Brooklyn rapper HDBeenDope gets candid and shares his biggest goals since signing to Roc Nation last September. With the release of his recent project, What Can They Say, he has garnered attention from numerous names in the industry. He’s taken the stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards and performed at the Brooklyn Nets halftime show. Even with these major career moves, he continues to pay homage to his East Coast roots and long term aspirations.
“My dream is to have a key to every building in New York City,” the rapper shares. One of the buildings HD frequents the most is the Roc Nation office and gets motivation from his environment. He describes, “Going to the Roc Nation office is just like a fire thing. It kind of allows you to dream big. That’s how I be feelin’ when I walk in the building. It reminds me to just keep dreamin’.” The rapper celebrated his label signing with an intimate celebration on the rooftop of the office last Fall following the release of his single, “Wake Em Up.”
When asked if he’s had a chance to speak with the label’s founder, Jay-Z, he lets out a sigh and shares he hasn’t had the opportunity yet, but knows he will get his chance soon. He humbly explains his viewpoint on timing and the respect he has for the hip-hop legend. “I respect Hov as a writer and as people that make music you always just want the respect to come when it’s supposed to,” he continues, “I want to make sure it comes at the right time but I know it will.”
Brooklyn is a huge part of the rapper’s artistry. Despite the influx of acts coming out of the New York burrough and the popularity of drill music, he shows support for fellow artists. He gushes over working with female rapper, Lola Brooke calling her “The homie.” He states, “We had this show in August and Lo actually came out for that. It was incredible. We’ve just been building that rapport. I know we gon’ have some s*** in the future.”
HDBeenDope may be a newcomer to Roc Nation’s roster of talent, but has proven himself worthy of its support. From his gritty and powerful verses to his energetic stage presence, he embodies modern rap. It is only a matter of time before he is a common name among mainstream hip-hop.
Listen to What Can They Say by HDBeenDope:
