Artist Spotlight: D-ROC

http://www.allaboutdroc.com



NAME: DARREN ‘D-ROC’ WILLIAMS

BIRTHDATE: 1/29/1992

HOMETOWN: PHILADELPHIA/DELAWARE COUNTY

AGE: 22



KB: Where did your rap name derive from?

DR: One time as a young child, I was in the kitchen and pulled out pots and pans… and started to make noise, sounding like music. My family said “D in there rocking out.” And ever since then, I just shortened it to ‘D-Roc.’

KB: When did you first start making music? Who or what influenced you to make music?

DR: In 2008. I made a freestyle video called “Off the wall” and uploaded it to Facebook. I originally just did it for fun but the responses and likes from my friends made me want to go ahead and pursue a rap career. In addition, Wiz Khalifa has influenced me to make music. I see his hustle with regards to how he put himself together with hard work, not luck. Lastly, my cousin C Sheed has been influential to me. I admire his consistency.

KB: How would you describe your music for the public audience if they have never heard/seen you before?

DR: I like to have fun with my music. Each song tells a story and there’s hidden messages in it. I’m very self-confident but can be comfortable with being emotional, but in a masculine way.

KB: Who is your favorite artist and your favorite album of theirs?

DR: If I had to choose my favorite artist of all time, I’d have to say LL Cool J. He is by far by favorite MC. He has mastered the art of rapping, storytelling, and doing just about everything. At this current moment, I would have to say my favorite artist is SchoolBoy Q. My favorite album of his is “Habits and Contradictions.” When I moved from West Philadelphia to the County, I changed my perspective of music. When it comes to Schoolboy Q, I like the way that he expresses himself and I understand his struggle. He can be emotional but comes across as if he’s high spirited.

 

http://www.allaboutdroc.com

 

KB: What has been your greatest challenge as an artist and how are you trying to overcome it?

DR: My greatest challenge has been trying to find one consistent sound. My songs bring different sounds… gangsta rap, reflection on my past, highlights of my social life, or being emotional/truthful/crying out; however, I want to find one consistent sound and gear away from having so much versatility. In order to overcome this challenge, I am currently working on many different projects and trying to find my mutual ground.

KB: How do you define success?

DR: Success is made up of four things. You set a goal, make a plan, execute a plan, and then celebrate the fact that you’re doing it! While being on the road to success, make sure you stay encouraged and positive.

KB: Do you have any projects you are currently working on? Do you have any performances coming up?

DR: Yes! I am going to deliver two mixtapes by the end of the year. By the end of the summer, I will be releasing the first one and it will be very different from my last mixtapes “Feeling Myself” and “Back to Basics.” My mixtapes in the past were influenced by Wiz Khalifa but this new mixtape will be a reflection of the new me. Stay tuned for upcoming performances as well.

KB: How can our readers find out more information about you and support your music?

DR: I have my own website, allaboutdroc.com. People can find out more information and check out my pics, listen to my music, and just get to know who D roc really is. Also, check me out on social media sites. Twitter/Facebook: realdroc ; Instagram: allaboutdroc ; SoundCloud: realdroc ; and YouTube darrendroc1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4hYBDQ9oVU