Sam Pain: The Voice The City Never Knew It Had
This is Sam Pain,
Early in 2023 I was cycling back through the city’s trap hits which had laid the foundation for the current “free car” scene and I stumbled upon a classic, “That Life” by Sam Pain featuring the late Swipey. The difference being this time I paid closer attention to the verse by Sam Pain, here I spotted a level of lyricism the city isn’t usually noted for, and we’re talking about a song that dropped 8 years ago…Intrigued by Pain’s swag and vivid lyricism, I searched him on YouTube to find more of his latest work and I wasn’t disappointed, I had found yet another underground artist to champion in the DMV’s rap scene.
Almost on time, I had seemed to just catch his new wave of getting back into music, given he’s dropped 3 tapes this year alone, among these three tapes is a crazy collaboration with Detroit artist, Babyface Ray , “Sh*t Get Risky”. In the music video, we see Pain bring Ray to his hood and surround the Detroit artist with love, with his whole hood and his family behind him, its clear Pain is a neighborhood hero for many. In his music, Pain speaks vividly about the pressures of being on the grind and finding his way through his battle between the streets and the music industry.
With the quality of production being so high in his music, I wondered why the city hasn’t been embracing him as much as I feel they should. It’s clear that a faster trap scene dominates the genre of the city right now, and I also believe his music isn’t meant for everyone. His music speaks to a specific type of listener, someone who can relate to his tales of pursuing wealth, success and rising above the obstacles of the ghetto. I think a good example of a song which displays my point further is “But Imma Keep Going” featuring Samuel Shabazz (a underground Detroit Artist frequently featured on projects with some of the currently hottest artist from that area: Veeze, Babyface Ray, etc.). As you listen and dissect the song, both verses similarly refer to each artists’ perspective of how they continue to humble themselves amongst their successes and losses and try to keep their energy protected from the many distractions and hinderances which may lay in their way of maintaining their hustle. I believe the line “Toast Up, Let’s Keep Going” is a perfect choice of word to include in the chorus, bringing back the main feeling that most can expect when you turn on a song by Pain.
As for now, Pain continues to drop music potent with themes of perseverance and going after whatever your goal is in life. He’s a great play when riding around the city, something to turn you up and remind you that the problems which may arise should always be charged to the game. I’m looking forward to seeing more from him in 2024, and with the current level of consistency and networking he’s doing in the industry, I’m sure his break is only a matter of time.
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Deemuney
With Lyrics That Vividly Paint The Ups and Downs of Hustling, Deemuney Carves Out His Own Lane in Rap, Better Described as “Microwave Music” . He Sat Down with Us to Talk More About His Journey in Rap and His Perspective on The Culture.
With Lyrics That Vividly Paint The Ups and Downs of Hustling, Deemuney Carves Out His Own Lane in Rap, Better Described as “Microwave Music” . He Sat Down with Us to Talk More About His Journey in Rap and His Perspective on The Culture.
Q: Influences Growing Up?
A: “As far as music, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Jeezy. That’s about it.”
Q: How did you start rapping?
A: “I’ve been rapping since I was 4 years old. I took it serious about a year ago. I’m a hustler. Rapping wasn’t really on my mind but I got back into it because other people around me wanted to see me win and they know I have a story to tell. I remember when I was younger, I used to freestyle, rap, and listen to music such as Lil Wayne and Bow Wow. I always been around music my whole life. My family did it. “
How does it feel being underrated right now, how do u stay consistent?
A: “I don’t really pay attention to the views. I used to get mad but I have to keep working. I’m about to switch it up. I can’t pay attention to the views because the audience is going to have their opinion regardless. I do feel as if I get overlooked. I’m just worrying about perfecting my work ethic and staying consistent.”
What is your creative process?
A: “I don’t write. I’m authentic. Whatever I’m saying, 10 times out of 10, it’s going to be real. It’s going to be 100 percent. There aren’t going to be any flaws. I talk about stuff that I’m around everyday, things that I’ve been through, things that I’m dealing with, things that my people are dealing with, situations that we are trying to get out of, things we did. Everything is off the dome. I don’t write anything. All I have to do is hear the beat, if I’m feeling it, then we’re working with something.”
What is GMS (Geraldine Money Set)?
A: “GMS comes from the streets. I started the movement about 3 years ago. We have a lot of shirts made, that’s when I got back in the booth and said I wanted to create my own label. It’s more to GMS than what y’all think. It’s not just me and Paco. I have artists from where I’m from and I have some people who don’t rap that are GMS. They’re 100 percent staying part of it. That’s just the movement right now. That’s what I want to establish and make a way out the” trenches for me and my people.
What are 3 good songs you suggest for people to get a good understanding of your sound?
A:
1 .Game Over
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Smoke Chapo
Smoke Chapo, Is One of The Most Versatile Artist Leading DC’s Emerging Underground Scene, As One of The Leaders of The New Wave, He Touts Lyrics That Give A New Swag To Trap Music.
