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Here is the interview with the necessary changes:
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**Q1: How did you get into music, and what inspired you to pursue it seriously?**
**D-Game:** I started getting into rap and music as a way of expressing myself. I used to be a drug dealer from a young age because I didn’t really have a choice—I had to make money to provide for my sisters and mom. I’ve had a hard life for as long as I can remember. Music became my therapy and a way to vent. Even when I was terrible at it, I knew I wanted to leave the street life behind and pursue music. Despite all the criticism, including from my family, here I am.
**Q2: You were born in Portland, OR, and spent most of your life in Washington State. How has your hometown influenced your style?**
**D-Game:** Honestly, I wouldn’t say my hometown has really influenced me or my style at all. I just show up as myself. But I will say that Washington State and the Pacific Northwest, in general, have produced some great musical talent. I’m proud to be part of that.
**Q3: You mentioned a potential opportunity to work with Lil Easy and DJ Yella on the “Straight Out Of Compton” Tour. Can you share more about that?**
**D-Game:** Yes, my booking agent and promoter, Sloop Jones, has a personal relationship with them and submitted my music on my behalf. It got approved to be included on the “Straight Out Of Compton” Tour, which is set to take place in November-December across the West Coast. So, while we haven’t worked together yet, I’m blessed, humble, and eager for the fall!
**Q4: How do you stay motivated and keep your creative process fresh?**
**D-Game:** I stay motivated by taking baby steps. I try to write or freestyle as much as possible, step out of the box on song topics, experiment with different styles and beats—anything that gets the creative juices flowing. I love feeling challenged, and music is the only thing I’ve loved deeply enough to work at every day. Even at big parties, you’ll often find me with headphones on, writing, and then getting everyone excited to hear what I’ve got.
**Q5: Balancing a music career and a full-time job must be challenging. How do you manage?**
**D-Game:** It takes a lot out of me to stay focused on my music, work, and life balance. I’m a director of marketing for a roofing and siding company, and I work from home, so I’m always on the clock, carrying multiple phones. But the company I’m with now fully supports my music journey and will accommodate me as long as I give them notice. In fact, I’ll still be getting paid while on tour. I’m a family man, so I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. I’m single, with no kids, but I do have a dog named Gabino—he’s pretty much my son. With no kids, I feel like the sky’s the limit with my music. I love being home and working on my craft.
**Q6: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career?**
**D-Game:** Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced have been overcoming my fear of trying new styles and deliveries. Songs I used to be scared to try have turned out to be some of my best. Money has also been a challenge; it takes a lot to break into the industry. I did a lot of group stuff and was literally starving myself to put everything into it. Still, to this day, I’m all in with my music. I take care of who’s important to me, and I’ll continue to sacrifice whatever it takes to go deeper into this industry.
**Q7: What are some of your most memorable moments in your music journey?**
**D-Game:** One of the most memorable things is the love you get on stage, especially in front of new fans. When you’re in a new state or city, you never know what to expect, so when a whole new place goes crazy for your music and headliners show you love—that feeling is better than sex. I can’t forget being featured in Source Magazine as a rising artist to watch out for—that was huge for me.
**Q8: What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the music industry?**
**D-Game:** My advice is to practice every day. Believing in yourself is key, even when others don’t. Only you can see the vision until you make them see it. Keep going through trial and error, keep spending money, get as much content as you can, and network! Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. I’m also open to collaborations and working with budgets. Plus, I work with top marketing for music and top-level YouTube channels, so there’s a chance I can help or point you in the right direction.
**Q9: What can we expect from you in the near future?**
**D-Game:** I have a ton of song features coming out, including more tracks with D-Game as a collective. I’m also working on an album with one of my brothers, Coup D Santana, and we’re pushing Recession Proof Entertainment until the world knows! I’m also working on an R&B EP and my solo album, *The Price Of D-Game*.
**Q10: Where do you see yourself in five years?**
**D-Game:** In five years, I’ll have about 21 years of experience with my 9-5 job. I see myself overseeing marketing, working less, making more, and pursuing music full-time. I’ll also be pushing my clothing line, Dumfitted. With the content connections and music I’m building, I’ll continue working toward my goals.
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