Daddy-O from the legendary group Stetsasonic is the latest act to tap into the WCS HipHop50 interview by our own “muzikscribe” Todd “DG” Davis. We’ve opened up to East Coast acts even though this is a West Coast site and it’s to show love to our brothers and sisters in Hip-Hop who have contributed to our culture. So with that said, we present the one and only Daddy-O! Read below!
First things first, this year (August 11th) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
To me, it means Hip Hop had the longevity we (the creators) believed in, and many did not. To stand the test of time speaks MAJOR volumes. I will say that in some of the celebrations I’ve seen, they make it seem like a funeral…I think it should be viewed as, we’re just getting started!
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I always looked at my contribution to Hip Hop (music) like an extension of the great black music that preceded me. So, yes, everything we achieve I imagined and more. I personally have ideas that haven’t been explored, etcetera.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories from your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Stetsasonic winning a rap contest, and getting a record deal to spawn some of the biggest careers in music…De La Soul. Junior Mafia. Erykah Badu, the list goes on!
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2023, going right into ‘24?
New Stetsasonic music, videos and performance. New Daddy-O on the way! Working on Self Destruction Part 2 aptly titled Stop Self Destruction.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
MC Delite always said we make music for the mind, body, and soul, so all of that. To cause them to think, to force then to move, and feel good in the process.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I actually am…save for one point, Classic Hip Hop artists need to make new music, and make it continuously. Without the voice of the Classic artists (not sounding old of course, but not trying to sound like the youngins either), Hip Hop is lopsided, one sound. No bueno.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Awareness. AI will not replace people, people who know how to use AI will. I remember my DJ, Prince Paul, being one of the first with a DJ controller. Awareness, and these dope words I spit will make me everlasting.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I’ve been involved in technology since the early 2000’s. I aim to grace the cover of Wired Magazine one day.
What’s an average day like for you?
Pray. Exercise. Work (tech company stuff). And, of course, family stuff, I have a high schooler at home. Lol!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Very delicately, they made us. Give ‘em what they want, and give them back the control of the bluetooth in the car by making new music!
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Favorite is writing and seeing it comes to fruition, a finished product. Least favorite is streaming is (a) shit way of paying artists.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Study, study, study and look me up for an internship.
Lastly, what’s up with Stetsasonic?
New album titled Here We Go Again, very excited about that! We have an Unsung coming on VH-1 telling our story, finally!
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
A few books, more lectures, maybe an adjunct professor in a few places, and PLENTY more albums!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, I talk a lot! Lol.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
I’m professordaddyo (one word) on all platforms, ESPECIALLY my Bandcamp!!