Smoke Chapo, Is One of The Most Versatile Artist Leading DC’s Emerging Underground Scene, As One of The Leaders of The New Wave, He Touts Lyrics That Give A New Swag To Trap Music.
Q: How was your upbringing ?
A: “I grew up like everybody in the hood, I had it hard, trying to make the struggle look good. Growing up, I really came from poverty, a lot of people wouldn't know, but I really had times where I had to stay in a shelter. I feel like I've experienced every struggle DC has forreal. As I got older things got better, mom started figuring things out and so did I.”
Q: How did you start rapping?
A: “I rapped for fun when I was young. As I got older, I was around a lot of people I saw rapping, and I'd give them advice to make their work better. After a while I got tired of giving out game and not seeing people take advantage of it, and through that I began to do it myself. In 2018,I had a lot of time in the house when facing my gun case, and I just spent a lot of time tampering with my sound, remixing a lot of old hits. It was Mike James who saw my drive and would let me rock out in the studio and allow me to experiment with my craft. The sessions with Kidd (Upt Kidd) and my cousin Lee (Migo Lee), where I would see how comfortable and locked in they were recording. I became more comfortable. Whenever I was bored, I would go fuck with Kidd and practice my flow and get it in. I prolly wouldnt be who i am if it wasn't for him, in a way he made Smoke Chapo.”
Q: How do you stay on top of your game and keep a steady buzz as one of the city's leading rappers?
A: “It's all about perseverance. At the beginning it was hard, when everybody started to know about me and my name was buzzin all over the city. When I started to go anywhere, people used to notice me, especially being in the ghetto, I could tell people would see me and salute me. I acknowledge people and appreciate people showing love as my humble self, I had a lot of moments where people were starstruck by me or asked for a picture. It's really been crazy because I remember when I used to practice these moments in the mirror. However, You can never get too caught up in your status, your time is everything.”
Q: What is YGM? Or “Youngins Gettin Money”?
A: “Me and my friends started YGM in 6th grade, at first we were just kids who loved to stay clean at school. We got inspiration from Swipey and the trouble squad back then,and spiraled from that. A couple of us rapped back then, but eventually it died down. Fast forward 2020, I started shooting videos and I got back on it, YGM the label. I went ahead and put it on paper, so we really YGM incorporated, I'm standing on it.”
Q: Artist you wish to work with?
A: “On the industry tip, I wanna work with Babyface Ray or Brent Faiyaz. On the street tip, I wanna work with my man Leek OTG, it's not out of my reach, but we be so caught in the grind we don't get music. Another artist I wanna hear more music from, even if we don't work together, is Deemuney.”
Q: What are three songs you suggest people check out to get a good idea of your sound?
A: “I’d say “FatSwagg”, “Fraternity” and “Fuccn Da Goat”.”
1. “FatSwagg”
2. “Fraternity”
Q: What are your plans for 2023?
A: “2023 Ian gon lie i got some important features on the way, working with some major platforms and YGM exotics and apparel otw. I'm pushing my men this year.”
Q: Pass the torch who are 3 artist we should watch out for in 2023 in your opinion?
A: “KP Skywalka (@skywalkalaflarekp) , Leek OTG (@leeky13th) and Paco Panama (@paco_panama) for sure.”
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BeDifferentMedia
Meet the eye behind many of the visuals taking the DMV by storm.
Meet the eye behind many of the visuals taking the DMV by storm
Q: How was your upbringing?
A: “Growing up it was rough, but my mom kept things going for me. She was strict, but she did as much as possible to make sure I was in the right places. She helped me become more mature and I'm thankful for the fun and all the things I experienced as they made me who I am. I always remembered the goal was to make it out the hood and I made my mind on what I wanted to do to get out.”
Q: Who influenced you to pick up a camera?
A: “I never really had any influences. I always liked taking pictures ,but when covid hit there was no sports or anything, so one day I called my man and offered to shoot a video for him. As life went on and I saw success, I would find inspiration in other cameramen in the city but mostly I picked up the camera and went where it took me. “
Q: When did you realize you could take your videography to another level?
A: “I didn't have time to really think too hard, things went up so fast,I'm only going into year 3. Every opportunity that came my way I took advantage of and god has continued to lay the blessings for me.”
Q: What helps you with your creative process?
A: “My struggle, at first I was in it for the money, it was something better than what I could've been doing with my friends. I always was the one saying no, trying to do something different. I found photography as an opportunity to get out and live a better life and I let that guide my work.”
Q: How can you describe how you stay on top of your creative game?
A: “I was always an experimental person, so I keep myself open to every opportunity to get better and think outside the box.”
Q: How is it working in atlanta?
A: “Moving to Atlanta put me in a different tax bracket of videographers, vibes and music. I knew I had to step up my game, and I spent weeks in the house not leaving until I bettered my craft. Being down here, I got the chance to be in rooms and network with some of the biggest names. Everyday in Atlanta is a new experience, I love the opportunities it brought me ,and I can't complain.”
