New York City is home to the competitors, and Brooklyn’s HDBeenDope affirmed his fate in the rap genre before his label venerated him. “There is a lot in a name,” he explains during his pop-up at the Bowery Showroom. The lyricist’s new 9-track EP, What Can They Say (Extended), maintains a presence on New York radio with his branded mantra, “Learn and become better,” also known as Labb.
HDBeenDope seemingly began the year with thoughts on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ earlier radio announcement that New York artists were in “…last place” and utilized that criticism as fuel during the promotion of his track “Mad Man.” The newcomer has the support of a team headquartered in Manhattan and founded by New York native Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Roc Nation. “The biggest thing about Brooklyn is that it brings bold and brash personalities,” HDBeenDope tells The Knockturnal.
Following his breakthrough under the major “Mamba,” the rapper was eager to perform his latest single, “Can’t Get Rid of Me,” featuring Fergie Baby, while at his EP’s listening party. Together we learned about his songwriting’s essence, his take on the significance of 50 years of hip-hop, and more surrounding his development. Get to know HDBeenDope in our exclusive below.
Photo: Nickie Rose
The Knockturnal: What have you learned since the release of What Can They Say?
HDBeenDope: The biggest thing I have learned since the release of What Can They Say is that I am not crazy [laughs]. I think before the release of that project, I had a vision. Seeing the pieces slowly come together is one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed. As a creative, that is all you want to do. I create things, and I feel like right now, what I am doing is creating the life me and my people have been trying to live.
The Knockturnal: You danced and seemed to have a lot of fun in the “Can’t Get Rid of Me” music video featuring Fergie Baby. Describe your energy leading into the release of the EP, What Can They Say (Extended).
HDBeenDope: The energy going into the extended was very in your face. It is brash. The project’s first iteration ends with me saying, “We’ll be back.” You know? It was really forceful.
So, I wanted the music that came right after that to also be in your face. It was a statement. It is bold. That is where we are going! Even so, where we end with this extended project is bringing you to where we go next. This is the beginning.
The Knockturnal: For listeners outside New York who may not experience it, what should they know about the city’s drill scene?
HDBeenDope: I think the biggest thing to know about the drill scene in this city is that it stemmed from real things and experiences. The internet makes drill kind of seem like a fantasy. As somebody who has been on the ground, had conversations, and been around the culture, to now living in it, I know these are real people. These are kids, man.
The Knockturnal: The “Locked In” visual felt very Brooklyn. What do you want your fan base to know about your borough?
HDBeenDope: The biggest thing about Brooklyn is that it brings bold and brash personalities. That’s the most prominent [characteristic]. It is like you are born with a chip on your shoulder. I am from Brooklyn! When I leave Brooklyn, that is what I tell people. Wherever I go, they know.
Photo: Roc Nation
The Knockturnal: Mr. Carter is known as your hometown’s hero. Do you feel responsible for putting on for the city, considering you have Roc Nation behind you?
HDBeenDope: I feel responsible for staying true to the message. Before I started [getting recognition], and any of us got near the position I am in, or anybody cared about me, I had an idea of what I wanted to do. I knew where I wanted to be. So, as long as I stay true to that, I feel good about what is going on musically. You know?
The Knockturnal: Your “FreeVerses” YouTube clips emphasize that you care about your lyrical content. How important is continuously pushing your pen?
HDBeenDope: For me, I am a writer. At the core of this, I am a writer! It is important for me to continue to write and make things that I can feel proud of. That is the most important thing as an artist.
The Knockturnal: So, it is not strictly vibing…
HDBeenDope: Nah [laughs]! The vibes are important because it is music. I cannot stand strictly on that.
The Knockturnal: I get that [laughs].
HDBeenDope: Vibes are 100, but for me, you are going to understand that I paid attention to the writing, no matter what the song brings. It’s necessary.
The Knockturnal: What do you consider to be the most significant advice you have received since signing your deal?
HDBeenDope: Wow! Essentially, I think it was, “Work as if none of the things that you have around you are yours.” You know? I heard, “Still work as if you are in the basement.” Even beyond that, all of the moments that happen while you are on the climb are the moments that matter the most.
I think everyone in the game is focused like, “Okay, we are going here,” or “We need to go there.” I have been in a place of trying to appreciate the moments that I am in.
The Knockturnal: This year marks 50 years of hip-hop. What does this mean to you?
HDBeenDope: Fifty years of hip-hop is fire because the culture is so young, but it has already changed so many lives. This is American history! It is not a matter of it being beneficial to just some people. Again, this is American history — the world [sees] hip-hop as a crux of that. I believe that alone is beautiful.
The Knockturnal: What would you like those becoming acquainted with your music to know about you?
HDBeenDope: The biggest thing I want people to understand with me is this… L-A-B-B. Labb is the message. That is what everything I do is centered on. It stands for “Learn and become better.” It is always about personal evolution. You are going to learn something every day. It can be something simple or super complex.
If you are not taking the things you are learning to make yourself better in any way, then there is no real point in learning. The music is centered on that. I am somebody who is going through this life, taking what he has learned and documenting it. That is what I want people to understand about me.
