Q & A Interview with a Number (Digit the rapper interview))

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 Digit what is your real name? 

A: My real name is Seven Hughes. 

Where are you from?

A: I'm originally from Brooklyn, NY

 How did you come up with your name name?

A: A good friend of mine, who is a songwriter, nick-named me "Digit" a long time ago. So when I came out with the music, that's the name I chose.

 What does your act consist of?

A: Me and a few other people who are a little "off".

 How would you describe yourself someone who has never seen you perform before?

  A: Insane. Lots of energy.

 Thinking back to early childhood, what would you say was your first musical influence? 

A: My musical influence came from my mom and pops. They used to play old school records all day and while we slept.

 What song do you remember most as a child and why?

A: The Message from Grandmaster Flash. Because my life has been filled with a lot of ups and downs. So, I can identify with the lyrics.

 As a child growing up what types of music was played around you? How or why does it differ to the music that you find yourself listening to today?

A: A lot of old school, like, Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass and Luther. I think because I was exposed to so many different kinds of music then, I listen to a large range of music now.

 Do you remember the first song you wrote, rapped, or sang? What is recorded? How? Where did you get the music? How did it make you feel?  Do you still have a copy of it today?

A: The first song I recorded was back in high school. It was recorded at a friend's house. I got the music from a Dj or producer. I felt good about it because I won a lot of competitions back then with that record.

 How old were you when you decided that “music” was what you wanted to do? Why? 

A: Four years ago is when I decided to pursue music as my career because  YelaWolf's producer, Will Power, asked if I wanted to record a album. I think that did it.

After deciding that music was in your future how did you decide which “type” of music you were going to pursue? 

A: I think I just make the music I hear. It’s not really about what "I" wanted, but "What" wanted to come out. Rapping allows me to let it all go and deliver it to a "people" who can appreciate what I'm saying.

What is it about your live performances that you feel captivates your fan base? How do you decide what changes are made for those in attendance who have either never seen you/your band perform live or those who have never heard your music?

A: It’s my energy. It’s just raw. I ain't up on the stage trying to be cool. I'm exposed and allow the crowd to see my emotion. I allow the energy to dictate what gets delivered and how. 

Can you describe your music in 5 words?

A: Nothing you've ever heard before.

Can you give me some details about Digit?

A: From the time my eyes open to the time they go to sleep, I'm working. I'll outwork anyone who thinks their talent will get them where they want to go. From sun up till sun down, I'm hustling.

What talent contests, if any, have you entered? Did you place? Did you gain new fans? How did it make you feel? Is there anything that you would change about the performance? Would you do it again?

A: I've won a ton of contests. But, when I won a international music award in 2011, that separated me from the bullshit. It means that not only did someone from my hometown recognize what I can do, but from across them waters, too.

Do you write your own music?

A: Yeah. I write it all.

Most people write their music based on their surroundings, what they know or what they feel is “hot” at the moment…..what is your music written about?

A: My music is whatever I am feeling or whatever the beat is saying to me. I don't go into a writing session like, "I'm about to write some shit for my G's". I just let it happen.

What would you say has been your pivotal, or breakout moment? Do you think you have passed on any opportunities that would have heightened your career?

A: My breakout moment would have to be the Summer of SUM Tour. I headlined the tour two years in a row and met a lot of people who have been a help to my career.

Where would you like to see yourself within the next 5 years?

A: World tour, movies, commercials, sponsorships, endorsements, music awards and a Grammy. 

Do you feel you have “creative control” of your music? Is that something you would change?

A: Yeah. I control it all. I'm working on what I would change, and that's, more collaborations with more artists.

To date what has been your biggest obstacle? How have you handled them?

A: For me its, internet promo for my records and shooting videos. Because I’m so busy, I don't have the time to really work on my projects like I used to. So, I have a team in different cities now, helping me.

Do you in anyway feel that the economy has contributed to the rise of internet sales/downloads as opposed to fans have purchased the actual cd? 

A: Hell yeah. But moreso the technology than the economy. Back in the days, you could bootleg a project, but the only people that you could get it to, were the ones you could touch. Now, with the internet, people don't wanna pay for shit b/c they can get it free.

How have you promoted your music? Do you have any advice for the next generation of artists coming up that may one day look to you for guidance?

A: CDs, mp3s, internet, truck of the car, street teams, consignment stores... My advice is to know the game and play that shit. It ain't about "you" more than it is about networking and who you know.

There is always someone who has something negative to say about the music today, regardless of the genre. Are there any changes you feel would benefit the music industry as a whole in this day and age?

A: Hell yeah. If people would start telling the truth and exposing real life a lil more. Go back to when music didn't just move you, but it also had purpose. Now, every song on the radio is a party track. Everyday ain't a party for everybody.

How would you describe your fan base?

A: Diverse

Do you have a fan club or street team?

A: Yeah. I have a few.

What would you say are the most inspirational comments a fan has ever given you?

A: A fan from the UK told me once that I was their favorite rapper, period. Even over Lil Wayne and he worshipped Lil Wayne. Another fan told me that she played my mixtape 5 times in a row, back to back. That kinda shit makes you wanna keep going. 

What positive advice would you have to offer to the youth in your community?

A: I've been about the community since I was a kid, because of how I grew up. I represent "Left Eye's" Non-profit and have helped a lot of people on this planet, man. I would say to get involved. You never know how it will effect your movement and fan base.

