Today we’d like to introduce you to Dope Candi.
Hi Dope Candi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started in music pretty early, born and raised in Detroit, I came from a family of musicians. I started making beats in middle school on my uncles MPC 2000. In high school, I started to take it more seriously and even had a singing group. I spent a lot of time in the studio with my mom who was also a singer/songwriter which exposed me to a lot of the process of producing, recording and writing. I produced, wrote and had my first performance at age 15.
Post college, I immersed myself in the music industry moving to Chicago. I started Djing, producing and even working for an attorney to see how the business side of things works. I gained so much knowledge performing and coordinating beat showcases across the country from New York, LA, Atlanta, Nashville, Miami as well as coordinating beat camps partnered with SAE Institute. While there, I had the opportunity to AnR an album in collaboration with artists from notable nonprofits Donda’s House, Young Chicago Authors and SAE students that included Psalm 1, Mick Jenkins and other artists…
Since moving to LA, I have been paving my way connecting my music with brands as well as bridging the gap with music education and tech as Department Head of Audio for Compton Schools. I have previously curated for Virgin Hotels, ComplexCon, iHeart Radio Black Effect Podcast Network, and my most recent collaboration is with Nissan.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road in pursuit of your creative dream is never easy. Challenges have been working many different jobs while”paying your dues”. I’ve sacrificed a lot of time and energy away from family and friends in pursuit of my dreams. Another challenge is also being the only woman in the room. When I got started, I did not see any women in the studio behind the boards or producing. Although we are still underrepresented. I am glad to be a part of Women In Music and see that things are changing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a producer, dj and music educator. As a producer, I love creating music that tells a story. My sound is versatile, melodic, eclectic and cinematic. I’ve been paving my way working with major brands. With my most recent collaboration as a Nissan Electric Beats producer, I landed 3 placements on their Black History Month campaign and I also landed a role as principle talent alongside of Insecure/Top Gun actor Jay Ellis in the commercial, which was an amazing opportunity.
As a music educator, I am proud of being a part of the legacy’s of two of the greatest producers of my generation, the late “Detroit bred” J Dilla and Dr. Dre. As Department Head of Audio for Compton, I teach and oversee curriculum partnered with 1500 Sound Academy with supported donations from Dr. Dre and Save the Music Foundation as a “J Dilla Music Technology” Grantee. In conjunction with producing and composing music, I take pride in spearheading the initiative of making music technology a part of the curriculum in public schools. It is the perfect situation of where passion meets purpose.
As Department Head of Audio for Compton School District, I am a J Dilla Music Tech Grantee through Save the Music Foundation at Centennial High School. The grant equipped select Compton High Schools with audio equipment and support to teach students music production in their daily school curriculum. Dr. Dre also helped fund the program with his donations to Compton School district and we are in partnership with 1500 Sound Academy founded by James Fauntlery and Rance Dobson. It is the perfect situation of when passion meets purpose. I am proud to provide the tools and opportunity for students to pursue a career in music.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I give credit to my mom for keeping me around the studio and sacrificing so much when she saw my interest in music. She coached and directed me even when I had those down moments I also give credit to my uncles for teaching me signal flow and all of the other technical things I needed to know and for giving me opportunities to succeed. My cousin for being in my corner as my cheerleader and everyone else who has planted positive seeds and gave good advice that keeps me pushing along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: dopecandi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dopecandi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dopecandi/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dopecandi
- Other: https://linktr.ee/dopecandi
Image Credits
James Cortez Evelyn Quinonez
