Mike Digg the rapper, as well Co-CEO of KingstarR Records, has been a successful songwriter and executive producer for over 15 years. Winning local talent shows by the age of the seven, Mike was named Virginia’s hottest unsigned artist in 2006 by Clear Channel’s 103 JAMZ. He is known for the slow-like southern fashion on deep stories of life and past experiences giving his wordy lyrical more upbeat delivery. Mike Digg was raised in the same project housing that produced NFL sack leader Bruce Smith and NBA veteran Joe Smith. Chasing his dreams and hopes to expand his company, Mike moved to Atlanta in 2007 which led to opening up for some of the biggest names in the industry including T.I, Trina, Young Jeezy and any more. He also toured the US with national recording artist Juvenile and Maino.
1. How long have you been in the music business and how did you get started in the first place?
Mike Digg: Been writing and rapping long as I can remember. But professionally since about 09. I started as more like a journal telling the way I seen things and what I seen in my Hood.
2. Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?
Mike Digg:Jayz – Cash Money – Dmx – 50 cent – Master P
3. Which artists and/or producers are you currently listening to? And are there anyone of these that you’d like to collaborate with?
Mike Digg: I’ve worked with a lot but think I’d made some magic with London on the track, 808 Mafia, Metro boomin
4. What do you feel are the key elements people should be getting out of your music?
Mike Digg: Outside of the club songs my greatest goal is to make people think, hear some of my story, the realness and feel empowered . Like we are one against life’s b.s.
5. What do you think separates you from the crowd of emcees emerging right now?
Being raised in V.A and living in ATL for so long I think I’m the only rapper that can spit on a “South Trap Beat” and still spit some of the hardest 16s in a NYC cypher.
6. Do you have a particularly preferred song in your catalog, and why is it special to you?
Mike Digg: I have a few older favorites I’m feeling the Outro on my latest project though.
7. Are your lyrics predominantly based on real events and personal experiences, or are they drawn from your creative storytelling skills?
Mike Digg. Yes
8. What would you consider a successful or high point in your career so far?
Mike Digg. Being able to Boss up and sign myself.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music so far?
Mike Digg: Living far from your family takes a toll on you after a while. The music biz has no promises. You can go from about to sign a record deal to Universal, to having nothing and starting all over in the blink of an eye. I know because I been there.
10. What key ingredients do you always try and infuse into your songs, regardless of style or lyrical topic?
Mike Digg: Coming from a real place, honesty, being genuine and relatable.
11. Do you also produce the beats if necessary or do you just handle the lyrics on your songs and collaborate with outside producers?
Mike Digg: I’ve made beats in the past but it’s not my thing I record myself a lot and work with different producers depending the feel for that day.
12. Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?
Mike Digg: With social media playing such a big role in music I like how it’s faster to get music to your fans it’s great but on the other hand there are millions doing the same thing so you really gotta be creative.
13. How and when did you start KingstarR Records and what was the initial idea behind the project?
Mike Digg: When I Started Kingstarr Records I wanted to have some of the best producers I could find under the same roof. Also have a place to let those who had a rap dream come give it a shot. It was more about good music then getting rich at the time.
14. If you had the opportunity to change one thing about how the music business works right now, what would that be?
Mike Digg: I’d put the real talent and what I see as a representation of a Young black dude to the mainstream. Now it’s so controlled by what they want you to be it’s got half the culture lost.
15. If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?
Mike Digg: Real
16. Do you consider Internet and all the social media websites as fundamental in building a career in music today, and what is your personal relationship with the new technology at hand?
Mike Digg: Yes it’s super important because no matter what, there are platforms to stay visible. People can see when you’re grinding…and they can see when you’re bullshitn too lol
17. How did you become the first local unsigned rapper to headline the legendary Norva, and then tour the US with national recording artists Juvenile and Maino? And what have you learned from those experiences?
Mike Digg: as a young kid I met a dude named Doc Holiday he was an older white dude that had hella music connections & he believed in me and added me to some of his events one being the Norva which is big for rock shows and Rappers I didn’t know how important the venue was until I performed there. I was the only rapper and my supporters showed up. I had met Juvy in my studio I had a lotta artists come through while they were in town but we clicked and some of his crew. B4 I knew it, we were sharing the same stage. The Maino tour came from just being ready. I was already out you can say, on my own tour .. wrapped van .. Cds .. shirts etc. and met a tour promoter that thought I would be perfect to tour with Maino ..the rest was history.
18. What have you learned most from your experiences with national recording artists and major league players in the industry?
Mike Digg: “Get your Favors Now” if you’re supposed to do a feat, colab or eat with somebody get it done . People change so do situations ain’t none of this $hit promised.
19. What is your relationship with visual media? How important do you think it is for your music? And which of your videos would you recommend for fans to checkout?
Mike Digg: Very important I’ve noticed people like to see growth.They like to see your grind. There are some older stuff online but check out “BAG”, “Fuk it up” and maybe “Wassup real Nigga” .. Should give you a lil insight on Digg.
20. What’s your latest music release out right now, and finally, what goals are next on the upcoming agenda, for Mike Digg the artist, and CEO of STR8 Out da Mudd music Group?
Mike Digg: my latest upcoming project is “No Succa $hit”. Wanted to make a good all-around project some performance records and some unexpected Feats. Get ready world I got my pedal to the floor.
OFFICIAL LINKS: WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM – TWITTER – SOUNDCLOUD
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