hop fan out there.

This being the first we’ve really heard of Die-Rek, The Die-Version Project is a top-notch album and there’s a lot to like about it. Let’s start with the production, the foundation for any good album. The instrumentation that you find on this album will take you back to the good ol’ days of hip-hop, back when the beats were grimy and made for true emcees, while still giving you a sound that is so crisp that you know these sounds were made with lots of labor & love. They prove to be the perfect canvas for Die-Rek to compose his lyrical paintings. Speaking of those lyrics, Die-Rek is sick with it. It’s not that he blows you away with overly witty lines or some delivery that is so unique that you’ll never forget it; instead, it’s just solid lyricism with a voice that commands the listener’s attention. There is no filler with this project; every rhyme & word is spoken with purpose. The two singles for this album really sum up what you get with The Die-Version Project. “Grown Man Biz” is a gritty scratch-heavy track where Die-Rek shows his ability to wreck havoc on a mic like only a grown man can. And, “Remember” is a laid back track that is very musical where Rek walks you down memory lane & shows how he has matured over the years. You get both of those extremes and everything in-between with this album, and it’s just perfect synergy.

As you listen to this album and wrap your mind around all of the lyrics, you really find that there’s not a lot to find fault with. Die-Rek’s delivery is strong & consistent; the production is grimy, yet musical & crisp; and his lyrics are thoughtful and concise. There’s really not a lot more that you could ask for with this album, especially when you take into consideration the “free” price tag associated with it. About the only thing you could possibly find fault with is that Die-Rek doesn’t switch up his flow enough & could possibly be found monotonous at times.

For this to be Die-Rek’s debut offering, this is a well though out and put together project. From start to finish The Die-Version Project keeps you captivated and your head bobbing. This is a classic throwback to all of the great things that made hip-hop great while still pressing forward to the here & now. Die-Rek shows that he is perfectly capable as both an emcee and producer. You’d be foolish to not pick up this album and add it to your collection. By time you’re done with your first listen, I’m sure you’ll be fiending for more. Get a free download of The Die-Version Project right here at Sphereofhiphop.com.
- SphereOfHipHop.com

There are different types of hip-hop artists: the bling-bling-glirs-money (you know them), the party-songs-maker (Soulja Boy), the melancholic (Drake), and those taking inspiration of everything surrounding them (most of rappers). They are all talented in some ways; there is not a right or wrong way of doing music, there is just Music! However, it’s always great to talk with rappers who are a true source of inspiration, who basically have something to say. Die-Rek is definitely one of them. This rapper from Toronto area uses his life, his beliefs and mixed the whole with some good 90s vibes. Read this exclusive interview for Madly Juicy’s About Session and learn everything from his first step into hip-hop to his evolution as an artist.

About his introduction to the rap music

Die-Rek: When I was 10 years old, my sister used to make up these little rhymes, trying to mimic Roxanne Shante and I used to beatbox for her. I thought that was my duty being that my initials are D.J., I thought it was God sent, ha ha ha. When I hit Junior High my class did a session on poetry and we had to write poems about winter, Santa, etc. I wasn’t an Einstein in school, just the average kid getting 50s and 60s, but in poetry class, I was getting marks like 95% and 100%. The teacher was putting me on a pedestal in front of the class because it was like my only point of being a whizz kid so she might as well glorify me in public, lol….I went home and thought to myself: “poetry is just like rap, the only thing is, there’s no beat.” From then on, I started writing little rhymes here and there.

About his style

Die-Rek: It’s got a raw 90s kind of vibe, but I can’t say it stops there, I’ve got some stuff that’s pretty off the wall that sounds like nothing ever heard before, but it still has that pure classic element to it.

About the long time he took to release his first single

Die-Rek: I just wasn’t ready, wasn’t mature personally and musically. In the 90s I was in highschool, I was gaining my rep battling whomever, rapping in the school hallways, getting in house party cyphers, wherever…but I wasn’t really serious about it, it was more just for fun.

