ROX-TV chops it up with England’s own D Hooks. We talk about UK drill music, the tough streets of Hackney, and more
My artist name is D Hooks, I was born and raised in London UK, in the inner city London borough of Hackney. Hackney is the UKs equivalent of say Harlem or the Bronx, its vibrant, with a mix of old and modern buildings, gentrified neighborhoods, fast paced with various ethnicities and cultures all living within it.
We like to introduce our readers to music from around America and the world whenever possible. Can you talk about your music for a bit? Perhaps introduce our first-time readers to the Hackney sound and UK drill music. What is it and what does the style mean to you?
My first mixtape was titled Hell on the streets, which has a uniquely gritty UK rap sound. It has a different feel compared to the current drill sound…that is the current wave in the UK. I feel my sound is original and authentic. I bring something unique and different to the music scene.
I really dig the Pain and Violence track you have on YouTube. How much of the lyrical content is art and how much of it is real life experience?
Appreciate the love. London can often be misinterpreted by outsiders as being a perfect English city with stereotypes such as teacups and crumpets, and the royal family coming to mind, but the London I know is far removed from that image. A lot of the issues relating to drugs, crime, and violence which exist in many major cities in the U.S also exist here…so I draw from all my experiences growing up in the city and channel it into my music, so everything I write or rap about is something I have had to experience in real life. I believe this adds a real authentic feel to my music.
London is an interesting place, the Capitol of the UK and the largest city in England, it’s got a population of about 9 million people. How does living in such a big town affect you directly as an artist and your music? With such a large population, I’m assuming the independent music scene is probably vibrant and alive. Can you talk about the indie music scene currently taking place in your hometown and how it affects you as an artists? Perhaps take us into the mindset of a UK Drill artist?
The lockdowns in America have been pretty much a nightmare for indie music and live shows. For some parts of the country, people have been housebound for months or even a year or more. It’s really hurt artists trying to get out and do shows, make a living, and spread their craft about. How has the pandemic affected you and your ability to reach out to your fan base?
Yes it has been a very difficult time. The lockdowns in the UK have been more restrictive than the U.S. we continually got lockdowns. The Negatives includes not being able to perform, make new music videos, artist collaborations, restrictions of going to studios etc. However I did gain some positives from it. The experience gave me time to reflect and time alone to write, plan, and figure the best directions for my music. I was also able to get more done promoting myself and music on social media platforms such as Spotify, Instagram, YouTube iTunes and other social media platforms.
For the first time readers here in America, what is one thing that they must know about D Hooks and the music?
Are you working on any new material? If so can you talk a little about that?
What does the rest of 2021 and beyond look like for D Hooks? Any news you want to tease out to fans?
For the first time readers just getting hip to your music, where can they go to find your music?
Thanks for stopping by ROX-TV to speak with us. I’m from the 90’s and always dug the shout outs from artists on songs and in the album notes, etc. Who is D Hooks shouting out tonight? (anyone/anything)
I got so many people that I would love to shout out, but firstly my producer Fob who I work closely with, shout out to my video editor Exalted Productions, shout out to my sister Nikita Grant, also an up and coming singer who I get a lot of inspiration and support from, shout out to my close family who support me. Also shout out to all my Instagram followers who have been showing me support and all the people who have been downloading and supporting me as an artist. Shout out to you guys at ROX-TV for this interview and for showing love and reaching out.
