`Task 9- My Journalistic Text

Dorian Santos is a Hip Hop Rapper and singer. He was born and raised in the streets of Hackney. He has been around music for two years and is due to release his first mixtape, ‘Time Will Tell’. We speak to him in an exclusive interview as he opens up to his early life, his work with a major artist and his completion of his first mixtape.

What generated your passion for music?

I listened to a lot of music, watched a lot of music videos, which inspired me to make music and try to film a video for one of my songs. It felt like a true norm to start making music and I got this conformation from my parents as well as teachers in my secondary school. I started rapping when I was 14 and started writing when I was 15. At 16, I was performing for my school’s leavers’ assembly. I also found out that I had the talent to sing, which was a slight amazement, but it also caught the attention of girls, which seemed to be a bonus.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My inspiration seems to be Tupac. His music was sensational and he was mainly a true artist. His words ‘spoke volumes’ and it had a huge impact on the way I conducted myself in society. I also look up to August Alsina. Although I am a few years younger than him, I still believe he can be an inspiration. He has been through hard times, and has managed to pull through, releasing his album ‘Testify’. Listening to the whole album made me change my whole writing style. I stopped talking about my dreams and started to talk about my thoughts and visions.

Who gave you the most help in creating ‘Time Will Tell’?

Time Will Tell should become a success, hopefully! Let’s just say my mother was the most help. Although she never helped on the productive side, she raised me. I have to give thanks to God first, as none of this would happen if I didn’t have faith in him. I wouldn’t be sitting here with UpBeat talking about a mixtape of my own, so thanks to God. I also thank my manager, productive team and special thanks to ReggieBeatz, for producing one of my best songs on the mixtape.

“Music is Knowledge, Knowledge is Power, The Power to shine...”

We’ve been told that someone is looking to feature you on tour with them! Who would this person be?

I don’t want to give much away, but it is true. I’ll be heading on tour with someone. It is a UK tour, heading to Manchester, Birmingham and hometown, London o2. The artist is well known in the music industry and it is a delight to work with them.

What song would you rate the best from ‘Time Will Tell’?

What is my best song on the mixtape! I think every song is as equal as each other. This is a hard question, but I can say that I like ‘Angels Fly’. It just has this Hip Hop buzz and it was produced by ReggieBeatz. He was very fun to work with. I think working with Wretch 32 was one of my true highlights. He was heavily interested in my music style and was keen to write and perfect the song. Hackney and Tottenham artist equals perfection! Music is knowledge and knowledge is power. My music gives me the power to shine.