The message I was bringing then was different from the message I bring now. Before it was self-glorification, how many girls I could dip, and placing a beautiful “F-you” in every rhyme. Now I’ve matured, see life differently and have come to the realization that I am not my own, it goes beyond me, I didn’t give myself this gift it was given to me so I give it back and glorify the one who has blessed me with this ability.

About the level of hip-hop in Canada

Die-Rek: It’s definitely in there, we’re making use of the new technology, lol…so I think the quality is there, I think we just need more of a universal sound. A lot of it still has that local edge on it. But you gotta appreciate the heart of the artists down here, though a lot of funds don’t pass our way in comparison to other parts of the world we still crack at it and go at it. I think music is more appreciated down here, bold but true statement. Performance wise…I think we have some of the greatest!

About what music represents for him

Die-Rek: Music is Escapism (I learned that word from Pete Rock, ha ha). When I’m making a beat or listening to some inspiring music it’s goodbye world. I want my music to be a source of help, encouragement; I want my music to bring people back to reality. Party music is cool; you know rapping about your sneakers, your afro etc. It’s good to have fun like that sometimes and have a good laugh, but I believe life is more serious than that, and although sometimes people don’t want to face the realism of life, you’ve got to at some point. I see beer commercials and I always find it funny and strange that they are quick to glamorize the party life, grab some Molsons or Labatts and party with some girls/guys, bbq, go to the cottage, party your life away. But they don’t show the flip side, they do - Madly Juicy

Canadian native, hip-hop producer, Die-Rek releases highly anticipated project the “Beat Die-A-Logue”. From start to finish it is definitely that melodic conversation you do not want to hear enviously through your neighbors walls. “Beat Die-A-Logue” takes you on an expedition through the soul with work that is laced with intrigue, emotion, authentic bass lines cutting edge drums and impacting arrangements that ultimately are Die-Rek.

The instrumental project, Die-Rek’s “Beat Die-A-Logue” transcends culture and language and is the fitting successor to “The Die-Version Project” that he released independently earlier in 2011. Die-Rek is definitely pushing the envelope for organic music production as can be heard on his last two releases. Big Noise recently caught up with Die-Rek to ask him some questions about his get down.

Q. Big Noise: Whats going down Die-Rek, how are you doing?

A. Die-Rek: I’m living…enjoying the snow-less weather while it’s still here.

Q. Big Noise: How is the weather in Toronto.. and what can you tell us about the Canada hip-hop scene?

A. Die-Rek: Right now it’s 5 degrees, where at this time of year it’s usually like -20 degrees, I call it “Global Warning”, ha ha. The Canadian Hip Hop scene is hungry. That’s the best way I can describe it, everyone down here is forced to kick down doors, if you get in their way you might get hurt.

Q. Big Noise: The Die-Version project is pushing the envelope on organic timing with that classic boom-bap sound… when did you get your start in the game?

A. Die-Rek: I put out a 12?inch single entitled “Questions” in ‘05, that was my debut internationally and from then on I’ve just been cataloging to keep things moving and consistent.

Q. Big Noise: Who does your beats and do you work with any other producers?

A. Die-Rek: I do my own production. Alot of my affiliates produce as well, so I’ve done tracks on their stuff in the past. An upcoming project that I’m releasing early next year showcases some of there material, but nowadays I try to keep it mostly Die-Rek so people can get a better sense of what I’m about.

Q. Big Noise: Where do you find some of your musical influences, can you elaborate?

A. Die-Rek: It’s music that I grew up on, Michael Jackson, Prince, The Commodores, Kane, BDP etc. I surf around the internet now and then, I’ve always been one to follow the “underdog”. I’m not really into the popular artist that are on the lips of people, I like to find the rare gems. That inspires me.

Q. Big Noise: The collabos on the Die-Version project are fresh, you have alot of positive messages in your lyrics, can you describe your witting process?