Q: What do you want people to feel when they watch a different media video or movie?
A: “I want them to really see the quality, and artistry. I want to leave people with visuals that keep viewers attentive. Every artist who I shoot for, I talk to them about what their goals are for the video and work to help them bring their ideas to life.”
Q: Realizing the tons of local rappers you have shot for and built relationships for, how does it feel to be on the pulse of the area's upcoming rap scene?
A: “It's crazy because a lot of people never get a chance to do what I do at such a young age. I realized and recognized the power of having my position. I remember when Fat Trel and I shot our first video, my teacher woke me up after being asleep in class and they threw my video on the board, and everyone hyped me up. It's definitely been lit, a lot of people don't believe me when I tell them who I've shot videos for.”
Q: I see lots of collaborations or spending a lot of time around MGE, how is that relationship?
A: “Those my guys, I met them in 2021. It was always good business, always loyalty and good work being done. When we started from the business standpoint, it eventually grew into a great relationship because we saw the bigger picture. I was able to extend my creative ability by working with the freedom they gave me to create videos and I’m grateful for our relationship.”
Q: What are your goals for 2023?
A: “2023 Ya’ll gonna see some of the biggest collabs, DMV taking over forreal! Definitely expect some new stuff from me and Midas (@bchmidas), me and Valley Visions (@iamvalleyvisions) and definitely me and Housepartii (@houspartii). I wanna do more branding and I plan on releasing merchandise. I wanna hop deeper into my creative bag and show how much potential the youth of the city really have.”
Paco Panama
Paco Panama, is one of the most notable names responsible for ushering in a new DMV underground wave, breathing fresh air into the local rap scene. We sat down with him to learn more about his music and the inspiration behind his sound.
Paco Panama, is one of the most notable names responsible for ushering in a new DMV underground wave, breathing fresh air into the local rap scene. We sat down with him to learn more about his music and the inspiration behind his sound.
Q: How was your upbringing ?
A: “Growing up everything was cool for the most part, I really leaned on my mother and my grandmother. My father was incarcerated most of my life, he just came home about two years ago. I was more into sports coming up, mainly basketball, I jumped off the porch in my teenage years.”
Q: Who are the artists who influence you?
A: “Growing up my family was into music other than rap, it was my aunt Jamie who introduced me to rap, letting me listen to Natural Born Killer By Scarface, I was only 5. Throughout the years, I would look to her to know what was new in rap, 2pac would be the man of that time. Everyone in my family would love listening to his music, by the time i got older, I would know songs word for word from them playing him all the time. When it would come time for me to find the artist that i liked, I ran into the “Hotboys”. Really the whole cash money wave would inspire me, in 8th grade my friends and I would swear we were the hot boys. I also listened to a lot of Jay Z .
Q: How did you start rapping?
A: “I started off with poetry, while my father was incarcerated, I would write him letters containing poetry. I would also often write my mother poems expressing how I felt about her, it was cool and I know they still have a few to this day. Combined with my love for music that would help me transition into writing my own raps.”
Q: How has it been being an artist rapping for a while, just beginning to see your buzz?
A: “Professionally I started rapping in 2014, I had played with rap before I decided to take it seriously and honestly I felt like I was holding myself back with inconsistency. It feels good because I know where I come from, where I’m at and where I’m going. It feels good to be recognized as one the hottest in the city, some people rate me #1 but it feels good to even be in the conversation.”
Q: What helps with your creative process?
A: “I try to find things that I like, not specifically what everyones trying to hear. I'm a creative person, and I know what I like and I have a specific ear for it. I truly put passion in my music, a lot of it is like diaries forreal, when I rap I really want to paint a vivid picture. I pride myself on that my style grabs the attention of the older and younger crowds, because I didn't expect such a reaction. I was going against the current trends of the city and I’m happy to see the reaction from everyone. When I dropped “1008 Grams", the reaction was like it was a breath of fresh air, everyone described it as different. I just want to take that old rap sound and mix it with our new style.”
Q: How has Washington, DC been key in your upbringing and how does it contribute to your music?
A: ““Hell yeah, the city gives me everything I rap about for real. It turned me into the man I am today. I feel like if you can make it here, you could make it anywhere.”
Q: What is STR8 DROP Music?
A: “It's Str8 Drop Records. It's a record label. Me and my brother are co CEO’s on that label. There’s no paperwork, but we got a lot of names under our umbrella - Smoke, OTG Leek, Deemuney, KP and me. Everybody’s coming different, but we all have a similar vibe, and at the same time, ushering in that new sound.”
Q: What are your plans for 2023?
A: “2023, Im dropping a tape called “The Wire Vol. 1” (OUT NOW), after that we're coming with a bigger collective tape with everybody on that joint.”
Q: What are three songs you suggest people check out to get a good idea of your sound?
A:
2.”Spawn”