We’re looking forward to introducing you to Drai$. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Drai$, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I have really been enjoying taking time for myself. I used to always want to use my free weekends to meet up with friends and party, but now I’m starting to enjoy spending my weekends off by myself or with family. Whether that means Im at home all alone and taking a long walk with no cell phone or music, or having a chill family movie and dinner night. I am really starting to prefer calm nights and peace of mind over the usual habit of being out every weekend and partying after shows/events I do. And as a plus side it is also helping me with my overall health and with my creativity process which is allowing me to create more music at a more consistent pace.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Hip-Hop Artist and Producer from Arizona. I’m currently based out of Los Angeles and have been an artist for about 7 years. I believe I stand out among most new artists now a days due to my own style and choice of beats. I try to focus more on the lyrical and creative side of making songs instead of trying to appeal to the trends and sound like every other rapper that is out there. And that is what I think helps my brand, plus I truly speak on who I really am and my real life experiences into my music which brings a level of authenticity that a lot of music lacks.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was just you’re average kid from the mid 90’s who grew up playing sports and riding bikes with my friends. I grew up in the Tucson-Nogales area by the border but ive also spent and lived a lot of my life in Los Angeles due to my whole family being from there. So I got to see different the difference of the lifestyle and cultures in both cities. Which influenced me from the music I grew up with to the teams I’ve been rooting for my whole life. I grew up playing baseball and basketball and always wanted to play for the dodgers or the lakers. I always thought being an athlete was my life calling until some real life problems happened and I found out it was music that was helping me the whole time. And thats when I switched my attention over to my more creative and writing habits and made it my life to be an artist.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were plenty of times I almost gave up. I think the most life changing one was me sitting in the hospital alone after being in a car crash and suffering a concussion. I don’t remember how I got to the hospital, I just remember waking up and the nurse explaining to me how I was a victim of a hit and run accident and I had cuts and swelling on my head and face. I remember asking myself why did I get in that car when me and my friend were heavily intoxicated. I remember seeing I had no friends there or calling to check on me, just a few family members. And I remember the disappointment in their eyes when they finally got to talk to me and that changed me forever. At was truly at the brink of giving up and just throwing my talent away but this defining moment is what pushed me to improve my life and make my dream come true.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Always. I don’t feel the need to play roles around people. I am who I am in public and in private. I obviously can say I talk more and am more comfortable being funny around friends and family. But I am always going to be the chill respectful person that I present myself to be, as long as I am treated with that same respect. People are so quick to be negative or start judging other nowadays over the dumbest things. I just believe in mind your business and have manners, does not cost a thing to be nice to somebody.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people with always misunderstand some of the decisions I made as a teenager and young adult. Some people might question why such a smart calm kid who was good at sports change his life and start hanging with the wrong crowds. And the truth is, sometimes I don’t even know the full answer. I just know I had a lot of fighting and problems around me at home and it changed my mentality about how to handle my emotions. So instead of focusing on improving, I focused on not caring about anything and trying to stop living broke which came with its consequences. But in the long run I hope my family and friends see that I went through all of that to become the person I am today. And maybe I can’t tell you how it is at the top yet, but I can damn sure tell you how it is to feel the floor and get up again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drais520.wixsite.com/official
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draismusic_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@draismusic_?si=o6IrXhGHwG5zayLz
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Y6dWv5kMkIZAGyUilH
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7F9bjaCQpNHxHLdwwL2lww?si=5YLs8KJBShG-EQvDpXnHyQ
Image Credits
Caleb W
Victor Gonzalez
