The Nigerian Hip-Hop Blog had the opportunity to interview the young and sensational lyricist from Brooklyn, New York “D.Julien”. We wanted unveil the man behind the curtain, the one that has been the talk of the blog-o-sphere in recent time. We did just that and our discovery was pretty astonishing because “D.Julien” is only 17 years old but he is versatile, humble plus his style of making music is so refreshing and unsullied.

This is what D.Julien has to say:

Name/Age/Hometown

I’m D.Julien. Just turned 17 in June and I’m from Brooklyn, New York.

Where does the name D.Julien come from ?

Well actually it’s as an authentic name as I can have. D is the first letter in my first name and Julien is my last name. So go figure.

Which of the pioneers of hip-hop influenced you ?

Ahh man. We can be here all day. Just to name a few though: Biggie, Jay-Z, Rakim, Nas, Eminem, etc. I mean the list goes on.

Your first project was titled “LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF”, how did you come up with that ?

This was my first mixtape that everyone would be able to hear. When it’s your first of everything, you’re basically introducing yourself to that. You know? So I’m introducing myself as an artist to the world with this mixtape. It’s just a warm-up for my future projects man, trust me.

If this is a warm-up, will you like to give us an insight into what to except from your next work ?

Just expect even better music and more of a positive message for the future man. I didn’t want to leak any information that I’d have for my next mixtape but you guys can hear it first. Might have a track with A Smash which will be dope and others for my next project. So you can already see I’ll be working with some great artist.

Indeed brother, A Smash is sure a good look. Do you have any other artists in mind that you did like to work with ?

A lot of guys man. I just wanted to work with the best upcoming artist. It’s all about unity for me. Some artists that I’ve contacted for my next joint is Curtains, F.A.M.E, Donny Goines, etc.

D.JULIEN GOING HARD ON MICKEY FACTZ “INCREDIBLE” INSTRUMENTAL

[youtube dyHhOswNj6Q]

…Back To The Interview…

As a leader of the new breed of artists, what role do you intend to play being the leading horse ?

I just think music needs new ideas, new sounds, and more versatility. I’ll provide that. I understand that music is evolving and I also understand people don’t like some of the same things they might have a decade ago. I’ll provide a versatile artist, an eclectic artist that fuses all genres of music into my hip hop culture while still keeping my lyricism.

You are talented and conscious, do you have any plans to branch out into other fields in the nearest future ?

Definitely. Music is often used as a platform for other ventures. The people who realize that are the people that will most often see the most success. Guys like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc. are perfect examples of this.

Commercial hip-hop as you know makes the most money, why have you decided to stay conscious ?

I see it as music man. What I mean is, I don’t believe in tags. Commercial hip-hop and the term conscious rapper have really been taken out of context. Tupac was one of the most “conscious” rappers of all time. He sold outrageous numbers while being that. You just have to know how to balance it, I believe. Keep it real but make it fun for the listener so that they can relate to you and enjoy your music all at the same time. It can be done, I’ll show that!

JOKES

[Nigerianhiphop Blog: You have it all figured out haven't you ? lol]

[D.Julien: You can say that man lol]

D.Julien being a new face and respected means you must be doing something right. What do you have to say about that ?

It’s honestly just a humbling experience. I feel great to know that my music is being appreciated by older artist; people in general for that matter. Me watching myself in blogs, videos, etc. is just a great feeling. I still have a long way to go and I still have big plans so I know that the exposure can only be better from here on out.

What is your response when people say New York Hip-Hop isn’t as strong as it used to be ?

I think so much pressure is put on New York artists because it is the mecca and so many great artists have derived from here. Some people just aren’t ready for change. There won’t be another KRS-One or Biggie or Jay-Z. Those guys were the best during their eras. As I said, music is evolving and people may not be ready for that but I think New York Hip Hip or Hip Hop in general for that matter is becoming stable again.

If you are to pick a track off “Let Me Introduce Myself as a fan, which one will you single out as a classic ?

Well obviously I like all the tracks there. I’d have to say “Last Hope” honestly man. I like all the tracks on the mixtape obviously but that track is the track that I think everyone can relate to and really feel. It’s filled with raw emotion and the message of the track is basically everyone has a purpose for the goal that they are trying to pursue or have pursued. How hard you work is what will determine if you can achieve your goal which will ultimately help you reach the satisfaction you seek in accomplishing your purpose.

Random Questions…

3 Words that describe your fashion style ?

Unorthodox, Vibrant, Sane. lol…

3 Favourite designers/brands ?

Christian Audigier, Nike(Dunks), Polo.

Any Shout Outs…?

Shout out to you guys for the interview, Buzz, Dru, Hardyworks Ent.

Thank you! You have heard it all from the horse’s mouth. Now you know why he is called D.Julien and I am sure by now you know this young talented MC has so much to offer the industry. Make sure you check D.Julien out on his myspace page, show him some love and spread the word. Finally, click the image below to download his mixtape, the tape is also available for download on his myspace page.

Download: D.Julien – Let Me Introduce Myself

It Was All A Dream, The Nigerian Hip-Hop Blog & D.Julien.

Tags: D.Julien, Let Me Introduce Myself