Hip hop recording artist Comprehend and Da Masta strikes back at Police Brutality, Social
Injustice and Poverty
By Consciousness
Magazine
Following the success of his last project “BOUNCE”,
produced by DJ Slugo, independent hip hop
recording artist Comprehend releases
new single “SOLDIER” featuring national recording artist, Da Masta. In a
world that is ultimately unfair, where police brutality, social injustice, and
poverty scatters across the country, Comprehend continues to utilize his unique
and powerful rapping ability to project his message across to his fans and
listeners.
Comprehend has worked alongside many great artist and has
grasped the attention of his fans and counterparts with his phenomenal rapping
and songwriting ability. It was destined for him to join forces with Da Masta, who is known for
his witty, creative and clever rhyme style. Da Masta has released
several solo albums over the course of his career: The One, The Curse of the 7, NDA Darkness and HATRED: Lyrical
Therapy.
Consciousness Magazine was
granted the opportunity to interview Comprehend and Da Masta about their new
single “SOLDIER”. Here is what they had to share regarding their collaboration
and music endeavors.
Consciousness Magazine: What was your inspiration to writing this song?
Da Masta: Well, we had talked about working together on a track and
my man sent me the music and told me it was called "SOLDIER". He
stated that he wanted it to be about the struggles of growing up in the black
community. I then took that and also added the current day struggles of police
brutality because of the state of today's world because that is my current
struggle.
Comprehend: We are definitely breaking the mental chains and
barriers. We want our fans and listeners to know that there is hope and we are
living testimonies of that.
CM: How did you all come up with the concept?
Da Masta: I pulled from my history and how I overcame but
also I knew about Comprehend’s struggles that many may not have known about. I
felt that it was very fitting to speak on that because that is something I can
relate to. So I wanted to acknowledge that I have seen his struggles and admire
that in him. I came up with the hook of the song that really spoke on that and
gave him that nod.
Comprehend: Da Masta really set the tone
of this song. When I first heard his
verse and hook, I was like “Wow, his verse is really amazing!” I wanted to
write something along the lines of what he came up with about overcoming harsh
reality, and overcoming the unpredictable challenges of life, not only from a
personal standpoint, but also for those individuals who are or have been faced with
similar situations.
CM: Comprehend, many may not know that you are also a producer and
produced the track. What came over you in wanting to produce this modern day
hip hop banger?
Comprehend: I overcame a multitude of adversities in my past. I had a
lot of hurt in me, so I kind of took my anger out on the track and changed that
negative into a positive. I wanted to create something that speaks volume and
on the lines of surviving through horrific times. Although, the track has been
sitting in my archives for numerous years, I pulled it out and brought it a
little up-to-speed and took it from there.
CM: How did you guys collaboration on this powerful song came about?
Comprehend: As Da Masta mentioned earlier, we had always talked about
working together on something. His energy is crazy-amazing. His show
performances are so electrifying when he hits the stage. For decades, he has
always been a role-model; moreover, believed in my craft and other endeavors
since I was a teenager. That says a lot. So, it was evident that we were going
to work together when the time was right.
CM: What was it like working together on this project?
Da Masta: It was cool. We did it in two different states so it was
fun to just see what the other came up with and hear the final product after
the mix was complete.
Comprehend: To add to that, it
was amazing working together. He is easy to work with and is very understanding
and knowledgeable of his craft and the genre. He gives critical feedback and
looks out for your best interest.
CM: In the song you speak about poverty and police brutality and other
serious social issues. Are these real-life situations you encountered or just a
lyrical artform you created that speaks to the people?
Da Masta: I spoke on what I have been seeing and hearing but
also my personal experiences as well. (Example, My daughter watching and crying
as the police frisked me) that was truth that I lived through, and I know that
others have had that same experience.
Comprehend: Besides my background of coming from poverty, I really
wanted to speak on racism, social injustice and many of the issues we overlook
on a daily. Some people are not fortunate to overcome certain situations, nor
do they have an outlet to tell their story. That’s what makes “SOLDIER” such a
strong song.
CM: Are you guys working on any other future projects in the
future?
Comprehend: As of now, we’re just following through with this project
and other solo projects. We will see what the future holds.
CM: Outside of music, what are some other things you are skillful at
or partake in?
Da Masta: I am an accomplished professional artist (painting and
drawing). This is just another form of expression.
Comprehend: I’m a professional graphic designer and publisher. I have
designed for numerous celebrities and significant individuals. I also have a
background in visual arts. Also, I’m involved with an organization called Still
I Rise (www.still-iRise.org) where we empower the youth and give back to the
community.
CM: Would you like to add anything else before we close the interview?
Comprehend: Check out “SOLDIER” on ITunes at http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1192653219?ls=1&app=itunes. Be sure to look out for the “SOLDIER”
remix soon and future projects.
Da Masta: Yea…just keep backing these Indy artists. Check out my page (www.reverbnation.com/damasta) and pick up this single as well as my latest two albums
"HATRED…lyrical Therapy" and "THE ONE." Both are now
available at ITunes and other online stores https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1188960530?ls=1&app=itunes and https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hatred-lyrical-therapy/id1189285087
For more information on Comprehend please visit:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/comprehend-music
Twitter: www.twitter.com/IamComprehend
Instagram: www.instagram.com/IamComprehend
For more information on Da Masta please visit:
Reverb Nation: http://www.reverbnation.com/damasta
Instagram: www.instagram.com/damasta_7
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