His story is one of great triumph. Even as a new artist, Dash Flash is no stranger to the hip-hop world. That, of course, is because this past summer, he had a huge hit with Lil’ Wayne titled “Click”. The song was beyond infectious, and instantly caught on with millions of hip-hop fans. He’s since released a handful of new songs, and is well on his way to becoming a bonafide hip-hop star. Pretty amazing, considering he’s still fairly new to the game. He spent the last few years fighting, literally, for our country in the military. Looking to make a better way for himself, that seemed to be his way out, but his passion and faith ultimately led him right back to music. The experience surely allowed him to build a tremendous amount of discipline, which is now helping him in his career.
In our exclusive, Dash Flash talks about his time in Kuwait, how he got started with rap in the first place, and how he arrived at the point where he’s riding the way with a smash hit featuring Lil’ Wayne. He also gives us a glimpse into the future of his career and what he’s got lined up.
U.G. Digital Mag: This is really good to connect man, because you’re out there building such a strong presence. You have music circulating with Lil’ Wayne which is something so many have been waiting for. We’ll definitely talk about that, but talk about your music and how you got started.
Dash Flash: It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I really started with free styling, and rap battling. I was doing really good, and was undefeated in my area. I decided to start making songs. Battling wasn’t going the direction I wanted. I’ve since been learning abut mixing, mastering, and getting the music out there.
U.G. Digital Mag: What has that process been like for you with building your brand? It’s not always as easy being a new artist.
Dash Flash: I’ve been investing heavy in myself. I’ve been talking to promoters, managers, and people who are already into the game. I’ve been surrounding myself with people who are successful. I’ve lost a lot of friends who did not really understand the route it takes. I was willing to take that sacrifice.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’ve experienced it now, but that happens along the way. Everyone’s not necessarily ready to put in the same amount of work. It’s good you speak on investing in yourself. That’s the key to getting people to recognize. A lot of people don’t get it.
Dash Flash: That’s right. I lost relationships, friendships, and like I said, I joined the military because a lot of my friends took a different route. A lot of them ended up behind bars. At first, going to the military, I thought I had made a bad decision, but now I’m able to invest to where I can be seen by label executives, producers, and other artists. It’s a blessing
U.G. Digital Mag: What has been the thing that has allowed you to maintain the faith. As good as things seem, I know trouble has been there.
Dash Flash: Just my passion. My quote that I say, I got from Steve Jobs, “As Individuals, we can only be successful at what we love doing”. If you don’t love what you do, how would you be successful? It’s a lot of people who are afraid to pursue their dream or what they love, and because of that they are not happy. They know what they want but they are afraid to purse it. They’re afraid to be a singer, dancer, or that doctor who has to put in 14 years of college. Everyone has different dreams. After being deployed in Kuwait, I realized how lost I was, and being there helped me find myself. I realized how important and vital it is to go out and chase your dream.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’re happy because going to work isn’t work. You’re doing what you love.
Dash Flash: Exactly. That’s one of the things we really push here with the magazine and site. Doing what you love and following your passion is when you really start to live.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’re obviously very disciplined, having been in the military, but what gave you the drive to really pursue this?