A. Die-Rek: It’s just based on my life, my faith and things that I have gone through or people that I know. Many times in music we hear allot of life’s problems, whether someone was cheated on, snitching, being shot etc. but we never hear about the answers. Where are the answers to these problems? …with my rhymes I’m into having fun with my lyricism as well as hitting real issues. I don’t only talk about things I go/went through, I talk about my victories too and how I achieved them.

Q. Big Noise: Do you come up with the lyrics before the beat or vice-versa?

A. Die-Rek: Back in the day I could never write to a beat playing in the background ha ha ha, I would get mad distracted. Now that I’m producing, I’m already going into the song with a vibe or mood from when I was making the beat, so when I’m playing my beats back now, lyrics automatically come to mind & I start writing.

Q. Big Noise: For those that may not be familiar with your work, any songs or albums you’d recommend?

A. Die-Rek: I think “Grown Man Biz” best describes where I’m coming from and what I’m about. People can find the video on youtube, or better yet Bignoiseradio.com! The song is featured on a project called The Die-Version and it’s available for free download at Die-Rek.com I would also recommend taking in my mixtape Die-VersCity it’s also on my site.

Q. Big Noise: Is it easier or harder for underground emcees to make a decent living today with all the mainstream influence? …Do you consider yourself an underground emcee or rapper?

A. Die-Rek: I think it depends on the artist, mainstream has made hip hop “marketable” so there are for sure more opportunities now than there were 10 years ago. I think your push determines the decency of your living. There’s always different ways to achieve things. At the end of the day you have to keep the attitude that everything is a work in progress, you lose something especially on the indie level once you come to believe you have “arrived” and are owed something. …Emcee, it sounds more sophisticated, lol.

Q. Big Noise: How can your fans learn more about about Die-Rek and where can we purchase your music?

A. Die-Rek: I’m always current with my Facebook and Twitter pages and I am always connecting on there. All of my music that is currently available is heavy but free material at www.DIE-REK.com

Q. Big Noise: What other plans or projects does DIE have in the works for the future?

A. Die-Rek: In the New Year 2012 I’m putting it out there! Look out for an EP dropping early in the year. I’ve been working on some projects with upcoming artists, doing collabs, producing like a mad man, so be on the look out! Full length album dropping late summer. It’s going to be a fun year I tell ya!

Q. Big Noise: Any final words of advice for aspiring artist trying to break into the game?

A. Die-Rek: You get out what you put in, so work to the best of your ability and just be yourself, we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Shalom.

Keep it locked to Big Noise Radio for authentic hip-hop music from Die-Rek.

Interview: Big Noise
Editor: Noiseman
Image: Die-Rek
- www.BigNoiseRadio.com

Indie (April 5, 2011)
Review by LaRosa

Have you ever heard a guy grab the microphone and from the first moment you hear him spit you knew he was born to born to rap? That’s how I feel about this Canadian brother who goes by the name Die-Rek. Here is an emcee with one of those voices that God made especially for the purpose of communicating through the medium of hip-hop, hands down. Having released a mixtape already, he is hitting us with his debut full-length album titled The Die-Version Project.

With The Die-Version Project, Die-Rek gives us some grown man hip-hop that is poised to make the listener see his view on life and possibly bring you to a turning point in yours. Touting skills as both an emcee and producer, Die-Rek’s hands are all over this project as he pulls double duty in lacing up the beats that he spits bars on. With a purpose of bringing the listener to a turning point & sharing his own views on life, this project presents a well balanced blend of positive Christian truths mixed with real world wisdom, making it suitable for just about any hip-hop fan out there.

