D2X discusses coming into his image, balancing college and music, upcoming project, and more in his exclusive Q+A.

By: GroovNuke

D2X and GroovNuke chops it up an exclusive iLLANOIZE Q+A. 

.@D2X__ “Woop Woop” has us turnt

To listen stream it via @iLLANOiZE https://t.co/fntOTls9oP pic.twitter.com/N44LMjShtd

— iLLANOiZE Radio (@illanoizeradio) January 20, 2019

D2X is a rising artist in Chicago who's seen some good feats early on in his career. His summer 2018 release 'Enjoy Life' received great reception, his single 'Woop Woop" ft. Glohan Beats hit 92.3, and he's been rounding into form on the music scene. 

In person, you can catch D2X settling calm and collective, trying to piece it all together. I got the chance to meet D2X during my last semester of college at Western Illinois University. Ironically, I downloaded his project Enjoy Life just a week before the semester began. Not putting two and two together at the moment, D2X soon enlightened me when he connected me acknowledged me from iLLANOiZE.

​You can see that D2X is passionate about his craft and he's writing his own lane. If you've been in tune with his thus far, you know what he can bring to the beat. If you're just now getting up on him, check in to D2X's world of artistry and more in this interview. 

GroovNuke: How did you get the rap name “D2X”?
D2X: My rap name is pretty much simple, D2X signifies my first and last name initials, which both begin with a D. 

GroovNuke: How long you’ve been rapping?
D2X: Two and a half years. 

GroovNuke: What made you get into making music?
D2X: I got into making music because it’s was an outlet for me to express myself and my story after I had decided to not play basketball anymore truthfully. A lot of people around me were surprised in the beginning but I always had faith in my career and a lot has changed since then.

GroovNuke: Why did you put the basketball down?
D2X: Just wasn’t in a position where I felt I would be happy long term. Though I had opportunities to play at multiple schools, it was about the long term effects of those decisions and being able to create music was the smartest decision for me. 

GroovNuke: How do you balance life as a upcoming artist and full time college student?
D2X: It’s pretty simple for me, when I played basketball I had to juggle school time with on the court time, so it’s not an issue at all. 

GroovNuke: What’s your major?
D2X: Journalism and I’m minoring in Music business.

GroovNuke: Do most of your classmates know you rap?
D2X: Some do some don’t. I’m just not the type to force my music on people, people eventually find out just from seeing my face online or through word of mouth. I just like to let my music speak for itself.     

​​GroovNuke: Will you balance both a working career and rap career when the paths align for you?
D2X: Yeah it’s pretty simple, it’s mainly about the effort you put in, not the time for the most part. It’s never a big deal when you have a passion for what you do, you’ll find time to make it work. 

GroovNuke: Describe the way you market your work via Instagram?

D2X: It’s pretty simple to me, just doing what feels right and staying consistent with the work I put in to develop content and new ideas. I still got a lot of ideas that I want to formulate and it comes with time. Also, just being able to get your audience excited and interacting with people is the most important thing to do. You might inspire the next person or change the lives of many.Its all about being your truest self, and meaning what you say. That goes a long way. 
   
​GroovNuke: What’s the name of your upcoming project?
D2X: Haven't decided just yet. lol, right now there’s no official title, I’ve been bouncing different ideas for it but it’s gonna be special when it finally drops lol. 

GroovNuke: How did it feel hearing one of your singles on 92.3?
D2X: It was exciting, especially since it’s been on there multiple times since then, it just shows how far you can really go when you just focus and spend time working on your craft. 'No Handouts' been on there as well, and it’s always a nice opportunity. Every co-sign is just a bonus, nothing I’m chasing though. ​

GroovNuke: Talk about the process of creating your buzzing single “Woop Woop”.

D2X: 'Woop Woop' was a fun song I made on a random night at 2AM. We heard the Kanye "Xtcy" joint and randomly decided to sample it, and I wrote my verse in like 8-10 minutes. I know some people wanted a second verse on it, in which it actually did lol. Glo was on the 2nd verse but it didn’t fit the overall effectiveness of the song. Keeping it short and simple is needed sometimes. 

GroovNuke: Describe the chemistry you, Quis, and Glohan have?
D2X: It’s incredible man, we’ve been friends since 1st grade, so we all are familiar with each other’s styles, Interests, and musical influences. Making music with those guys are always fun and we get important work done every time.

​​GroovNuke: How do you feel about the Chicago music scene?
D2X: I think it’s pretty cool, everyone just in their own lane and that’s what what I’m trying to do myself, just focused on mine. 

​GroovNuke: Some artists you want to work with?
D2X: I really haven’t thought of anyone in particular but I’m always open if it’s the right moment. 

GroovNuke: Some producers you want to work with?
D2X: The producers I’ve always worked with mainly. I’m always open to other producers as well. 

GroovNuke: Talk about your upcoming project and what can listeners expect?
D2X: It’s a project I’m super excited about. It’s going to be something super fresh, new and creative. Everyday I’m crafting new ideas for it and there’s really no limits. Just creating what I feel is pleasing to the ear and not overthinking it. It should be out sometime this year, and it’s gone be special. I’m looking to stand out.  In the meantime, I got new singles ready.

GroovNuke: How does it feel coming into you artist image as D2X?
D2X: Everything feels just how I imagined, to be honest with you. Just continuing to progress and that’s the main thing. Learning how to be a better me every single time, and I got a long way to go. 

GroovNuke: What’s the track you’ll turn on if you have the chance to put a stranger on to your music?
D2X: 'Lights' for sure, it embodies everything I’ve been through and I believe it will help any new listener if given the chance.

GroovNuke: What’s the best moment of your career so far?
D2X: There's been a ton of good moments, but I believe the best moments are yet to come. I still have a long way to go and more work to put in. But I don’t stress it, people make rap stressful. It’s not that big of deal to me. It’s just about creating and formulating the most accurate presentation of yourself. That’s all I try to focus on and everything else that comes with this is just a bonus. 

GroovNuke: Harold’s or Uncle Remus?
D2X: Gotta go with Harold’s man lol.  Their chicken is too crispy lol. 

GroovNuke:What can we expect from D2X for the rest of the year?
D2X: Just can expect more new music, and more creative content, I got a lot in store.