How does your family feel about the music you perform? Do they regularly attend shows? How has their support (or lack thereof) benefited (or hindered) your career?

A: My mom raised me as a G and a Gentleman, so the stuff I spit ain't foreign to either something I have already been through and experienced or that I am dealing with currently. So when I perform, its like I'm telling my story to a few new friends. My family respects what I do because of how I do it. They are behind me 100%.

From small hole in the wall bars to larger venues, what would you say on the art of promotion in drawing a crowd to a live performance?  

A: Consistency and good music

What is the furthest you have ever traveled for a show? How receptive was the crowd of your performance?

A: Right now, Cali is the furthest I've traveled for a show and I've done it a few times in a few different cities in Cali. The West loves Digit. And Digit loves the West!

Does anyone else in your family have music talent? 

A: Not in a "performing" kind of way. But, my grandfather was the first black DJ in Marrion and Dillon county, in SC. My pops is a published poet. So talents in the arts is evident.

Do you find yourself regularly listening to music who’s genre differs from yours?

A: Yeah. I listen to all kinds of shit man. I love music. But mostly, I listen to my own music, past and present.

What to you prefer to do when you are not “doing music”?

A: Having sex and making money. Not always in that order either.

What would be your “perfect vacation”?

A: Hawaii in the winter, 5 sexy girls, all the liquor I can drink, Hawaii's finest to smoke on, and a lot of sex on the beach.

What would you say is your inspiration in continuing your career/tours/live performances?

A: To have that perfect vacation whenever I want and how often I want to take it.

How would you compare your live performances to those of major label artists? 

A: You can't compare it. Because me with their budgets, I would change the game, forever. I will.

What do you enjoy more, studio or live performances?

A: Can't compare the two. One without the other is like trying to get a chick pregnant without fucking. It’s the process and I enjoy the process.

How do you think your music influences your fans? Do you feel that they are getting the “message behind the music”? 

A: My music makes my fans "feel" something. It makes them either want to change the world or say fuck it and just do their own thing. The message behind my music, is to "let the monster live". Everybody's got this mask on. Take that shit off and let your monster out!

What song do you enjoy performing the most and why?

A: Right now, it would have to be a toss up between, "Hi, I'm the Monster" or "Inside My head". They're both crazy and I get to just let loose.

At the end of the day do you think there are any changes that need to be made when it comes to yourself, your group/band, or your music? Why?

A: There is always room for improvement. Always!

With artists such as Techn9ne doing his own independent thing, in a perfect world would you rather continue independent or do you aspire to be major label signed?

A: I don't give a fuck about the "terminology" of things. As long as my fans are happy, my music is getting out to the places I want them too and as long as them zeros keep coming at the end of them checks, I could give a fuck weather or not I get signed. I never started this shit with that intent. I just want to make music and lots of fuckin money!

Everyone has that one fan who is more “ambitious” about meeting their favorite artists, have you ever found yourself in a situation that made the fan seem somewhat “stalker-ish”? How did you handle it? Do you now find yourself resistive when approached by fans? 

A: I got a fan right now, who I think is my number 1 fan. He's a kid from Sunderland, England and he swears that he will be the first person to bring me over to the UK. Right now, he's working with a team of his friends to really set the shit up. He's the first person that I've ever signed a autograph for "on something". I sent him a signed t-shirt, cd and some other shit last year or two years ago, and he's been on it every since. Facebook, Twitter, he's there. It’s cool though. That’s what you do this shit for, right? To affect people?

What is the most embarrassing moment you have ever had on stage?

A: LOL. I dropped my mic once going across the stage. Oh, and another time, I forgot the lyrics to my own shit. I freestyled it and no one knew a thing though.

Are there any moments you “wish you could forget”?

A: My show in Oakland in 2012. Too much drama. 

Given the opportunity who is the one artist you would like to work with, and why?

A: Kanye, Wayne, Jay, and Eminem. To me, they all posses something that I aspire for. Kanye is so crazy with his music. He's open to damn near anything. Wayne has outworked everyone in music and is a great business man. Jay-Z has stayed relevant for more almost 20 years. And what else can you say about Em?

Are you currently involved with any community organizations?

A: I'm a board director member for the Lisa Lopes Foundation, the non-profit organization of the great, late "Left Eye", formally of TLC.

What would you want to be remembered for the most by your fans?

A: My drive, energy, the difference of my music and my business sense.

What would you say you have yet to accomplish on your “bucket list”?

A: Make 144 million, own 3 Ferrari's, a Zonda and a yacht, a small manor, a Grammy, an Oscar... shit... I ain't thinkin about no bucket list.

I'm trying to live. So fuck all that.

How have you grown as an artist?

A: I don't make music that "I" want to hear anymore.

If you had not become an artist/band, where do you think you would be now?

A: I'm a businessman. I'm funny as shit. I'm talented more ways than 1. Whatever it would be that I had decided to do, I would be just as if not, more successful.

What can your fans expect from you in the future? New album/mixtape releases, shows, tours, upcoming news?

A: I just released my new project, "Where'd I Park My Spaceship, The Blackbox Recordings". You can download it FREE from http://digit.bandcamp.com/album/whered-i-park-my-spaceship-the-black-box-recordings. I'm working on a new album, that will be released next year. I'm going over to the UK to do that show in Sunderland. And I'm also working on a huge show in Hamburg, Germany. I'll be playing with a Classical Musician. Its gonna be stoopid. 

Check out more of the rapper Digit’s music at http://www.digitmanmusic.com/