Music makes the world a better place. It helps us to connect to people and get through tough times. Ohio based hip hop artist Dirty Needles has really come through and provided an awesome listening experience with his album “Finally” This album has the perfect combination of lyrical content, sharp beats and wittiness. My favorite tracks are  Full Circle, Ten Toes Down, Bedroom in Aries, Christine Elaine and Tylenol 3. 

Be sure to tune in to the exclusive interview with Dirty Needles. 

Photo by Chris Goody  

Why did you make this album?

I made this album because it was long overdue. I’ve always wanted to make at least one album before my expiration date. A bucket list item if you will. It’s become much more than that though. It’s pretty much my life on CD up until this point.

What inspired you to create 'Finally'?

That’s a good question. I was inspired by seeing my friends reach their personal/professional goals and I felt left behind. I felt as if I was just squandering my talent. So, I finally (no pun intended) decided to use my gift and tell my story. Plus, I was tired of complaining about the new generation of emcees. So, I figured why not make an album for me and creating a time capsule of where I am in life at this moment.

What is your goal as a popular artist and artist in general?

My goal is to be heard.  I don’t care if I only sale thousands or hundreds. I just want to leave a lasting impression with the listener.

When did you know you wanted to make music?

I was 14 and I heard “It ain’t hard to tell” by Nas for the first time. I said to myself “I want to do what he does” If I could learn to put words together like him, I could finally express myself in a manner people could understand.

How did you come up with the title for the album? What inspired that?

I named the album finally because it literally took 20+ years to complete a project. I’ve done songs before. But, when it came to an album I had grandiose ideas. But, I lacked the discipline to follow through with them. Plus life happened in between then. I actually walked away from Hip-Hop in 07 and came back in 2013. That is when I started writing this album. So, when I finished I yelled out “FINALLY!!!” it is done. The monkey is off of my back… Finally!

What is your dream now that you just accomplished this dream?

My next dream is getting into video production. I’m working with Sony Vegas software and my goal is to create music videos and mini documentaries.  I’m also interested in doing some voice over work.

Photo by Chris Goody 

Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc

I’ve been through a lot in my life. That’s mostly where I pull my material from. However I’ve had a lot of help along the way. My friend Toran aka Ten Toez for talking me into recording my album in the first place. He reignited that desire inside of me to pick up a microphone again. This collective known as Cypher Circuit. It’s an online community of emcees, producers, bloggers, etc. About half of the songs were produced by someone I met on that site. Jeremy aka Fizz The Monster for giving me the first track I wrote for the album after not writing anything for 5 years. Chris Romero for inspiring me to write about more than braggadocios rap and becoming more soul driven as an artist. Last but certainly not least. A special teacher lady who was my rock, muse, and driving force to complete this project.

What is your favorite track? Why?

My favorite track is Finding Peace. It described the trials, tribulations, and triumph of my life at that point. I just laid everything out on the table for the world to see. I talk about my bouts with depression and second guessing myself. The moral of the song is finally becoming comfortable in my own skin.

Have you ever been Stereotype'd? Tell us more

I’ve been stereotyped based on my appearance. I don’t know what a rapper is supposed to look like. But, I clearly don’t fit. Apparently wearing graphic t-shirts, cargo shorts, and Chuck Taylors aren’t part of a rappers uniform *Kanye Shrug*. I was often dismissed as a nerd before I could even get a word out. I’ve also been stereotyped as a “lyrical miracle” rapper because I like to showcase an expansive vocabulary.

Have you ever broke a Stereotype someone had of you? Tell us about it

I recently broke the stereotype that I was just a battle rapper that couldn’t do actual songs. On the album I have songs that I’m flexing skill no doubt. But, I also have songs talking about depression, death, suicide, love, and sacrifice.

If you could have dinner with any artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with one artist it would be Pharoahe Monch. I’d want to pick his brain on how he writes? What was going through his mind when putting stray bullet together? How he dealt with depression? For me he’s in my top 5 of all-time. He’s the complete package as an emcee. Also, I’d ask him why in God’s name he decided to be a Mets fan lol.

Be sure to check out the documentary, as well to find out more about the process behind the making of  “Finally” 

Connect with Dirty Needles

Instagram: @dirtyneedles330

Twitter: @dirtyneedles330

Facebook: dirtyneedles330

Soundcloud: dirtyneedles330

Bandcamp: dirtyneedles330

Youtube: HipKnoTiC25

Album available on all streaming platforms!