Exclusive Interview with DRAZMATIK

As a producer, rapper, and songwriter, Drazmatik is a true triple threat whose talent and skill are remarkably undeniable. Curtis Vaughn, better known by his artistically created stage name Drazmatik, is a multifaceted creative force from the birthplace of rap, America. Beginning in the late 1990s with the emergence of the US HipHop sound, Drazmatik made his official debut with the release of ‘The Standoff,’ and the rest is history. Drazmatik created his own record company, Eastern Standard Time Records, in October 2020 with a remarkable dedication to the craft of writing lyrically rhythmic street rap. This young artist is still growing and developing as a person and is fervently seeking success in this competitive field. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

DRAZMATIK: I was born in Trenton New Jersey. I grew up in the golden era of hip-hop, when it was cool to be different and original. I started out freestyling off the head rhyming off different instrumentals and break beats until I developed my own style. Then as time went on I mastered my craft and took it to level after level. I kept getting better with time.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

DRAZMATIK: Self taught after studying the game and all the emcee’s who came before me.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DRAZMATIK’?

DRAZMATIK: I was influenced by the game it self but I would to say that Big Daddy Kane, Special Ed, KRS One, Public Enemy, Lakim Shabazz, Kool G Rap, was in heavy rotation in my cassette deck. I started out with the name Drastic then around the year 2000 I decided to leave it in the late 1900’s and switch it to Drazmatik and been rocking with that ever since.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

DRAZMATIK: My distinctive voice, my originality I would describe my style as adrenaline music. I really don’t make fun rap. I just like making action pack tracks.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as HIPHOP?

DRAZMATIK: Originality is a must. Where I’m from, we call emulating biting which is a huge No No. If you sound like someone else, then it looks like you’re trying to take the easy way out.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

DRAZMATIK: I’m not a politician I try to stay away from politics. I’m so engulfed in my music and family that I don’t keep up with everything that’s going on. I just know we all are human and that’s how I treat people, because that’s how I want to be treated. I try to keep it simple and live a simple life.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

DRAZMATIK: As far as the music go, I do it for the love. I’m at peace when I’m creating. When I bang out a new track, or write a new rhyme or record a new song or project, there’s nothing like it. The amount of joy it brings to me is unmatched. Knowing that you just created something that didn’t exist before you did it is good feeling. I would make music whether I got paid or didn’t get paid because I love what I do. But of course I would love being compensated for what I do. But we all know money can’t buy you happiness.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

DRAZMATIK: My creative process it varies from track to track but for the most part I start with the track. I’ve got to hear the track out and see what the track is trying to tell me. Basically after hearing the track enough times, let the rhythm guide me from there. The beat is the foundation. That’s what I build off. You got to have a foundation in order to build anything. From there I can figure out which way my flow is gonna go. By then, I usually have a topic or know who I’m talking to or trying to reach. Once I know what direction I’m headed in, I have enough life experience to guide me from there. Before you know it’s a rap and another banger done. Off to the next one.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

DRAZMATIK: Chasing my dreams trying to make them a reality and balancing everyday life, family and everything life throw at me all at once. While still paying dues dealing with everything that comes with the music industry all the ups and downs snakes sharks and fakes I would have to say.

10. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

DRAZMATIK: We don’t worry about keyboard warriors. As far as the haters and non believers they been around forever. I use all that for fuel. It’s motivation it let’s me know they watching. I pay attention but I don’t let it rent space in my head, because the moment you pay too much attention to your haters is the moment you took your eyes off the prize. Then anyone could grab the bag. Then you ass out so I protect my assets at all times no matter if it’s online of offline. Straight like that.