When Brandon Johnson acquired the moniker “CallMeDrop,” it was because of his ability to drop knowledge. “I’m a writer, a storyteller and I love music and creativity,” he states. “My goal is to recreate the lane of expression in art without being boring or cliché.”
Background: Rapper Drop puts the Drop on the competition. His latest project is a street album/mixtape called “Slideshow – The SetUp.” The mixtape serves as a flashback of his life from 2008-2011. The DMV native’s experimental rhyme scheme and lyricism offers a fresh element to emceeing.
AllHipHop.com: Firstly, give us some background info as to who you are.
Drop: My stage name is Drop. I’m a writer, a story teller and I love music and creativity. My goal is to re-create the lane of expression in art without being boring or cliché. As a child, I wrote stories and plays, participated in the school choir and created beats on tables to entertain friends and classmates. I noticed the types of positive responses and feedback that people gave based on the aggression and passion that I had towards my lyrical delivery and word-play. After high school, I discovered a new passion for hip-hop and music as an art form. Using a culmination of personal life experiences and lessons learned, I began attending open mic circuits and talent shows, and performing in my own shows to gain additional exposure. Although I took my skills for granted in the beginning, the fans continued to support me and keep me focused on this God given ability to tell stories through my music.”
AllHipHop.com: What is the significance of your name?
Drop: After winning some local freestyle competitions, I was given the name “Drop” based on my ability to “Drop knowledge and creativity when on the mic”. As time went on, people started using it on a regular basis so I just ran with it.
AllHipHop.com: What single or project are you currently pushing?
Drop: I have recently released a mix-tape called Slideshow: “The Setup” which serves as a collection of my thoughts from 2008-2011. The intent is to introduce new people to my music and let existing fans know where I have been over the past four years. In the spring, I will be releasing another mix-tape called Slideshow: “The Walk Through” to focus more on who Drop is in 2013. And Lastly, “The Slideshow, LP” will be released in the fall as an actual album.
AllHipHop.com: If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?
Drop: I know the music industry is a business, so artists have to adapt to changes in order to stay relevant, however if I could change anything about the industry I’d like the labels to sign more authentic artists. Just like pro athletes, it’s a small percentage of people with real talent and ability. A lot of those people are getting overlooked because of trends and ”watered down” writing. It’s a privilege to make music that the world can hear and access. We should recognize the people who really put time and effort into their crafts.
All Hip Hop: Any Final Words?
Drop: I want to thank AllHipHop.com for the opportunity. I want to thank the artists who inspired me: Jay-Z, Nas, Royce 5’9, Eminem (old), The Fugees, Tupac, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Alicia Keys. Also log on to my website www.CallMeDrop.com and follow me on Twitter @callMeDrop. Welcome to the revolution!