This being the first we’ve really heard of Die-Rek, The Die-Version Project is a top-notch album and there’s a lot to like about it. Let’s start with the production, the foundation for any good album. The instrumentation that you find on this album will take you back to the good ol’ days of hip-hop, back when the beats were grimy and made for true emcees, while still giving you a sound that is so crisp that you know these sounds were made with lots of labor & love. They prove to be the perfect canvas for Die-Rek to compose his lyrical paintings. Speaking of those lyrics, Die-Rek is sick with it. It’s not that he blows you away with overly witty lines or some delivery that is so unique that you’ll never forget it; instead, it’s just solid lyricism with a voice that commands the listener’s attention. There is no filler with this project; every rhyme & word is spoken with purpose. The two singles for this album really sum up what you get with The Die-Version Project. “Grown Man Biz” is a gritty scratch-heavy track where Die-Rek shows his ability to wreck havoc on a mic like only a grown man can. And, “Remember” is a laid back track that is very musical where Rek walks you down memory lane & shows how he has matured over the years. You get both of those extremes and everything in-between with this album, and it’s just perfect synergy.

As you listen to this album and wrap your mind around all of the lyrics, you really find that there’s not a lot to find fault with. Die-Rek’s delivery is strong & consistent; the production is grimy, yet musical & crisp; and his lyrics are thoughtful and concise. There’s really not a lot more that you could ask for with this album, especially when you take into consideration the “free” price tag associated with it. About the only thing you could possibly find fault with is that Die-Rek doesn’t switch up his flow enough & could possibly be found monotonous at times.

For this to be Die-Rek’s debut offering, this is a well though out and put together project. From start to finish The Die-Version Project keeps you captivated and your head bobbing. This is a classic throwback to all of the great things that made hip-hop great while still pressing forward to the here & now. Die-Rek shows that he is perfectly capable as both an emcee and producer. You’d be foolish to not pick up this album and add it to your collection. By time you’re done with your first listen, I’m sure you’ll be fiending for more. Get a free download of The Die-Version Project right here at Sphereofhiphop.com.
- www.SphereOfHipHop.com

Indie (April 5, 2011)
Review by LaRosa

Have you ever heard a guy grab the microphone and from the first moment you hear him spit you knew he was born to born to rap? That’s how I feel about this Canadian brother who goes by the name Die-Rek. Here is an emcee with one of those voices that God made especially for the purpose of communicating through the medium of hip-hop, hands down. Having released a mixtape already, he is hitting us with his debut full-length album titled The Die-Version Project.

With The Die-Version Project, Die-Rek gives us some grown man hip-hop that is poised to make the listener see his view on life and possibly bring you to a turning point in yours. Touting skills as both an emcee and producer, Die-Rek’s hands are all over this project as he pulls double duty in lacing up the beats that he spits bars on. With a purpose of bringing the listener to a turning point & sharing his own views on life, this project presents a well balanced blend of positive Christian truths mixed with real world wisdom, making it suitable for just about any hip-hop fan out there.

This being the first we’ve really heard of Die-Rek, The Die-Version Project is a top-notch album and there’s a lot to like about it. Let’s start with the production, the foundation for any good album. The instrumentation that you find on this album will take you back to the good ol’ days of hip-hop, back when the beats were grimy and made for true emcees, while still giving you a sound that is so crisp that you know these sounds were made with lots of labor & love. They prove to be the perfect canvas for Die-Rek to compose his lyrical paintings. Speaking of those lyrics, Die-Rek is sick with it. It’s not that he blows you away with overly witty lines or some delivery that is so unique that you’ll never forget it; instead, it’s just solid lyricism with a voice that commands the listener’s attention. There is no filler with this project; every rhyme & word is spoken with purpose. The two singles for this album really sum up what you get with The Die-Version Project. “Grown Man Biz” is a gritty scratch-heavy track where Die-Rek shows his ability to wreck havoc on a mic like only a grown man can. And, “Remember” is a laid back track that is very musical where Rek walks you down memory lane & shows how he has matured over the years. You get both of those extremes and everything in-between with this album, and it’s just perfect synergy.

As you listen to this album and wrap your mind around all of the lyrics, you really find that there’s not a lot to find fault with. Die-Rek’s delivery is strong & consistent; the production is grimy, yet musical & crisp; and his lyrics are thoughtful and concise. There’s really not a lot more that you could ask for with this album, especially when you take into consideration the “free” price tag associated with it. About the only thing you could possibly find fault with is that Die-Rek doesn’t switch up his flow enough & could possibly be found monotonous at times.

