Get To Know: Darq
Darq is an upcoming artist that is showing some potential of breaking out this year after winning the Underground Music Awards "Most Promising Male" Award this past year he is gearing up to put out a major release and we decided to get to know him a little more. Thanks J. Hatch.illRoots.com: Hey Darq, for those new to the movement, break down what you have going on.
Darq: Whats good illroots.com! The Darq movement is simple, it's bringing good music and the bx back to the forefront in hip hop. At this moment in time, we just finished up the "DarqRAW" album due for release soon hosted by Bedtyme357 and distributed by Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes
iR: Take us through the origin of the name.
Darq: Obviously, being caucasian and having the name Darq causes some controversy. It actually started as a joke and became so much more. On the block before I ever started rapping, I got into a fight with a homie that couldn't speak english very well. Instead of saying he was going to give me a black eye, he said he was going to dark my eye. Of course we had jokes for a long time and when I did start rapping I was considering going by the dark knight. A friend suggested I lose the knight bit, since its been done. Drop K up Q and Darq became.
iR: Lets talk about when hip hop first caught your attention. When did you know this was your calling?
Darq: I will never forget that moment. I was eleven years old when i stepped in my first cypher and even then I felt the hairs on my neck stand up. I knew right then and there I was destined for this.
iR: As you began your journey, who are some of the artists that have inspired you musically?
Darq: There have been many artists throughout the years that have inspired me. AZ tops my list, Nas, Jay Z, Eminem and of course Big Pun
iR: You have had a pretty good year in regards to gaining recognition for all your hard work. Lets start with the UMA for 'Most Promising Male'. Take us through your thought process as you were nominated, your promotions about the nomination then your eventual win.
Darq: In the beginning of the year and end of last year, I was grinding hard, so with all the ups and downs, I really wasn't even thinking of the UMA. Then I received a phone call that I might be up for a nomination. When the nominees came out and I saw I was nominated for most promising, I wasn't as surprised because of the year I had. Once the voting started, my campaign was crazy. My team and supporters rallied behind me. I was surprised how much love I received. The night of the awards I wasn't really expecting to win, I was just going with the flow. When the category came and they announced Darq the winner, the building went crazy. That is a moment that will never be forgotten
iR: How did it feel to be recognized and what do you think this can do to help your career?
Darq: To finally be aknowleged for doing what i love is an accomplishment in itself. As far as this helping my career, I think it was a stepping stone, but my career is always in my hands. If anything the light is shinning on Darq more now than ever. This is just the beginning but I was honored by the uma committee and I have a lot to prove why I'm most promising.
iR: Since the UMA's you have dropped a big record called 'BX' featuring an up and coming artist named Bugz and a Bronx OG , Cuban Link. The record was big on the sites, blogs and mixtapes as well. What was the purpose in dropping the record and what kind of feedback did you get from those who took the time to listen?
Darq: The purpose of doing the record from the start was to pay homage to Pun, but I've always been a fan of Cuban and that experience was one for the books. I also wanted the record to solidify Bugz and my position as bronx emcees. We were also part of a bigger movement and the sites embraced the song. The love has been a blessing for everyone involved.
iR: You also recently released your first full length video entitled 'Bronx to The Bay', whats the concept behind the video and what can viewers expect to experience?
Darq: Yes the "Bronx to the Bay" video was filmed, produced and directed by my homie Karte Fowler for 3a films, who has been a very big supporter in the Darq movement. The concept was to show me and Airis, a Bay area emcee who is featured on the song, trying to unify coast to coast for two areas that don't really have a lot of attention in hiphop right now. As far as what the viewers can expect is just two emcees coming together repping there homes to the fullest.
iR: I hear your working on your next mixtape, who will be hosting it? Who are some of the artists and producers you are collabing with?
Darq: Yeah the mixtape/ street album is called "DarqRaw, Risking it all willingly" it will be hosted by DJ Bedtyme357 also another big supporter of the Darq movement. It's currently in final stages. Some artists on the project are Cuban Link, Young Bugz, my home girl Ms FeFe on a song called "Rep yo City", Gifted of NAN on a song called "Bang Bang Bang" and Amy Davis on the title track "RAW". As far as producers Knowlege who produced several tracks, Sadge, Gunner, Will Wonder who produced Ryder", which I will be hitting the circuit with heavy on the performance side. It's all fire!
iR: Aside from all that's been discussed, what else do you feel it will take to get you to that next level of visibility?
Darq: Right now I feel consistency to remain on the same path and jump on the right opportunities. To always remain humble and just do all I know how to shine.
iR: Whats next for Darq?
Darq: I'm getting ready to wrap this project and move right in to the next one. I'm working on three new visual looks and the phones ringing for features left an right. I'm just going to keep the darqness spreading.
iR: Where can we find you online?
Darq: myspace.com/darqness
youtube.com/darqraw
facebook.com/darqraw
twitter.com/darqbxkid
iR: Any shouts?
Darq: To my kids, my family, and my supporters, I love you all. It's a blessing. Believe That.
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