As many local fans are aware, Florida has one of the most overlooked Hip Hop circuits, not only in the region, but the entire country. While it can be tough for local creatives to break out from the scene, Citrus Rap makes strides to continue to uplift the Floridians who are on their way up. Said creatives, seen all over CitrusRap, can be found making moves statewide— some even venturing out of state. Still there are several unanswered questions for these rising stars, so we went ahead and formulated a questionnaire to clear the air. This is a new interview series we call “Florida’s Natural,” so that fans can gain insight on the individuals who we believe have the juice.
List your current Alias(es):
DoLA…Just DoLA.
Where do you reside; what’s your hometown?
Jacksonville, FL. Born and raised. I don’t really have a residence right now; I’m just living in the moment.
Why do you rap?
I don’t know, I just don’t care about much else.Who do you look up to?
The sky. I’m disappointed in everything else.
How old are you now and how old were you when you first released your music on the internet?
I’m a whole quarter. I was about 21 when I released my first track or something like that.
What 3 albums of 3 different genres shaped you as an artist?
Growing up, I used to listen to a lot of Nas, especially Lost Tapes. Kind of a lazy body of work in my honest opinion, but every song was substantial to my mental growth and development as a preteen. Before that, DMX’s … And Then There Was X held my thoughts captive all of my 5th grade year along with Lil Bow Wows Beware of Dog and Sisqo’s Unleash The Dragon. Oh, and Missy Elliot’s Supa Dupa Fly is another project that kind of blew me away and weathered my approach to music. I know you only asked for 3 but those are 5 albums that brought me here today in a sense.
What do you bring to the live stage setting that captivates crowds?
When I’m in front of a crowd, I just try my best to look everyone in their eyes so that they know when I say some crazy shit like “Don’t pray for me,” I really mean it. After that, I just let them feed off of my energy. If I’m mad or some shit, I’ll get on stage and provoke that same rage in my fans and try’n’ get them on my level—and then we purge and leave feeling way better as whole.
How do you portray your personality in your music?
I’m really honest in real life, so I’m really honest in my music even if it’s a really ugly truth. I just feel like, fuck it, somebody can relate.
Do you care about social media?
Social media is chill. I just feel like I’m that nigga in 3D, that’s my turf. That’s where I feel comfortable.
Is it ever difficult to express yourself?
Yeah, it’s very difficult for me to express myself, impulsively. I have to take my time to analyze my feelings and others’ before I respond, or the shit just goes sour.
What song describes your current mood?
A song that describes my current mood is “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette…Yeah.
What is your next big release and when can we expect it?
I won’t say.
Anything else to add?
Thank you. Just thank you.