For this to be Die-Rek’s debut offering, this is a well though out and put together project. From start to finish The Die-Version Project keeps you captivated and your head bobbing. This is a classic throwback to all of the great things that made hip-hop great while still pressing forward to the here & now. Die-Rek shows that he is perfectly capable as both an emcee and producer. You’d be foolish to not pick up this album and add it to your collection. By time you’re done with your first listen, I’m sure you’ll be fiending for more. Get a free download of The Die-Version Project right here at Sphereofhiphop.com.
- www.SphereOfHipHop.com

Indie (April 5, 2011)
Review by LaRosa

Have you ever heard a guy grab the microphone and from the first moment you hear him spit you knew he was born to born to rap? That’s how I feel about this Canadian brother who goes by the name Die-Rek. Here is an emcee with one of those voices that God made especially for the purpose of communicating through the medium of hip-hop, hands down. Having released a mixtape already, he is hitting us with his debut full-length album titled The Die-Version Project.

With The Die-Version Project, Die-Rek gives us some grown man hip-hop that is poised to make the listener see his view on life and possibly bring you to a turning point in yours. Touting skills as both an emcee and producer, Die-Rek’s hands are all over this project as he pulls double duty in lacing up the beats that he spits bars on. With a purpose of bringing the listener to a turning point & sharing his own views on life, this project presents a well balanced blend of positive Christian truths mixed with real world wisdom, making it suitable for just about any hip-hop fan out there.

This being the first we’ve really heard of Die-Rek, The Die-Version Project is a top-notch album and there’s a lot to like about it. Let’s start with the production, the foundation for any good album. The instrumentation that you find on this album will take you back to the good ol’ days of hip-hop, back when the beats were grimy and made for true emcees, while still giving you a sound that is so crisp that you know these sounds were made with lots of labor & love. They prove to be the perfect canvas for Die-Rek to compose his lyrical paintings. Speaking of those lyrics, Die-Rek is sick with it. It’s not that he blows you away with overly witty lines or some delivery that is so unique that you’ll never forget it; instead, it’s just solid lyricism with a voice that commands the listener’s attention. There is no filler with this project; every rhyme & word is spoken with purpose. The two singles for this album really sum up what you get with The Die-Version Project. “Grown Man Biz” is a gritty scratch-heavy track where Die-Rek shows his ability to wreck havoc on a mic like only a grown man can. And, “Remember” is a laid back track that is very musical where Rek walks you down memory lane & shows how he has matured over the years. You get both of those extremes and everything in-between with this album, and it’s just perfect synergy.

As you listen to this album and wrap your mind around all of the lyrics, you really find that there’s not a lot to find fault with. Die-Rek’s delivery is strong & consistent; the production is grimy, yet musical & crisp; and his lyrics are thoughtful and concise. There’s really not a lot more that you could ask for with this album, especially when you take into consideration the “free” price tag associated with it. About the only thing you could possibly find fault with is that Die-Rek doesn’t switch up his flow enough & could possibly be found monotonous at times.

For this to be Die-Rek’s debut offering, this is a well though out and put together project. From start to finish The Die-Version Project keeps you captivated and your head bobbing. This is a classic throwback to all of the great things that made hip-hop great while still pressing forward to the here & now. Die-Rek shows that he is perfectly capable as both an emcee and producer. You’d be foolish to not pick up this album and add it to your collection. By time you’re done with your first listen, I’m sure you’ll be fiending for more. Get a free download of The Die-Version Project right here at Sphereofhiphop.com.
- www.SphereOfHipHop.com

There are different types of hip-hop artists: the bling-bling-glirs-money (you know them), the party-songs-maker (Soulja Boy), the melancholic (Drake), and those taking inspiration of everything surrounding them (most of rappers). They are all talented in some ways; there is not a right or wrong way of doing music, there is just Music! However, it’s always great to talk with rappers who are a true source of inspiration, who basically have something to say. Die-Rek is definitely one of them. This rapper from Toronto area uses his life, his beliefs and mixed the whole with some good 90s vibes. Read this exclusive interview for Madly Juicy’s About Session and learn everything from his first step into hip-hop to his evolution as an artist.

