Meet The Duke. The troublesome youngin’ was born in Houston, TX, where his father is from. After he and his mom moved back home to California where the majority of Duke’s family is from, he was exposed firsthand to life in Los Angeles, CA. In the time of gangs and extreme street violence on the West Coast, the chances of a young black man heading towards progression instead of the penitentiary were slim.
After moving back to the south with his father, the street ambition in him led him to hustlin’, only at 10 years old. After he got into the practice of it, the money came. Duke got his first car at 12 while in middle school. Gold chains were the norm for the young man; he had made it all the way from pumping gas for cash and groceries while he was in California. He was accustomed to putting food on the table for his family. His hustle had grown to another level in Houston, however, and he was once again out of control. The young firecracker was heavy in the streets though, in and out of juvenile and correctional facilities.
It was in these solitary confinements away from his fast life that Duke was able to recognize and accept his talent. He had written his first song at a very young age, and he and his cousins would sing it all the time. It wasn’t until 13 that Duke picked up writing as a hobby. As all mistakes can be blessings, jail gave Duke the time to perfect his craft. He credits his gift of not writing down rhymes to his prison stint. He’s been memorizing lines ever since.
Duke has received
overwhelming encouragement to explore his rap talents. The vibe of the rap game was interesting to him, especially with the status of Houston rappers at the time. Duke and a few guys he used to hustle with wanted him to work on music with them as well. The group eventually dissolved, but Duke was able to use his music networks to meet Mike D of the original Screwed Up Click.
Mike D continued to look out for young Duke as he learned the industry. This relationship developed a number of additional networks for Duke in Houston: The Southside Playaz, Big Pokey, Z-Ro, and Hawk. From a West Coast standpoint, Duke has landed standout verses on two songs featured on mixtape with Bay Area’s finest, Yukmouth. All of these acts have helped contribute their originality and talent to Duke’s growing popularity and respect. Duke has laid the hottest hooks for a number of Houston artists, and was given the rare opportunity of being featured on DJ Screw’s first CD in stores, as well as featured on the DJ Screw documentary. Duke has also worked with Original gangster Bad Azz of Long Beach., who is featured on Duke’s latest mixtape.
Duke views the rap game as a business. He views himself as an investor, and his talent as an investment. Duke wants to motivate the hoods of Houston, and the south in general, from a hustler’s standpoint. “Don’t be a bum, get some work or a hustle.” His music comes with a trap feel, from a grinding mind state.
Duke hopes to bring some more light to the city; to give it charisma and respect like it used to have. “There should be something to do every single night in Houston, like New York. It should be more exciting here. We need enlightenment!” Duke is putting out 100% of his effort to help build Houston on solid rock. He is refining his rap image and letting listeners know that success is tangible. Houston can be rescued by the real Houston rappers that it already has.
Duke’s current mixtape, Trap Mode, hosted by GO DJ Hi-C is available now. The mixtape features former Day 26 singer Brian Angel, R&B Singer Trace, legendary West Coast rapper Bad Azz, and Yukmouth. Duke currently has two videos out online featured on WSHH, including his first video “Tha Hood Knows” with 80,000 views, and a Big Moe tribute/“Streetz Choze Me” with 250,000 views. Besides having tour dates from Mississippi to Miami, Duke still holds down Houston strong. Duke is willing to put the city on his back, but he has numbers in mind. This is a complete takeover of rap. Check out Duke at @thedukegutta and listen to his music first at www.sosouth.com.
bass up.. @miikeyrox
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We’re always excited when we present our readers with the opportunity to read up and become familiar with one of our beloved locals. Meet T.A. of Team Next! We get to discuss a number of things with T.A. during this sit down. The Austin emcee discusses musical influences, style comparison, live performances, fan interaction, linking up with Flycat Music Group and more.
