Shaolin Prince 'Damned If I Don’t' Interview
NYC Arts Cypher Artist and Head Audio Artist and Head Audio Engineer Omari N. Dejesus, known as "Shaolin Prince," has dedicatedly crafted his latest work. Influenced by hip-hop titans such as Nas, J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Joyner Lucas, Joey Badass, Wu-Tang Clan, and other prominent lyricists, Shaolin Prince is eager to share this hip-hop project with the New York City community and the world at large.
Coinciding with the 50th Year of Hip Hop Anniversary, Shaolin Prince's project is particularly timely, offering messages of empowerment, unity, peace, faith, and spirituality. This marks his first comprehensive body of work, featuring a mix of pre-released and new music produced by talents like $ir Williams, Joey Flats, Illouis, and EpiktheDawn. The meticulous mixing and mastering were undertaken by $ir Williams, Joey Flats, and Shaolin Prince himself, with notable contributions from Gabriella Stella, Frank Nitti, and his twin brother, "The Real OD" (Omar D. Dejesus).
This event and album represent a crucial juncture in Shaolin Prince's career, signaling his readiness to ascend to new levels of advocacy and creativity within the realm of music and hip-hop.
What inspired the title?
The Saying: DAMNED IF YOU DO AND DAMNED IF YOU DON'T
Who Said It: Lorenzo Dow
When: Before 1834
The Story behind It: American evangelist Lorenzo Dow decided at a very early age to devote his life to teaching the word of God and began preaching at the age of 19. Although his views were similar to those of the Methodists, he was never formally affiliated with them. He roamed on horseback throughout the northern and southern parts of the U.S. Dow's dramatic sermons, eccentric manners, and strange looking clothes made him a frequent topic of conversation. He died in 1834, and in 1836 his written works were edited and published. They included "Reflections on the Love of God," a strong criticism of preachers who supported the doctrine of Particular Election and confused their congregations by pointing out conflicting statements in the Bible. In it Dow chastised"... those who preach it up, to make the Bible clash and contradict itself, by preaching somewhat like this: 'You can and you can't-You shall and you shan't-You will and you won't-And you will be damned if you do-And you will be damned if you don't.' "
Also famously quoted by Eleanor Roosevelt- “Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.”
Where did you record this album?
Self Recorded, in my home studio.
What is your favorite track? Why?
My favorite track on the Album has to be Peace of Mine.
It’s a pre-released single however it has to be one of best works to date.
What is your favorite line from the album?
“See I’ve been working but its for myself, I couldn’t let go of this music this is for my health, but If I’m great enough to kill than its for my wealth, and they’ll be hatin’ when I make it get up off my belt!”
- Peace of Mine
Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc
Inspirations like some of the afore mentioned above, such as Nas, J Cole., Kendrick Lamar, Joyner Lucas, and pretty much any and all of the late great lyricists of the New and old school age of Hip Hop Music. A large majority of the album was produced by “Epikthedawn” (4 tracks to be exact) and one of my favorites off of the album “Get Lost” was produced, mixed and mastered by the amazing “Joey Flats”.
It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t mention the contributions of Gabriella Stella (Gabriella Rubin) and her deeply creative poetry. She came off the end half of the creation of this project to share her skills, topped off with smooth key/ Piano ballads from $ir Williams (Artist, Producer).
Overall I mixed a majority of the project, and mastering was completed by Landr Mastering AI.
If you could remix any song and feature any artist, what song would it be and who would you feature on it?
I would definitely love to see a Peace of Mine remix happen, and have the legend Nas touch on it! A lot of the song was inspired by him and his message of preserving great lyricism and Hip Hop with a message. Definitely would be honored to have a J. Cole feature on the track remix as well, he’s one of todays most well acclaimed artists and has had an insanely great run on everything he’s touched as of late.
What's your dream?
My dream is to pioneer a school of Hip Hop, and bring the likes of Artistry, Production, Mixing and Mastering education to the like of Staten Island and beyond. To have it become, college accredited or a supported programming model by non profit organizations that will open doors of opportunity to local artists, producers and audio engineers to have sustainable work/ education within the field they love.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream?
I would tell them to hold onto their dream no matter the challenge, set back, and doubts. To walk by faith and not by sight, speak about it, work toward it, share it, protect it, and most of all believe in it. Be PREPARED for set backs, don’t compare your success to anyone else’s.
Connect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaolin_prince/
Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hyqj40J6FYKrT7xWNk62H
Photography credit: Photography/ Album Cover Art Credits James “Impact Image”
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/impact_image/
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