DIZZY DROS // Interview

Considered as one as the worldliest famous Moroccan rapper, Dizzy Dros gave us his time to review his career and successes. The one who was able to climb all the steps to reach the top of the Moroccan Rap has confided to us the importance he attaches to the smallest details.

Kind, affordable and sincere, he confessed to A Rap & A Cup Of Tea his future projects and ambitions. The rapper from Casablanca cumulated more than 144 million views on YouTube – and we understand why he has so much talent. Between benevolence for the future of Moroccan Rap and hard work, he explains the unique link today that unites him to music. This is definitely a hustler to follow!

Can you tell us more about your background?

I’ve been fascinated with Rap music and Hip-Hop as a culture at an early age, but I’ve only started writing my first raps around the late years of my teenage. I was 18 years old when I recorded my first demo back in 2007 at a friend’s home studio. Although it took me 4 years before I decided to drop my first single 'Cazafonia' on YouTube. Today, after almost 10 years of self-grounding and with the help of a solid discography, I must admit that I’m proud of the status I’ve reached in the Moroccan Rap.

How did you manage to reach an international level?

I think my obsession with details alongside with the high standards I set for the quality of production, has allowed me to build a distinct sound print and visual identity. I guess my audience knows that they can’t expect anything but top-notch quality music with top-grade visuals. I’ve always aimed at delivering music videos that aspire to challenge international massive industries, despite the humble budgets we devote to making it.

Do you feel it like a pressure sometimes like “I’m not allowed to fail”?

Always. Appreciation comes with responsibility; every move must be very well calculated. It’s hard to get to the top, staying at it’s a hundred times harder.

I saw that people were feeling inspired and understood by you through your lyrics. Is something important for you to give a universal message to your audience?

I think one of the main assets of my music is staying connected to the streets. My hood has been always my main source of inspiration. The bond that keeps me attached to my audience is the ability to tell their different stories through every song from an insider point of view.

Are you someone who is used to write a lot?

Although I’m not constantly on writing mode, you’ll always catch me with a pen on me. My phone is full of notes, but I like to write down my texts so I can edit them fluidly.

Do you sometimes have an idea in mind, and you’re like “I need to talk about this” or is more instinctive when you’re writing?

I guess it comes naturally. I’m not really a fan of thematic songs. I choose to deliver multiple messages and inconsistent ideas with every joint.

''It's hard to get to the top, staying at it is a hundred times harder.''

Can you tell me more about your hit track 'Rdlbal' with rapper Komy? How did you end up doing this featuring?

It all started in the car, just humming along to the songs playing on the radio. When the song ‘’Toot That Whoa Whoa’’ came on, we started flipping the lyrics to Darija and it sounded amusing, so we decided to hit the studio. The song has piled up more than 30 million views on YouTube up to date so I guess that sometimes it doesn’t take that much planning to come up with a hit song.

Is there an artist with whom you did a featuring that gave you amazing amazing memories to remember?

I haven’t done many collabs throughout my career. I guess I’m a little bit selfish with my music. But I gotta say that every time I'm in the studio with Komy, we come up with something insane.

Do you have any dream collaboration?

I’d probably say artists like Royce Da 5’9, Schoolboy Q, Dave East and Stormzy.

Before all this success, were you influenced by any international artist whether on their career on musical vibes?

I grew up listening to a lotta West Coast Rap and that’s the influence that carried me for years before I found my own style. But if I were to choose one name, I’d say that I’m doing what I’m doing today because of Eminem. He’s the only artist that makes me wanna grab a pen whenever I listen to him.

Do you think that there are loads of differences between Moroccan Rap and the International one?

Moroccan Rap is very distinct from any other place in the world. The lack of music labels and the absence of a solid structure make the music industry in Morocco almost non-existent. Yet, Moroccan rappers have found strategies through the years to broadcast their talent and build strong followings — in and outside of Morocco — in creative ways. We have created our own rules and adapted them to the particularities of our country.

Would you say that nowadays, Moroccan Rap becomes more and more important on the International scene?

No doubt, Moroccan Rap has been catching ear overseas over the years. In the last few months, a handful of international labels started showing interest in investing in new talents in Morocco. Although I think it’s still shy compared to the size of talent so I’d say it’s promising.

'' Eminem is the only artist that makes me wanna grab a pen whenever I listen to him.''

When you started Rap did you imagine yourself being one of those participating in this evolution?

I don’t think I have ever been obsessed with this idea; music for me was just a way of distressing and getting away from life frustration. It’s a way for me to tell my story without the worry of being judged or prejudiced against. But what I always knew is that I wanted to deliver a top-quality product every time and make sure that I’m satisfied with my craft to the fullest before releasing it to the public.

I remember that 4 years ago 'Chouwaya' was a hit track played everywhere. When you record this song, did you imagine that it could reach such a large audience?

I can morally say that ‘Chouwaya’ is the song that was least expected to blow up considering the amount of time and dedication we put into it. It was just another fun idea that Komy and I decided to take to the recording booth… Music just doesn’t have a definite formula. I guess that’s the beauty of it.

Loads of your fans congratulate the visual of your video clip all being a highquality one. Is the visual something important for you?

When I first discovered Hip-Hop music, I was tempted by the whole package: the sound, the image, the style, the motion… The significance of all these elements to me is what makes me in a constant chase of setting the bar high with every new song and every new visual.

''Two words: Album Mode.''

Is it you behind the visual ideas?

Mostly, I do that while writing the song. Once I have clear ideas on everything, I sit with a DOP and try to figure out the technical aspect to convert these ideas into images, in line with their own artistic perspective.

As an artist, what do you prefer: being on stage or in the studio?

Nothing compares to the energy of being on stage, exchanging vibrancy and passion with thousands of people who share the same love and enthusiasm of music. Studio time is completely different. I prefer to isolate myself while recording, no one around, not even the closest friends, just my sound engineer and me. It can be a risky process, as you don’t have instant feedback while making the song. I prefer to trust my instinct and assume full responsibility when the song comes out.

Can you tell me more about your future projects?

Two words: album mode.

Instagram: @Mr_Cazafonia

Words © Fanny Hill Scott // Photography (1) © Youness VB (2) © Chadilias