Peace Pro, thank you for interviewing with OTH Magazine. Please introduce yourself to the readers and let them know what you do?
My name is Pro Dillinger, I'm a New York based hip hop artist, a curator and the co-founder of “The Umbrella Collective.” I'm originally from the Bronx, New York but I was raised in Rockland County, Haverstraw, New York, specifically. About forty five minutes upstate.
Tell us about the name “Pro Dillinger”.
My original rap name I started running with was "Protege" then it was "Big Pro" and as I got older people from my neighborhood and other rappers started calling me Pro so that became my handle outside of music. At one point that became a little too stale for me and I had just started rapping again so I wanted my name to sound more exciting, so I added Dillinger, mostly because I was enamored with old school gangsters like John Dillinger and I was a huge fan of Daz Dillinger's production and tha dogg pound, west coast sound in general. It was a homage to them and a reinvention of myself as an artist....a rebirth.
As you mentioned you're from the Bronx originally and reside in Rockland County, New York, currently. Your music also reflects that with a laid back, almost east coast 90s era boom bap sound. How would you describe your sound and who are some of your influences?
My sound is grimey and aggressive but heartfelt at the same time. I like to think of it as if it's in the same vein as punk rock music, very hard hitting and unapologetic but incredibly sincere. I make music that connects with people's emotions and experiences.
That sound is displayed on your most recent release “Reasonable Dirt,” which was released in April (2024). What has the response been to the new project and is it being received how you expected?
“Reasonable Dirt,” is one of my favorite projects ever obviously because it's a nod to one of the greatest albums of our modern era but my own rendition of it. When I originally came up with the concept I was a little apprehensive because I wasn't sure how people would receive it or interpret it but to my surprise it was heralded. People really connected with this particular piece and I feel like it's because I was extremely vulnerable on this project and it resonates with the listener. There's a level of truth and trust on this album that most rappers are scared to tap into.
You have artist features from Big Trip, Blokkito and Substance810 on this project but who are some of the producers that you worked with.
I worked with a bunch of different guys on various projects over the years but this particular one was produced by Sean Kelly and this is my second time working with him. Sean also did “Forever Foul.”
When recording new music are you an artist who hears the production first and then writes or vice versa? Do you write or punch in, what is your recording style like?
So basically I play beats until something catches my attention and I start putting together the flow pattern in my mind, then I start writing to that beat. Once it gets a little boring or I hear it too many times I'll turn it off and continue writing without the beat until I'm done. When I'm recording I NEVER punch in, I'm sure if I did it would make my life easier but I personally don't want to cheat the game or my fans, the same way I record it is the same way it's going to sound when I perform it.
So why the name “Reasonable Dirt”? Big “Reasonable Doubt” fan?
Yes,it's one of my top five favorite albums and very representative of how I feel right now transitioning into this phase of my life as an artist.
Away from the music you also have your collective “The Umbrella.” What can you tell us about the brand and what it has to offer?
“The Umbrella,” is a collective of artists, rappers and producers. Right now we offer a bunch of things, but music is our main export. For every project we drop out of our camp there's tangible merchandise attached to it, we want the listener to have something physical to collect and connect to these particular projects.
Where can the readers check “The Umbrella” collective and follow and support Pro Dillinger?
We sell all our merchandise directly so if you receive something from us most likely one of us touched that tee shirt, vinyl, cassette, etc and packaged it ourselves,that personal touch is very important to our
imprint. You can follow me on Instagram @ProDillinger or just search Pro Dillinger I pop up.
Photos by Sinematic Studios http://sinematicstudios.com/
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