Veteran rapper and record producer Daddy-O, née Glenn K. Bolton, first rose to prominence as the founding member of Brooklyn, New York, based collective, Stetsasonic [“Sally,” “Talkin’ All That Jazz”], one of the first Hip Hop acts to perform with a full band, as well as use live instrumentation in their subsequent recordings.
Beyond Stet, Daddy-O has also produced and remixed songs for Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52’s, Jeffrey Osborne, Chante Moore and Lil’ Kim, in addition to previously holding executive positions at both MCA and Motown Records.
First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
Milestone for the culture. In my opinion, Epic Fail at representation. It seemed to be dealt with like a funeral, with little talk abot what’s beyond 50 years. I am, of course, ELATED that (we) beat the naysayers and survived. I have a song reflecting this on my album From My Hood 2 U called “We Survived.”
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 DID imagine it. I’ve always thought of Hip Hop as an extension of the Black music that came before us, so, yeah, definitely; I always knew we’d get here.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Touring with various bands; Public Enemy, Living Colour, Fishbone, Whodini, Ice-T, N.W.A, to name a few.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for (the remainder of) the 2025 season?
Stetsasonic has a new album titled Here We Go Again, and I will be releasing my 7th solo album in July called East New York Stories. #ripmcwatchout
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Inspiration, fun, anger, dance and education.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Toby Keith, because he made one of my favorite songs “Bullets in the Gun.”
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I”M FROM BROOKLYN!!!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Yes, I think it’s radio that failed Hip Hop, but if you comb the internet we’re alive and kicking. LOTS of good stuff out there, like Errol Eats Everything for example.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Listening to the young cats and being inspired by them.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I am currently writing a book, and seeking speaking gigs *HINT, HINT* (anybody out there??).
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Writing, family and Instagram is my fan communication tool of choice.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Creativity is my favorite; I’ve grown to hate the corporate politics of the music business.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Study EVERYTHING. I often say, music is one of the few places people think they don’t have to study. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
More speaking gigs, still touring with Stet, taking care of my grandchildren!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, you’ve been awesome!
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Please check out my Bandcamp page: Professordaddyo.bandcamp.com!
