Geechie Dan

Hip Hop Defines Him

When did you first get into music? Please explain

I first got it Hip Hop by listening to the NYC radio shows that were on WHBI 109.5 FM. Shows like Mr Magic, World Famous Supreme Team Show, Zulu Beats with Donald D and DJ Afrika Islam. These shows would come on at night after midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I would stay up all night waiting for these shows to air. They played the latest Hip Hop songs, freestyles and snippet of the tapes from the Park Jams, T Connection, Harlem World.

What genre of music do you perform?

Hip Hop

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

What inspired me to love Hip Hop was the Tapes... everything I do today is because of tapes...I used mimic what I heard from the tapes and instead of saying their name ..I would say my name. I started rapping and collecting tapes late 1982...early 1983.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/ writing rhymes?

I used to freestyle a lot off my head in the beginning and as time went on..I started writing my rhymes.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

In 1989, I was living in Virginia Beach, VA. I was down in VA with the wrong crowd and I heard Chuck D from Public Enemy on the local radio station. They were going to be performing at Hampton University. I called up the radio station and spoke to him...we both knew each other from WBAU College radio 90.3 FM at Adelph University. He was excited to hear from me and told me to come through. I went to Hampton University before the show started and I saw my dudes Ron, Drew, Terminator X, Chuck D.

MC Flavor wasn’t there...he was notorious for being late for Public Enemy shows. The show was about to start and Chuck D asked me to get the crowd app up and rhyme some. I grab the mic and got busy!!

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business?

I will have to say, passion.

Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Passion drives me because when I was a teenager, my mother wouldn’t allow me what I fell in love with and she block every opportunity that came my way at the time.

My mother told me I would never be successful in life in whatever I pursued because I wasn’t a Jehovah Witness and the only way that Jehovah God will bless me was to dedicate my life to Jehovah God and get baptized. So today...I’m the most passionate person you’ll ever meet in Hip Hop because I hated the idea that my own mother would tell me. All I ever wanted was to be successful in something I love doing so that’s why I’m so passionate.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas?

I’m from Hollis, Queens and I’ve watched and saw what RUN DMC, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, FUBU, A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, Jam Master Jay were able to do. They were able to take Hip Hop to another level. Today, I see and envision the same thing for Hip Hop.

God continues blessing my imagination with ideas that no one thinks about so when I wake up, I write these ideas down and I start making something happen.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist?

The biggest challenge for me is remaining positive and focus and separate the passion from the business.

Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

I’m still working on it…

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement?

Yes, that’s true…Lord knows I have suffered.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

The internet made it easier for artists to get attention that they wouldn’t normally would get if they were pursued by record labels.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

There isn’t any diversity in music today. Artists rap about drugs, killings, drinking, and guns. There’s no thought provoking songs..there is no Iconic, classic songs today. There is so much more artists today could rap about. One song can change everything. Hip Hop Culture is rich…Hip Hop Culture is global... powerful.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today?

Nas - It Was Written

LL COOL J - Momma said knock you out

Public Enemy - It Takes A Million to hold us back

Rakim - Paid In Full

Big Daddy Kane -Its Big Daddy Kane Thing

Tell us about your current project. Please explain.

I’m currently the Co-Chairman of the Hip Hop Hall of Fame and I want to see everyone involved and honored. Everyone that contributed to Hip Hop should be acknowledged.

From MC Hammer, Bun B, Sir Mixx Alot, JJ Fad, 2 Live Crew, Cold Crush 4, Crash Crew, Soul Sonic Force, LL, Fearless 4, DJGrand Wizard Theodore, EPMD, RUN DMC, Common, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Yo Yo, Shy D, Goodie Mob, OutKast, Luda, Big Tigga, Busy Bee, Kool Herc, Snoop, Ice Cube, E40, D Nice, and thousands of others.

What is the best advice you have received?

LL Cool J always tell me to stay focused.

What is the best advice can you give someone who wants to get into the music industry?

Be patient and don’t give up!

What’s next for you?

Right now the Hip Hop Hall of Fame is top priority. I’m also waiting on paperwork to do a reality show on a major network.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

My social media is: FB - I Got The Tapes IG - geechiedanhollis TW - geechie_nyc Amazon - My book, “The Kingdom Hall No More”