Phitted x DBNR

"Respect The Real, Eliminate The Fake"

             A few weeks after linking up with Brandy Staton Da Pr  out in Philadelphia, ByhandNYC had the chance to meet New Jersey native,  Phitted, of the acclaimed DBNR music group. ByhandNYC decided to take few hours out of the day to sit back and talk with him about his experiences and influences, music and future collaborations. At the time our meeting, Phitted took a brake from working on a new rhythm that he felt was influenced by Houston, Texas, and the wave of southern "trill" music (look out for that). Shortly after settling down, he discussed the memorable meaning behind the name and how he acquired it, along with some of the "addictions" that went into creating the meaning of DBNR, Drugs Beats N' Rhymes. The collective is comprised of producers, writers, videographers and graphic designs artist. Dbnrtakeover is a great place to find videos, and downloads of some of their work, as well as contact and booking information. Phitted mentioned that his recent move to Philadelphia was a good choice and opportunity to spread his music. "Right now I am making music for people to listen to, and vibe with in order to get myself out there," he says passionately.  
          Rapping since the age of 11, Phitted has continued to build his lyrical abilities for more than a decade. He also has ample production experience, "I have been making beats since fruityloops has been out" he explains, but prefers the realm of writing songs that are seemingly less time consuming than making beats. Phitted has an eclectic ear for music and strong regard for Jay-z. When asked what comes to mind when he thinks of a rapper, Phitted states " Jay-z would probably be someone who comes to mind for sure, he stands for the streets and raps about his experiences, but also carries himself the right way."  He blessed us with a few songs from an up-coming mix-tape, but one can find earlier tapes such as High off Life on Phittedmusic. Although he considers himself to be a "struggling artist", Phitted is overly ambitious and carries himself with humility, he is also one who can be engaging in conversation. 




Check out a few questions he answered : 

The influences behind DBNR?

Just taking negative energy and making it positive. Automatically, when anyone hears "drugs" their thinking something crazy- but I am here to express that other side. As human beings we all have our different addictions from time to time. Mine happens to have always been music. 

What are you currently working on with any particular artist?

"Drugged In Zombieland" Is A Collaborative Project With another local artist from my area, Mike Zombie. He is getting a lot of love all over right now. "Drugged In Zombieland" is produced entirely by him. Very talented producer & MC, check him out. Also, I have another collaborative project with different artist In DBNR. @rT, P90-Rugar, Ect. Were Always Working.

Explain one accomplishment you have for 2012?

Well, with being In Philadelphia, now I just want to continue to link up with the right people and just keep building. I am meeting new people everyday. It is very inspiring for my music and career. I just want to keep reaching people the only way I know how: vibes and dope tunes. "Jedi Mind State." (Lol)

Any chance for us to see you in ByhandNYC soon?

Mos Def, soon as I saw the brand online I loved It. Lets set up a shoot!! Get my model game going!! (Haha)  

The Bridge is Broken - Positive Vibes

Hybrid Nation & Varsity Presents: The Bridge Is Broken 

Music By: DJ Infinit Performances By: Hybrid Nation, Varsity, Ikenna, and special guest 

Clothing&Art By: ByHandNYC and Fuazee Price: $10 
'

Age:18+

"This is more than a party, its an experience! Have drinks, chill, swag out, keep it a trillion, and join the movement thats breaking the bridge between cultures!"

Two flyers were created for this event! Same time and place, so do not miss out on a good show before the holidays.

Links: 

@Byhandoriginal

@BoogieVarsity

@cosstheboss

@Futurehimself92

@LoveHijackers

@okTidus

@jenevieve713

@Jaybakerjohnson

Check out our last show HERE!

Dana Johnson - Less Stress

Cover

Troy, of ByhandNYC, got a hold of the producer Dana Johnson for a few questions regarding his new ep "Less Stress." Dana has a happy attitude that compliments his style of music, and was willfully eager to get his music to the public. He has a particular vibrant sound, and a calm approach to making music. His initial goal was to reach over 1000 downloads a few days after the release, seems like the downloads went above and beyond expectations. Check out his interview with us and more!




"How long does it typically take you to make a song?


I mean it can come together fast, the song "legal alien" was made the night before I put out the ep. All I had was the drum pattern, put it down and chopped the sample beforehand. It came together so smooth, I always wanted 10, at that point i had 9 and like 3 possible ones to fill the void but it came together in like less then a hour. "Turks" came together quick, too, songs like "all i ever wanted," that took time for me


What inspires the make up of your sound? 

Honestly, everyday things, life experiences. Growing up in an urban environment (raised in East Orange, NJ), things like public transportation and the hustle&bustle of people walking down the streets..there's always a scene. It is kind of like that show Flight of the Concords, honestly. I'll be walking down the street, hear a natural rhythm or tempo and develop from the sounds of the city or my environment; and grab ideas for future beats. My parents had seriously different backgrounds musically..Mom from England, big on British Invasion and sounds from her homeland. Dad from Newark, serious jazz head, big into soul/funk/early hip hop. I had a super diverse soundtrack playing in my house growing up, which I guess is showing with my work. 

When did you begin producing? Has your style changed over time?

I've always had music as a part of my life, dating back to band class in middle school. I started taking my production serious the summer of 2010, when a couple of my friends started reaching out to me for inspiration for beats to rhyme over. I would direct them to different things I've come across, good instrumentals or breaks that could be developed. 

I feel like I'm starting to find my niche in what I like/don't like to, production-wise. I've got better with every beat I've made, I feel like you can hear it in Less Stress..which ones are earlier then others. With every beat and project, I get more comfortable with my sounds and my technique, while always looking for creative inspiration.

What are your future plans with Less Stress? Are you in the midst of collaborating with others?

I hope that Less Stress goes as far as people want it to. I get humbled when people I know reach out to show love..it's even more humbling when someone I've never came across goes out of their way to reach out and say thanks. I've had people that randomly stumbled upon the EP reach out, which is just awesome.

As far as collaborating with others, I'm always up to working with creative, like-minded people. Immediately after I dropped the EP, I got insane amounts of Twitter love ( @DanaJ_ ) from rappers wanting to rap over different beats from the tape. A few said they wanted to re-do the entire thing, which was an honor for me that someone wanted to work it from top to bottom. I have a select close set of friends that are starting to break out of their rapper shell, so you just may see a big camp movement from my people. Look out!"




Make sure to download his ep here!

If I Ruled The World

Brandy Staton is at again!
She will be hosting her annual birthday bash at  Club 27, in Old City Philadelphia.

Catering to the college and adult scene, Brandy is known for her unique style and everlasting energy.

Check her out on here!

Address: 27 S Banks St. Philadelphia, PA

18 to party 21 to drink!