By Sonia Schnee | Posted Sunday, April 15, 2018
Last month, Newark, NJ indie emcee/lyricist DBM a.k.a. Dane The Beautiful Monster debuted his new single, "Slow Money," off of his upcoming album, From Ashes Rose A King (#FARAK). Produced by Youseesounds, this "blue collar hip-hop anthem" premiered on Ghettoblaster Magazine. Check out our interview with DBM below to learn about his personal journey, musical influences, and the inspiration behind his music.
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
DBM™, I am born and raised in little lovely America. I currently reside in sunny Newark, NJ aka Babylon.
Tell us about your music. How would you describe your sound? Where do you record? Who are your influences, musically?
My music is a cocktail of sonically rich, motivational sermons, shaken up vigorously with the sour of my socio-political outlooks and the sweet succulence of my truth-telling charm. I record at the SMOKEHOUSE studio in Newark and at various other studios within the 5 boroughs. Musically, I am inspired by Michael Jackson/Bob Marley/Jay Electronica/Beastie Boys/Rakim/Bobby Blue Bland/Nas/Lauren Hill/Mos Def/George Clinton/DMX/Amy Whinehouse/Jay-Z/Sam Cooke/Master P/Otis Redding/Currency/Ron Isley/Childish Gambino.
What's the meaning or inspiration behind some of your songs? How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
My new album #FARAK (From Ashes Rose A King) is a mixture of war songs & love songs. The inspiration is to create a dialogue about life and death and modern times on Earth 🌏. When people listen to it, I want them to feel a sense of what the fuck is this shit, as they ingest my sonic secretions. I am here for the greater good, and I am going to do horrible things to see that good manifest itself.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started with music? What's been your personal journey? Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day?
Music came to me in the womb. My mother & father were playing that soul for 9 months. I started this the day I was born. With Hip-Hop as a medium, I realized early on I could make people listen. I have a rare charm, and it plays well over a break beat. My journey is like many American, brown-skinned males. It plays out like an 80s action film. I seen some shit, it tried to kill me, I lived, now I am pissed and hell-bent on revenge. I am open to collaborating. No one really inspires me like Jay Electronica. He makes music for thinkers and flips the bird to dumbasses that don't get it. He is a Hero. The rest a these fuckas is ok.
What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?
Little muthafucka don't kill yourself!!!!! After the suffering comes enlightenment, wait for it young Homie, wait for it.
What's next on the horizon for you? Do you have any shows coming up? Plans for your next album?
New Album #FARAK this year. Touring shit hole bars, death trap clubs with metal detectors that don't work, as well promiscuous, young, rich people parties. You know, doing my community service.
Finally, how can people find you online?
Twitter - @TheACRCFounder
IG - Danethebeautifulmonster
SoundCloud- Soundcloud.com/Thebeautifulmonster