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.
Brooklyn rapper HDBeenDope has unveiled his latest single “Locked In” with multi-platinum producer Dizzy Banko. With the rapper’s signature high-energy style over booming beats and a lyric video to pair with it, the highly anticipated single arrives on the heels of its impressive viral explosion on Tik Tok which continues to amass millions of views.
Recently HDBeenDope hosted a listening party in New York City to celebrate his latest project.
Friends and fans gathered at Daily Paper’s Flagship store in New York City to celebrate HDBeenDope’s newest collaborative project, produced entirely by Earl On The Beat, titled Side A: The Preface. Excitement and good vibes were in the air as everyone showed out to support HD’s latest release. The event featured complimentary cocktails courtesy of D’usse, Millhouse NYC was on the ones and twos and Goldie Harris hosted the intimate the affair. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great night especially when HD took center stage and started playing his project for everyone. It was clear from HD’s performance just how much thought and care he put into it. We event got to catch up with HD at the end of the night regarding his new project.
The Brooklyn native’s latest project Side A: The Preface is a 4-track EP with features from Roc Nation artists Maeta and Landstrip Chip. HD views this project as just the beginning and wants this project to serve as his introduction to the world. In addition to releasing the new project HD also dropped a new music video for his track “Hold It Down” featuring Landstrip Chip. Not only did HD drop a new project he also performed at Rolling Loud at the end of last month and just finished up a college tour. Find out what else Hd had to say in our exclusive interview below:
The Knockturnal: At what age did you start experimenting with music?
HDBeenDope: I probably started fucking with music at about 9. That’s when I got introduced to 50 Cent.That was like the start of it. I started writing raps in this little book that I got that my third grade teacher gave me. She said I was a good writer. She gave us a journal.
The Knockturnal: How important do you think it is to be a good writer if you want to be an artist?
HDBeenDope: I feel like at the core of this music shit, people need sh*t that they’re going to feel. But the core, the shit that’s really going to last and stick with you, the writing got to be something. They have to be saying something that makes you feel something. Give me feelings, that’s necessary.
The Knockturnal: What would you say are the three biggest highlights of your career so far?
HDBeenDope: Definitely first 10,000 views on Youtube. First show in Paris, and the first time I made some sh*t that I was really proud of. Like it meant something to me.
The Knockturnal: Can you tell me about your new project? How important is it to have people you know and love on this project?
HDBeenDope: This project was different in a sense that everything was about getting uncomfortable. Normally I’m making all the beats and mixing and doing everything inside my bedroom. I wanted to get with a producer because one it’s forcing me outside of my comfort. I’m not the one who is behind the board the whole time. I’m not in control. I’m giving up control to someone, so that was different. Then being around my friends and making music was different. I normally make all my songs in my bedroom, finish them and then it goes out and the people around me say oh word ok that came out. This was the first time I was making music and playing it for my friends.
The Knockturnal: Who are some music influences?
HDBeenDope: 50 cent was the start, then Lil Wayne, and then J. Cole.
The Knockturnal: Can you tell me the meaning behind the title of your project Side A: The Preface?
HDBeenDope: This is the beginning, this is what is going to introduce me to the world. This is the one to do that and put the footsteps down.