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DMV rap is in the spotlight at this year’s Coup de cœur francophone, with Rowjay, Quadracup, and Andrike$ Black on the program. A few hours before his show at Foufounes Électriques on Thursday, PAN M 360 spoke with Andrike$ Black about his career, his creative process and his next project.
But what is DMV? In this music originating from Washington, Virginia and Maryland, artists don’t necessarily rap in tempo, adopting a high flow and a monotone. Over the past few years, this musical trend has gained considerable popularity on the French-speaking scene. Rapper Rowjay is one of the standard-bearers of this flow in Quebec.
A native of Montreal, Andrike$ Black offers a blend of rap and house sounds. At the end of September, he released his track Situation, which is a little more danceable than his previous releases. No release date has been announced for his new EP, but it should be out later this month.
PAN M 360: Where are you from and how did you get into music?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: I was born in Montreal and moved to Laval in the course of my life. It’s really in this city that my musical journey began. I started making music at the age of 15-16 thanks to a friend who created beats. Before that, I was already doing little freestyles from time to time, but it wasn’t anything serious.
PAN M 360: What triggered you to start making music in a more serious way?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: It was this friend who really pushed me to do music for real. I didn’t think it was possible for me to do it, but he showed me that it was possible. I never thought I’d get to where I am today.
PAN M 360: Where are you in your career at the moment? What are your future ambitions?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m definitely on the right track. It’s just a matter of time. I know it won’t happen overnight, but I’d like to tour, do more interviews and do a lot of showcases here and overseas.
PAN M 360: How would you describe your style of rap?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: It’s dirty with a good vibe. I often use a DMV flow. My music is perfect for car rides. I also deal with themes like love and perseverance.
PAN M 360: What’s the creative process like for a DMV rapper?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: It’s a very spontaneous process. I go with the inspiration of the moment. It’s a pretty ego trip style of rap. As I said earlier, I often write about perseverance because I think it’s really important. People shouldn’t give up on the projects they have in mind. In my case, I’m so happy that I haven’t given up on music. Without perseverance, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today. I tell myself it’s the same for my listeners, and I want to pass on that message to them.
PAN M 360: You released your single Situation last September. What’s this track about?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: On Situation, I talk about several things that were going on in my life at the time of writing. I’d lost my job and that caused a lot of problems in my life. I really talked about my life and my daily life on the track, that’s really what it’s about.
PAN M 360: Situation is the first track on your forthcoming EP. What can you tell us about your upcoming project?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but what I can say is that my next project is really going to get people moving. Again, the vibe will be really good and that’s really important. The productions are really good and people will be able to have a good time with friends.
PAN M 360: Will this EP follow in the footsteps of your album Projet 1?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: No, it’s not really going to be a sequel to Projet 1. It’s going to be more 2-step, garage and hip-hop. I’m going to explore avenues that don’t really follow the rap code. I’d already done a bit of that on my House Saga EP. My next opus is going to be an extended and improved version of that.
PAN M 360: Do you have a release date in mind?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: The project is coming very soon. I can’t reveal the date right now, but it will be this month.
PAN M 360: As part of Coup de cœur francophone, you’ll be at Foufounes Électriques on November 2, alongside rappers Rowjay and Izuku. What does this mean to you? What can we expect?
ANDRIKE$ BLACK: I’m really happy to be able to take part in CCF for the first time, and I hope it won’t be the last time. I’m definitely going to come on stage with positive energy, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure the people there have a great time. People should expect a lot of action. I can’t wait to meet the public.
Alongside Rowjay and Izuku, Andrike$ Black will take to the Foufounes Électriques stage from 9pm.
