Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon; Photo: Facebook
D-Stroy is an emcee, producer, and DJ best known for his relentless energy and off-the-cuff narratives. He’s a golden-era icon who helped put The Arsonists on the map, and in the process turned himself into a people’s champ.
Rubbed elbows with numerous legends including Run DMC, Naughty By Nature, Tony Touch and The X-Ecutioners, D-Stroy’s pedigree is rich with history, and his love for hip-hop has made him a folk hero with enough life-affirming stories to put Aesop to shame.
“My best friend, who had sex with my first girlfriend before me, wanted to battle me after school. I wrote my verse, showed up and he never did,” said D-Stroy about what first prompted him to start writing raps. “That energy made me feel strong. It wasn’t even what I wrote but I was ready to murder my ‘best friend’ who later jumped off a roof with his kid ’cause I couldn’t talk him down.”
D-Stroy approaches rap like a fearless warrior. Each of his almost unbelievable tales informs his perspective, and while he doesn’t rely on shock value to garner hype he does open himself up in completely unabashed ways, which is a rarity in rap. He isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, but he’s also not about to let anyone play him for a sucker.
On “Touch & Destroy” D-Stroy outlines all the ways in which he’ll crush his opponents. What separates it from other lyrical assaults is the sense of humor he injects into it, a characteristic that allows his eclectic personality to shine through: [LISTEN]
For as capricious as D-Stroy can be, he still is very much a disciplined student of the game. His unorthodox approach was inspired by legends who altered the landscape in profound ways, and his ability to learn from them and yet still apply his own unique formula is what’s made him a unique voice in rap.
“Inspired by Lord Finesse to rhyme, metaphors was important,” said D-Stroy when asked about his inspirations. “Also being an energetic person, I implemented character and flow patterns like a Busta or Eminem. I noticed a shift in lyricism, from ‘one-liners’ to experiences or vivid imagery in lyrics like a Big or Jadakiss.”
“I only did that on ‘Live To Tell‘ off As The World Burns, cause I almost died that day and saw a man die. Hip-hop was peace unity and having fun. Though I lived that ‘crack-era life’ I didn’t feel comfortable telling my story in rhyme, as others did. I focused on what people call ‘bars’ now.”
“Vitamin D” is one giant bat flip, an ax that hacks away at tradition and predictability. It exemplifies his kinetic style of play, and how he’s not afraid to throw the first punch: [LISTEN]
D-Stroy’s point of view has left a significant mark on rap; a Lance Stephenson effect where his unpredictability is his biggest asset. His ability to combine colorful stories with fresh wordplay reflects his versatility on the microphone, and he keeps himself fit by being his own worst critic and telling it exactly how it is.
“For me as a writer, several things inspire me at any time,” said D-Stroy. “I’m my worst enemy at times because I’m a blunt person, who can be harsh at times and I have to remember people have feelings. I can interview someone and be genuine but on record people can be defensive. Lyrics are half the battle, so are good full songs.”
“Now, antics on social media is the driving force that built careers of Cardi B, 69 and the White House dude. For example, people’s social habits made it possible for a yodeling kid at Walmart to perform at Coachella. However, the best lyricist right now Royce the 5’9 and the greatest producer of all time DJ Premier, have a group called PRhyme [and they] weren’t even invited to perform.”
It’s hard to pin D-Stroy down, he’s always evolving and never satisfied. That doesn’t mean he’s not patient with his raps, but rather he’s following a song that only he can hear and he’s fully committed to it. He’s stuck to his guns and let his experiences guide him, and while it may sound cliche he is truly a one of a kind, the hope is is that he’ll never change.
“Share what you love on social media. If something gets you mad, unfollow it,” said D-Stroy in closing. “Don’t comment or like, just step away. We validate what’s ‘popping.’ No one talks about XXL till their Freshman List because it’s about getting people to talk about it. What if we didn’t…remember, becoming a lyricist, made it possible for me to host 10 All-Star games, five Superbowls and write TV Shows…never limit yourself and continue to be great human beings!”
