1.) We’re happy to be spending a little time today with respected rap artist Dezzy Hollow; greetings and salutations, Dezzy! Before we dive down the proverbial rabbit hole, how has your 2022 been treating you thus far?
So far, this year has been a good start for me. I’ve released three singles since the start of the year- two being on the album. I dropped a video called “Bounce” with WC in January, and I’m getting ready to release a project called “One Nation Under The Funk.”
2.) Major congratulations are in order for your upcoming album One Nation Under Funk which is set to drop on April 15! At this stage in your career, do you still get nervous right before an album release?
I get nervous, but I also get very focused and dialed in. I really listen to the project back-to-back a million times before I drop it. There’s a lot of detail that goes into the way it flows, beginning to end. Background sounds and skits are always added over the course of the project being completed. Even after I turn it in, I feel like there could’ve been more things added.
3.) What was the genesis of One Nation Under Funk? How did this brilliant album come into being?
I released my first Funk project in December of 2020 called “Can You Handle The Funk?” and it was different from anything I’ve ever put out before. It kind of created a format for “One Nation Under The Funk,” and it really brought anticipation for another one so I had a better Idea of how to create it.
4.) You lined up a great group of musical collaborators for One Nation Under Funk such as Suga Free, WC and Lil Rob. Was it difficult to line everyone’s schedules up to get them aboard this album?
Having collaborators on the album that I listened to growing up is the best part about this project for me personally, being able to create with them. Getting them on the album was difficult, but I feel like if I hadn’t come this far and put the work in, it would’ve been that much harder.
5.) One Nation Under Funk is being promoted as being a bridge between Old-School and New-School. Do you feel like that’s a fair summary of your new work?
“One Nation Under The Funk” is the sound of New-Age Funk influenced by the greatest to ever do it over the years. From James Brown to The Gap Band to Funkadelic, and into the G-funk years of Nate, Snoop, Dj Quik, Battlecat and so on. I would say it’s the growth, or transformation of Funk.
6.) Who was your producer on One Nation Under Funk and what did that collaboration look like?
The album has many producers. I was able to get in the studio and create the instrumentals with all of the producers from California, but there’s a few from different countries that send me custom-made beats. It’s a real vibe when you’re in the studio and ideas are flowing from the artist and producer.
7.) For your money, what is your personal favorite tune on the new album?
I never really have a favorite song. It’s the full project- listening to it front to back. Maybe I’m biased. I like it all, but after it’s released, I go off what people are into.
8.) What do you hope fans walk away feeling after listening to One Nation Under Funk?
Creating the album: the lyrics, the beats, the melodies and the way it makes you feel. I want people to know that Funk never died or went away, it’s here and has transformed into something everyone can groove to- all ages.
9.) Can fans look forward to you going out on tour to promote One Nation Under Funk?
I would like to set up a tour soon. We are working on it, but I think when the time is right and things make sense, I would love to see and meet people supporting the Funk.
10.) You were born and raised in California. How does California inform you and your musical style?
Being from California, you have that exposure to West Coast influence, street politics, and cultures of different backgrounds. It gives me visions of good and bad scenarios, and things to talk about in my music. California is the home and birthplace of G-funk, and some of the greatest artists to have lived. There’s already influence just being from here.
11.) You’re music feels raw and visceral, unlike so many artists whose work feels overproduced. Is this deliberate on your part?
My music is very authentic and smooth. I don’t feel the need to use so many effects over my voice, having a more raw delivery on some songs makes the message a little more powerful.
12.) You’ve garnered a brilliant reputation within fan-circles of consistently and steadily releasing some amazing music. Is it at times difficult to keep up that sort of pace?
Being consistent at anything is difficult, but I try my best to stay on top of it with my team. Anything can work once, but playing the long-term game is hard work. You really have to have discipline and a plan.
13.) How is One Nation Under Funk similar to Can U Handle the Funk? How is it different?
“One Nation Under The Funk” is the next chapter of “Can U Handle The Funk.” It’s like the next episode of a series, but on a new level. It’s also a milestone and achievement with the collaborations and production- the best I’ve put out yet. It’s different. In a way, you could hear more melodies and flow switches than the previous project.
14.) Final – SILLY! – Question: What two things do you always have in your refrigerator?
I started the year really healthy and have been doing good. I always keep fruits and plant-based burgers in the fridge.