It’s the diggy-diggy DOC! Legendary rapper The D.O.C talks to our own Todd “DG” Davis for our HipHop50 series celebrating. Hip-Hop 50th birthday. D.O.C is in my top 10 of all time rappers and he’s often left out because his career was cut short but I guarantee you had that accident not happened, he would wash a lot of your favorites. It was a bucket list moment for me when I got to interview him in-person a few years back for AllHipHop and witness him rap in his original restoring voice. It’s an honor to have him here at WCS. 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 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 never thought about in those terms. I wanted to be great at being an emcee. I gave no thought to the future of the music.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories from your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Most of the best memories come from making the music. SOC tour and Up in Smoke were also both real highlights for me.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2023, going right into ‘24?
It’s HH50 and all my attention is on the next 50. Figuring out all the mistakes we made in ownership and guiding the movement in more progressive directions. It’s up to us who do the work to drive the next 50.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Enjoyment. If there’s a message in it, you will be aware of it. Other than that, enjoy the art.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Happy is the word I’d choose because I think there’s enough room for all art, but I spoke earlier about controlling the art more so that these billions made from the art finds its way to the creators.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
GOD.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I do have aspirations to change the world. I don’t know how yet, but I know there’s nothing I can do or any space I don’t feel comfortable whether on the streets or in politics.
What’s an average day like for you?
Boring.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I spend time staying connected to people through these social sites because I enjoy it. I’m a people person, and I try to make my blessings work for as many as I can. The power is in the people, and most media is used to divide us from one another, so I try to stay in contact with the people.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Making great music is the best part. The way money and greed always causes problems is what I hate the most because you will never be all you can with that element around.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keep GOD in all you do, and no matter what happens it’s going to be something you can be happy with.
Back in May, and after a 33 long years absence from the mic, you appeared on The Codefendants’ single, “Fast Ones” — What particular string of events actually led up to this?
Fat Mike from NoFX allowed me to use his home for my documentary. He’s a great musician, and a great guy. He asked for a verse for his group, and I said yes. Very glad I did.
Does this mean that there’s more D.O.C. music on the way?
I would say there is absolutely new music coming. Now that I’ve opened back up I’d say there’s more acting and music coming, and I don’t think anyone is prepared for what’s coming.
And, what’s the current status of your highly anticipated documentary The DOC, which was premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival?
TheDOC is a very important film, and I’m still finding the best partnership in order it gets the opportunity it deserves. I can’t wait for it to drop.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
With me, there is no telling. I could literally be POTUS. Governor Doc, or the man responsible for a transformative education system in America.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Nope, you covered it all.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
We’re in a place in time where all people who want better for this land we share to stand up for what’s right. The only way the country survives is when that happens.
Thanks
Doc
