Though some feel as if the Golden State lost its way musically with the rise of infectious dance tracks; for fans of gangster rap (invented and popularized by California) and laid back, lyrically infused tracks now synonymous with artists like Kendrick Lamar, there is an alternative: a new breed of artists returning to their classic West Coast roots.
Enter South Central’s own Dubb.
The 323 native has already garnered features with an admirable list of artists, including; The Game, Kendrick Lamar, Smoke DZA, Cali Swag District, Tyga, Ab Soul, and Yung Berg respectively, and has even shown up on Snoop’s radar as someone worth watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0WAL_7W1Lw
AllHipHop.com: What set you onto the path of an artist?
Dubb: At first my sole focus was basketball. I played in high school, both as a point and shooting guard, and wrote raps on the side.
AllHipHop.com: Did you just play, or were you any good?
Dubb: [Laughter] My jumper was wet. So they called me “Sparkletts” like the water. But over time, I was more excited about going to the studio than getting on the court. People thought I was good at it so I made the switch.
AllHipHop.com: Is there a specific reason behind your name choice?
Dubb: Well my name is Quincey White… People start calling me Q DUBB for short, and over time I dropped the Q and made the DUBB actually stand for something. [It’s an acronym for “Determined. Unique. Beyond. Belief.”]
AllHipHop.com: You’ve already worked with an impressive list of artists; how did some of those collaborations come about and can we expect the same on your upcoming project?
Dubb: It was just timing. I got to work with Game after being introduced from a (now deceased) friend. After that I just kept working.
I decided not to focus on features because the EP is just about me, my life, and things that I’ve been through.
AllHipHop.com: Your new project, Black Box is scheduled to drop in March; what do you hope to accomplish with it?
Dubb: I’m just trying to build my own personal cult following. When I say I’m an independent artist I mean I’m really by myself, with the help of a few close friends; I want to build my fan base organically.
AllHipHop.com:So what are your thoughts on potential deals down the line?
Dubb: I’ve received offers but it just wasn’t the right situation. I’m not in a rush to say that I’m a signed artist just to be able to say it; when the time is right, they’ll come.
AllHipHop.com: You’ve recently started dropping new releases weekly. Are any of these in connection with Black Box?
Dubb: I’m giving away good, quality music that’s not even on my tape. These are just things that I’m releasing. The title, [Black Box] comes from the boxes that are included on every flight. They can be used to tell the story of a plane crash. I’m considering going back and putting together the music I’ve just been giving away into a project titled “Baggage Claim;” and another called “The Arrival” once I’m at where I feel I need to be.
AllHipHop.com: Can we expect any videos in connection with your weekly releases?
Dubb: I have a video coming out with Busta Rhymes artist Reek Da Villain called “Get it In.”
AllHipHop.com:Where do you feel your music fits in, regarding the current crop of artists in LA?
Dubb: I feel like everyone is on the “Ratchet Wave.” I don’t knock it, but its not what I do, I’m just telling it how it is from my own perspective. I’m not claiming to have million dollar cars, I’m talking about what I’ve actually lived. People are always a mystery. As they’re learning about me, I want them to know about Quincey, not just Dubb. I feel like rappers put on a costume for the public and act completely different in private. I want my music to show all of me. I’m not trying to be the next ‘Pac, but I do want to be influential like he was. Music like that spoke to you and connected with the people.
Black Box will be released March 27th.
Follow him on Twitter: @itzdubb
Instagram: _itzdubb
Itzdubb.com