An Exclusive Interview with Music Artist HDBeenDope
HDBeenDope is an artist from Brooklyn, New York. Founder of the collective Labb Rat, HD is often candid and vulnerable in his music. He has released 3 projects since 2013. The most recent project is MixTape ‘PHeace Be The Journey’. We recently interviewed him for our magazine.
Twist Online : First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
HDBeenDope : I started posting music on the internet when I was 13. I took music seriously when I was 16. I made my first dollar off music when I was 19.
Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to launch Labb Rat?
HDBeenDope : I wanted something with which my fans and I could identify. I came up with a bunch of corny names. But Labb Rat stuck because it fit me and it means something more. 9/10 I’m in the crib or “the lab” working on music. Labb Rat is also an acronym for Learn And Become Better, Receive And Think. Two phrases I apply to my life everyday.
Twist Online : Tell us about your recent MixTape ‘PHeace Be The Journey’?
HDBeenDope : PHeace Be The Journey is a project I released in November, I worked on it for about a year. All mixtapes are a summary of my life in between projects, this one follows suit. I discuss all things on it, such as, being on tour, self doubt, women, growth, patience, etc.
Twist Online : We know each and every track of the MixTape is important for you but any particular track that you really loved working on?
HDBeenDope : Love or Pressure because those songs are completely original pieces and I remember where I was for the conception of each of those ideas. I still have the voice memos for those melodies on my phone.
Twist Online : What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
HDBeenDope : Definitely performing more than the studio. The only thing I like about making music is the conception of an idea and listening to the final results all the work in between can be gruesome at times, but worth it of course. When it comes to performing, I love every aspect of it. From the control to interacting with people, hearing people say my words, everything is dope about it.
Twist Online : What’s your favorite music genre?
HDBeenDope : I listen to Hip-Hop primarily but I love music, I’ve got songs from Johnny Cash to Beres Hammond in my library.
Twist Online : Are you inspired of someone in the music industry?
HDBeenDope : Yea Kendrick, Cole, Drake, etc. Can’t say I’m the biggest fan but I love Russ’ come up, the “F everybody I only care about the fans” that he’s on has been my mentality since 2012 so it’s dope to see someone with that.
Twist Online : Have you set some target to achieve as a music artist?
HDBeenDope : Yea my main focus right now is to become a touring act. I have plenty of goals but that’s definitely an immediate goal.
Twist Online : Are you currently working on any other project?
HDBeenDope : I have a lot of ideas for the new project but I’ve yet to begin recording, I want to upgrade my studio set prior to doing so. In the mean time, I’m just making music for the sake of doing it, something I haven’t done in a while.
Twist Online : Are you active on social media? What’s the best way to follow you online?
HDBeenDope : Yea I’m on everything follow me @HDBeenDope
Thanks it was a really nice conversation. For further updates and the info on the artist you can visit the following
Twitter: @HDBEENDOPE
Facebook – HDBEENDOPE
Instagram – HDBeenDope
Youtube – HDBeenDope
Tumblr -hdbeendope.com
