D-Stat one of the hardest working MCs emerging from the Carolinas

Donnell D-Stat “Don’t forget the dash” Staten has been on a mission since emerging on the NC underground scene in early July. He first appeared with his Store Run EP and 2 weeks later he would release his Drench Prince mixtape and has been grinding ever since. Yesterday he released the visuals for his new single Envy NC. His first ever music video.

This comes just days after dropping his first single “The Plot.” A song that comes across as ultra genuine in a time where rap is probably in its least genuine state.

‘I ain’t got no story bout some nigga gettin’ shot

I ain’t got no story bout some nigga gettin’ robbed

I just got some stories bout when I ain’t have a job’

 

The hook speaks to the people who suffer through hard times outside of the streets. The songs’ themes revolve around trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to when faced with poverty.

 

His second single Envy NC pays homage to the state that adopted him while he reflects on harder times and boasts better times

‘I remember when I use to walk to work to flip a fish

Now I’m quick to pull up on a bitch, Yeah!’

Both tracks are available on SoundCloud and will be included on his upcoming 3rd EP ‘Off the Top’

 

Introducing D-Stat  

The New York native has been stoic on his approach to the music industry. Being relatively silent on Social Media while honing his craft and releasing music.

 

“My strategy really was to see what I could do with nothing, basically. And in the meantime get better.”

 

The young artist wants to get his reps in and doesn’t see why he can’t share his journey with the world. He strives to build his career and his brand with authenticity.

 

“When people look back at my career. I want them to see where it all started. I want them to see how much I grew and developed. I want my die-hard fans to say, ‘I remember when.,’

 

Everything that has come from D-Stat has been done with minimal resources. An approach that many new artists shy away from.

 

“Everyone wants everything to be perfect and I’m just like, fuck that we coming now. You don’t know what people are going to like so while I’m getting my 10 in I can drop these tracks.”

 

His ‘10’ refers to the 10,000 hours required to become a pro.

 

“Since I have to put the work in at the studio anyway, I might as well build a fanbase while I’m at it, ya feel me?”

 

NYC to NC

 

New York is the birthplace of hip-hop and many of its artists, including D-stat. Brooklyn born His mother moved him to Warsaw NC, a small town in Duplin County, in 2002 after the 9/11 attack.

 

“She was scared. Shit everyone was scared, it was a crazy time in history. She didn’t want anything to happen.”

 

When asked what his experience was like coming from Brooklyn to Duplin County he didn’t hesitate.

 

“A roller coaster! Being from New York I was already a target. People wore their stereotypical glasses and judged me as soon as they saw me. I met some people and built a bond with them. People still hated but I met some real ones. NC adopted me.”

 

D-Stat the artist

 

 

“I represent what’s under the mask. I’m that part of you that you want to hide. I own up to whatever, and I’m always ready for smoke.”

 

When asked about his musical influences he spoke highly of Chicago rapper Chief Keef.

 

“Chief Keef is a big inspiration for me. Nobody did it like him. His music feels so authentic! It’s like, this is my life, this is who I am. It was raw.”

 

The drill rapper has had ripple effects throughout the music industry both here in the states and abroad. New rappers have made jokes of past pioneers in the craft, it’s refreshing to see an emerging mc show respect.

 

What’s next

D-Stat has a lot planned for the future as far as music goes, but a recent tragedy has turned his attention to other avenues.

“Florence hit Duplin County pretty hard. They saying like 6 people died because of the hurricane. I’m going down there to help get things back to the way they were. Help those who are in need and lost a lot during the storm. Right now there is a fundraiser on Facebook called the Duplin County Flood relief. If anyone wants to help they can do so by making a small donation there. But when things get clear I plan on hitting the streets and doing whatever I can to help.”

 

As far as music goes, I am dropping an Album Nov 25 called ‘King of The Fall.’ It will be my first major project and I won’t be cutting corners. I’m real excited about it and hope my fans are too. Until then I will continue to drop tapes and singles so I’m always on you guys mind.”

 

When I asked him is there any advice he wants to give to others out there like him, he simply said this.

 

“Man, live your truth.”