About his introduction to the rap music

Die-Rek: When I was 10 years old, my sister used to make up these little rhymes, trying to mimic Roxanne Shante and I used to beatbox for her. I thought that was my duty being that my initials are D.J., I thought it was God sent, ha ha ha. When I hit Junior High my class did a session on poetry and we had to write poems about winter, Santa, etc. I wasn’t an Einstein in school, just the average kid getting 50s and 60s, but in poetry class, I was getting marks like 95% and 100%. The teacher was putting me on a pedestal in front of the class because it was like my only point of being a whizz kid so she might as well glorify me in public, lol….I went home and thought to myself: “poetry is just like rap, the only thing is, there’s no beat.” From then on, I started writing little rhymes here and there.

About his style

Die-Rek: It’s got a raw 90s kind of vibe, but I can’t say it stops there, I’ve got some stuff that’s pretty off the wall that sounds like nothing ever heard before, but it still has that pure classic element to it.

About the long time he took to release his first single

Die-Rek: I just wasn’t ready, wasn’t mature personally and musically. In the 90s I was in highschool, I was gaining my rep battling whomever, rapping in the school hallways, getting in house party cyphers, wherever…but I wasn’t really serious about it, it was more just for fun.

The message I was bringing then was different from the message I bring now. Before it was self-glorification, how many girls I could dip, and placing a beautiful “F-you” in every rhyme. Now I’ve matured, see life differently and have come to the realization that I am not my own, it goes beyond me, I didn’t give myself this gift it was given to me so I give it back and glorify the one who has blessed me with this ability.

About the level of hip-hop in Canada

Die-Rek: It’s definitely in there, we’re making use of the new technology, lol…so I think the quality is there, I think we just need more of a universal sound. A lot of it still has that local edge on it. But you gotta appreciate the heart of the artists down here, though a lot of funds don’t pass our way in comparison to other parts of the world we still crack at it and go at it. I think music is more appreciated down here, bold but true statement. Performance wise…I think we have some of the greatest!

About what music represents for him

Die-Rek: Music is Escapism (I learned that word from Pete Rock, ha ha). When I’m making a beat or listening to some inspiring music it’s goodbye world. I want my music to be a source of help, encouragement; I want my music to bring people back to reality. Party music is cool; you know rapping about your sneakers, your afro etc. It’s good to have fun like that sometimes and have a good laugh, but I believe life is more serious than that, and although sometimes people don’t want to face the realism of life, you’ve got to at some point. I see beer commercials and I always find it funny and strange that they are quick to glamorize the party life, grab some Molsons or Labatts and party with some girls/guys, bbq, go to the cottage, party your life away. But they don’t show the flip side, they don’t show the many stories of people leaving these parties and losing their lives from drinking and driving, they don’t publicize the little girl or boy that is constantly abused by their alcoholic father or mother. So when people are ready to take a trip back to reality, I want Die-Rek to be that CD that they pop in their deck and feel comfortable with. Die-Rek strives to make that music that encourages them in life and provokes change.

About his inspiration when writing nusic

Die-Rek: Definitely God, because without his wisdom, everything else is futile. Then I would have to say day-to-day living; life is a battle sometimes. There’s nothing like hearing someone rapping about something that you’ve been through and nails it to the tee. It just makes you feel like you’re not in a situation alone, there are people out there that can relate to what you go through. I try to keep my work non-fiction.

About his debut album

Die-Rek: EP should be dropping soon, probably sometime in November, following up with an album early spring, so I’m going to keep it moving. I’m also producing a couple projects for some other up and coming artists, so it should be a fun and not the dope that you smoke filled season (skin teeth). - www.MadlyJuicy.com