Today I am presenting another written interview with Dough From Da Go.
Dough From Da Go is the founder Of Stack or Starve Approved (Brand) and Marketing Rep at Def Jam Recordings.
Dough From Da Go is into branding artists and marketing, and has completed several music projects with outstanding results.
Checkout the interview:
1. What gave you the idea to start Stack or Starve? Share your story.
Struggle & Blessings at the same time pretty much gave me the idea originally. It was that drive to start a brand that represented the streets & could be in a relative form at the same time. Stackin’ is about being smart financially, conscious about the income you earn, budgeting, and overall responsibility. The Starving part is more defining because we can all be starving of many things from food, to knowledge to resources. It all plays out well…and there you have the term: “Stack or Starve”
2. Tell us how you have used stack or starve to brand and promote artists?
Well it’s basically a resource and platform for independent artists who come from nothing, who represent the streets, the struggle and the grind. I have an ear for music, and talent from the inner community and i also believe that music is here to stay no matter what genre, creed, color or race. We’ve used the brand in many ways from the branding perspective, to the dj perspective and so forth. We aim to maintain a great rapport with many in the underground and major scene.
3. Can you tell us a briefly about some artists you work with, past and present? How have stack or starve contributed to their success as artist.
Well as a brand we have had a lot of success from the mixtape side of things with independent releases from: King Louie, Lil Durk, Chief Keef, Sashsa Go Hard, Tink, Rocky Diamonds, Dreezy, & many more. In addition, we have also worked with many major artists as whole with the DVD projects. Those artists & Celebrities include: Rick Ross, Twista, Curren$y, Irv Gotti, Duffle Bag Boyz, Shawty Lo, Papoose, Dame Grease (DMX’s Producer), Freeway Rick Ross & many more.
4. How does stack or starve stand out from other industry competitors? What makes your brand unique?
We stand out based on what we represent. Stack Or Starve as a brand represents the independent artists solely first and foremost. I believe its starts with the respect in the streets. Coming from Chicago, authenticity is a very key thing, the right relationships are also important. We also stand out and cater to every artists situation rather its budget or minimal resources. We give chances to those who deserve them. A good grind doesn’t go unnoticed; it’s of advantage when you have access to a brand that has the right relationships and avenues to go further or even a step higher.
My background in music is different from most people from Chicago, and that gives me a unique perspective and the ability to see solutions that are more creative and resourceful. For example, I came up with Stack Or Starve Dj’s to break artists on the mix tape scene, and it worked out beautifully. Essentially, we have also been influenced by many brands before us so i wanna pay homage to: team Bigga Rankin, Hoodrich, Southern Smoke & Gangsta Grillz.
5. Please tell us about your upcoming projects and how you gone about promoting Def Jam Recordings?
we are working on A lot of new projects: Blanco Caine’s “Politics” & “Syrup & Sauce”, also the new White Gzus project “Stackin N Mackin” Vol. 1 . I’m developing a lot of new acts as well, so look out for my artist Tina World Order. She’s a phenomenal artist & songwriter, so I’m excited about her. As well as: Kevinn Kelly, Ando Ruckus, Morgan Mimosa, Olivia Reyes (Rich America), & a couple projects I’m close to completing titled “Mineral Water” & “Beautiful Beatz”: The Jon Dough Version.
My Position over at Def Jam is a blessing and a great experience as well. We grind hard, and shine hard along the way, everything from breaking records to radio, club runs & pushing the brand to the streets. Aggressiveness is important when you’re given the opportunity to do things on a bigger level. So I’m applying what I’ve already learned to what I’m currently learning, and God’s gonna handle the rest. S/o to Def jam, Shampoo, EP, Mazzi & Danny.
6. As 2014 is fast running out can you tell us about your plans for 2015?
Well we are going into our 10th Anniversary for the Stack Or Starve brand in 2015, so I’m pretty excited about that, shouts to my partner Missy B for being instrumental in assisting with the brand and its development. We are launching the new http://www.StackOrStarveDvd.com as well as our anniversary concert, a couple of tours & some very exciting surprises, so be on the lookout for it. Other plans include being on the air with our mix shows, 7 Days a week, & focusing on taking our sub brands (Trap Scholarz, SOS International, The SuperMarket) to another level. Im also in the small stages of my clothing brand “Bag Language”, as well as bringing the STACK OR STARVE DVD back to the streets and exposing some of the newer talent coming up from the streets, Shout out to my Stack Or Starve Dj’s for all the hard work & Loyalty etc. We are always working.
Get in touch with me on twitter @DoughFromDaGo and don’t forget to visit my website.