P1 is a rapper representing the east side of south central Los Angeles. He is one of many dope names who will be gracing the  PayDay stage on Tuesday July 20th, when the best rap show in L.A. returns to Resident (428 s. Hewitt s., LA, CA, 90013). PayDay caught up with P1 to talk about his close friendship with Roddy Rich, his debut project World Ain’t Ready, and what performing at PayDay LA means to him. 

Interview conducted & written by Dylan Fleming (@DylanisPALM)  for PayDay. (photo credits: Pablo @shooter__visuals) 

How did you 1st tap in with Roddy Rich and what was the vibe like? 

Me and Roddy became close cause his first day at Westchester high they brought him to battle me and since that day we been locked in. We both seen the limitless talent in each other and kept motivating each other to go bigger and get better.

Are there any plans for more future collaborations between you two? 

We actually just spoke last week about doing some more music and getting a session this week, but our relationship is way beyond music. Like when I talk to him that’s probably the last thing we talk about. I really know Roddy, he really knows me, so we talk about everything in our lives from A-Z. That’s my brother beyond everything. 

What does your 2020 project World Ain’t Ready mean to you? 

World Ain’t Ready meant everything to me! It’s me showing not only I can rap, or I can sing, I’m also making classic music as well. It’s me telling the listener my stories as a kid and hoping that I broke it down vividly enough so you can see it how I’ve seen it. For so long I knew I had potential to be one of the greatest, so that project was me trying to prove that. During the creative process of the project I was at one of the most confusing times in life from dealing with a case I had caught, to wanting to pursue my dream in music and not getting the fruits I deserve, to trying to figure out life and becoming my own man, to even relationship problems. I feel like I did a good job of captioning the emotions of a young man in a similar situation on top of making the records speak for themselves. 

What’s something special about performing at PayDayLA? 

I think the thing that makes payday so special for me is because first and foremost it’s right in my backyard always. So, it’s only right I come out here and go crazy for the city that held me down since the start. On top of that the energy at payday is just unmatched , the music, the vibe, and the people. Grateful to be on the lineup!

The latest project from P1, "World Ain't Ready" is available now on all streaming services and at http://Grandcamppeeskee.com. Watch him perform live on the next PayDay LA event July 20th, 2021at 9pm at Resident (428 s. Hewitt st., LA, CA, 90013). Grab your tix here.

Interview conducted & written by Dylan Fleming (@DylanisPALM)  for PayDay. 

Phoenix AZ, vocalist Emmitt Dupree is the soul of the desert. The 25 year old PayDay alumni, just dropped a new EP called Power Isn’t My Point. Siting modern hip-hop and R&B greats such as Frank Ocean and Andre 3000 as influences, Dupree lets the listener into his view on love, lust, and navigating the challenges making it as an independent artist. PayDay caught up with Dupree to discuss the making of this 10-track project, and the music scene in his hometown. 

The project includes production from Knocktimus Prime, Domwithdaheat, Charley Brown, Verbboutthat & Donato & Dillygotitbumpin (YouTube producer). There are guest appearances from Jaywop, Gurl, and Dali. 

What inspired the title “power isn’t my point?” 

The title was inspired by the current state of being that were in & the relationship between America & its minorities being led by profit, also the approach I’m taking regardless of the opposing side of my argument being more about power & profit. The person with real power isn’t the one that clings onto it I.E the people. 

What’s it like being an artist out of Arizona? 

It’s interesting because the outlets that push artists are being formed now which means the developments have been only more recent. I've been doing music for 8-9 years so beforehand it used to feel like it wasn’t supportive enough of a Hip-hop scene however, I commend everyone here for the growth we’re finally starting to see and I can finally say that it’s starting to become a hub for an artist and in a few it’ll be a well oiled machine. 

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the project is the “Heaven by 2 Inches” (Outro) which samples the classic, “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” from Nas and Lauryn Hill. “Take Your Word” (ft. Gurl) is a one of a kind smooth duet with a jazz and R&B vibe, to last through the ages. The rest of the project drifts between, boombap, trap, and R&B, showing Dupree’s versatility in style. This is west coast player music with a sensitive side to it. 

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