OKLAHOMA'S OWN - DIK DASZTARDLY - ARTIST OF THE WEEK

ReverbNation www.reverbnation.com/smokelyfeent

This week's Oklahoma's Own Artist of the Week features Mr. Dik Dasztardly. While born in Oklahoma, Dik Dasztardly moved to Philidelphia with his family due to health issues he faced as an infant and grew up in Newark, New Jersey. Like most of us Oklahoma born, he found his way back to Oklahoma City where he continues to work on music while being a full time father to his children. In his words, "they keep me focused." While Mr. Dasztardly didn't want to reveal his age for this feature, he did say that he has been in the music game since he was Black Jack, or 21 years old. 

Twitter https://twitter.com/dikdasztardly

Growing up in the music era of artists like Naughty by Nature, Redman, Queen Latifah and Wu-Tang, it was artists like this that Dik Dasztardly credits his inspiration to, alongside the now deceased Tupac and Biggie. The era when artists were keeping music alive. To date Dik Dasz, has grown to acquire all aspects of the music industry, from producing to writing and even promoting, but stands firm that his first role will always be an artist. Because his life is Hip Hop, Dik Dasztardly places his work in the R&B genre, not leaving out the fact that he has also done some gospel music.

Relating his work to the likes of Kanye West, Dik Dasztardly is without a doubt a versatile artist. Backing away from the "commonality" of music today, he feels the music industry today is saturated with too many crabs in the barrel pulling each other down....his preference is to make music people listen to rather than dance to. If given the chance to work with any three artists, living or deceased, Dik Dasztardly notes Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles as the three artists of choice. In his words, "Mike is a kid at heart while Ray and Stevie see with closed eyes, which makes for a better picture of life."

Sound Cloud https://soundcloud.com/smokelyfe-ent

Not only is Dik Dasztardly a solo artist, he is, as he states, a part of Hip Hop. His click is known as Streetmade Records/Smokelyfe Ent. which consists of Dik Dasztardly wlong with M.A. and J-Ceaser the God. Going against the norm of what most artists look forward to in the music business, a major record deal, Dik Dasz says, he's not interested in a deal, his focus his on his children and starting his own label.

Bringing the focus back to his birthplace, Oklahoma is no stranger to up and coming artists. As far as talented hip hop artists is concerned, Oklahoma has it's fair share of artists and it's fair share of drama, so I asked a couple questions. First, I wanted to know how Dik Dasztardly views the hometown music scene. He sees alot of cloning, stating, " I bring originality and experience. I believe anyone can grab the mic and words come out,  but my concern in my music is the impact. I believe my music has a direct impact on my listener's, be it good or bad....mainly good though, I hope...lol."

In terms of Oklahoma beef (a.k.a. drama), Dik Dasz says, he's a vegetarian to their beef, lol. As quoted in his song, " And you don't want no problems Bee, I'll put your name in the obituary column sheets." And as quick as the question was opened, it was closed. No need to dwell on things you don't partake in personally. It is refreshing to see another humble and well rounded artist such as Dik Dasztardly. As far as advice for others that are serious about doing music, he keeps it short and simple, "Look before you leap."

FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/thesmokazklub

I will admit that I myself am a late-comer to the sound that is Dik Dasztardly, however, his work is not going un-noticed. With a unique East Coast sound here in the heart of the Mid-South, Dik Dasztardly is an artist to watch and listen for. I personally like the track "Daszpicable Me". He definitely brings a different sound to the Oklahoma Hip Hop scene, so check out the links and see for yourself.


Til next time, its ya girl Misses S.A.M., signing out!!!!