The Legend D.V. Alias Khryst Speaks On His New Album "Music" In This Exclusive Interview

D.V. Alias Khryst is well known in the Hip Hop industry for his stellar lyrics, singing, and mixing. His career reigns legendary dating back to the golden era of Hip Hop into present day. Although overlooked and underrated by the mainstream flow, D.V. continues to release unfading music authenticating the longevity of his career.

MJ: As we begin I want to thank you for chopping it up with us here at Brolic Tunes, your time and knowledge is appreciated. Before we bless fans with the scoop on your new album, bless the readers with some jewels. We all know that Hip Hop music has evolved and changed over the decades. A lot of the buzz lately surrounds the younger generation and their lack of appreciation and representation for the culture. Does that have any impact on the music you create?

D.V.: Actually it doesn't have any impact on the music that I create only because I'm in my own zone. The younger artist’s lack of appreciation spawns from the lack of there education on the fundamentals of Hip Hop. We all have a contribution to the culture good and bad. Hip-hop has always been through different transitions both corny and dope no different than the Disco phase then the arrival of Hip Hop, as DMC said on his YouTube video that I saw a few days ago. Hip-Hop is in its Disco phase and now people want some real Hip Hop just to balance out the Disco. I see nothing wrong with it.

MJ: Your music catalog is extensive and surpasses the careers of some artists in the realm of mainstream. Talk about your progression as an artist from “My Crew Can’t Go For That” to where you are now in your career.

D.V.: Well my progress from “My Crew Can’t Go For That” to now would be my passion and my ability to stay consistent. You can't expect to be accepted as a champion if you're not playing to win. But you also have to be able to accept losing, so with that comes my drive to want to keep putting out music. I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. I've always been ahead of my time and I pride myself on that.

MJ: I’m curios to learn your thoughts on the following…Mainstream or underground? Label or independent?

D.V.: I mean to be honest with you, now there really isn't any separation between mainstream and independent because now mainstream artists and independent Artists are neck and neck. You have some independent Artists selling just as much as mainstream artists. I just think it's all a matter of perception or perspective, in my opinion.

MJ: Let’s get to your new album that fans around the world, myself included, are anxiously awaiting. You released a snippet of the album tracks on YouTube and based off that teaser “Music” will be in ranks for album of the year. You’ve incorporated not only the essential elements of Hip Hop but also a precise arrangement of soulful vocals and polished lyrics over an arrangement of worldly sounds, instruments, and classic Hip Hop beats. Without giving too much away, please share some 411 on the album from the thought to creation to production, to track titles.

D.V.: I mean without giving away too much about the album to sum up the vibration pain was the driving force of the album. I was going through a lot of different changes both spiritually and mentally so I just chose to do some music that would be honest and from the soul. I choose my production like I choose women or my clothes (ha-ha-ha). I did all the recording myself, did some engineering and mixing, and had a lot of support for my partner-in-crime Nick Wiz who helped me mix and master the whole album. I wanted to introduce new talent like Khadija, who sang on Jay-Z’s “Ain't No n****” and was on tour with groups like Guy and sang background vocals for En Vogue. I also have Pearl Gates, a new super producer, artist, and engineer who is on the come-up and about to do big things. Also on the album is Dray Wonder Supreme, and the incredible R.A. The Rugged Man. There’s also some poetry by Crow… I’ll leave the rest for the album release on October 5th.

MJ: What are your expectations for the album? From the snippet it’s evident the album wasn’t made strictly for one genre or lane of music. Again, a task only a true artist can tackle.

D.V.: To be honest with you I really don’t have any expectations. I just want people to be aware of it and love it or hate it, either which way as long as you heard it that's all that matters to me. I'm just getting started, I'm a worldly person and did a lot of traveling so it reflects in my music and it reflects in the type of music that I listen to. I don't just listen to Hip Hop; I listen to everything so all of those influences are tied into this music project. But I will say that I foresee a Grammy!

MJ: Do you have a favorite record or two off the album? A go to for D.V.?

D.V.: I love the whole album but my favorite record I would have to say is “Reflection”. It really hits home for me and when I listen back to the record I can’t believe that I came up with some of the stuff that I was saying, just based on how I was locked into a zone. So I would have to say that's my favorite song but then as you keep listening to the album you start finding new favorite records that tap into different frequencies of your day or just frequencies of your mood.

MJ: Have you chosen which record will be the first visual dropped?

D.V.: As it pertains to what visual I'm going to drop 1st off the album you just have to wait and see…

MJ: Let’s give the fans some fun facts…. Who is in your personal playlist? Where are some of your favorite places to tour? What are three words to describe D.V. as an artist? Who would you like to collaborate with on a future project?

D.V.: My personal playlist is smooth jazz. Favorite places I've toured are Japan, Paris, Germany, Canada, and a few states in the U.S. Three words that best describe me, I love God. I see myself and Dr. Dre doing work, me and Kendrick, Pete Rock, Primo, Large Professor, and Sza.

MJ: As we wrap up is there anything else you would like to share with your fans?

D.V.: I would like my fans to please cop the new album. I put a lot of hard work into it. It's honest, it’s true, and its music.

MJ: On behalf of Brolic Tunes, we salute you and your continual contributions to Hip Hop.

Listen to "Music" snippets below, complete album releases on October 5th.