Philly rapper D Prime talks Musical Influences, Upcoming Projects, and the Message behind his song "State Ya Biz"

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"Not that I'm trying to recreate a certain era, it's just I'm influenced by it and I give it my updated twist." @Dprime215

Mistah Wilson: Yo, D Prime 215! Thanks for coming thru for this exclusive interview with thawilsonblock magazine! What's tha latest and greatest, fam?

D Prime: Peace. Thanks for having me. The latest right now is my new single "State Ya Biz" Produced by J. DePina with cuts from DJ Soulbuck. Pushing that right now. Plus I'm prepping to release my 2nd solo EP "Sacred Mantra" very soon.

Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, could you give us a quick background on yourself?

D Prime: Sure thing. I'm a young Black Man from Philadelphia, PA. Hip-Hop is my culture. Way before I picked up a pen to write a rhyme I was immersed in it. When I decided to get on my music grind I went hard and I was able to meet a number of my heroes and get invaluable jewels. Far as my style, it's based in lyricism. Not that I'm trying to recreate a certain era, it's just I'm influenced by it and I give it my updated twist.

Mistah Wilson: First things first, you just dropped tha visual for "State Ya Biz". What overall message are you trying to send with this song?
D Prime: "State Ya Biz" is about meaning what you say and saying what you mean. But in a more realistic context, because let's face it, in life most people don't live by that doctrine. It's essentially calling a person out on not being who they say they are. So I wanted the video to illustrate that. The song itself is actually inspired by two of my favorite songs, "Friend or Foe" and "Friend or Foe '98" by Jay Z and DJ Premier. Soulbuck even used cuts from "Friend or Foe" on the hook.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you've worked with and would like to work with some time in tha near future?
D Prime: I've worked with Reef The Lost Cauze, Has-Lo, Hezekiah, Mike Voss, and the Late Great Rich Quick to name a few. Far as who I'd like to work with, honestly I don't have names per se. I just want to work with anyone with whom I share mutual respect for a person and as a fan of their music. Ultimately the best music and experiences come from working with people who want to see you win, that's what my big brother Hezekiah told me and it holds true.

Mistah Wilson: What current and upcoming projects do you have in tha works?
D Prime: My 2nd EP "Sacred Mantra" is actually complete and it will be releasing soon.

Mistah Wilson: Where do you pull inspiration from when writing new songs?
D Prime: Life itself mainly. When I started out it was all about writing raps for the sake of writing

raps. As I get older I draw more inspiration from life, the good, bad, and indifferent. Aside from that, the MC in me is still inspired by hearing great spitters go for it. I'm still a fan of Hip Hop first and foremost, so when I hear an amazing MC body something it puts me in the zone to step my game up.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some influential figures that have inspired tha artist you are today?
D Prime: I'm really all over the place man. A handful are Nas, Black Thought, Linkin Park, Metallica, State Property, Dilla Dawg, and The Pharcyde. If I gave you my whole list it would be a book, haha.

Mistah Wilson: What do you plan to accomplish thru your music?
D Prime: I just want to be understood for who I am and what I represent. For instance take Nas. Now I have yet to visit Queensbridge, or even have all the life experiences Nas has had. However his music takes me to where he went, puts me in his shoes so to speak. Not that I necessarily want to be Nas because he's his own man. But I want my music to have that effect on people, that's the ultimate goal more than anything. Vivid storytelling to the max.

Mistah Wilson: Where can people find and follow you online?
D Prime: Literally everything is D Prime 215, type that in on any platform and I pop up. I'm active so no worries there.