Today we’d like to introduce you to Troop DZA.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started off in a group called “Committed” when I was 15. At that time, I went by the name Troop “Da Phenom” and eventually started going by Troop Dillinger. I released several mixtapes under that name on DatPiff between 2010-2014. During that time, I was apart of N.O.I.S.E. Records and we had shows opening for Yo Gotti, Gorilla Zoe and Gucci Mane before we parted ways. After that, I wanted to change my name(again) and I began going by Troop DZA. Since 2018 I have released DZA SZN 1,2 & 3, performed at SXSW and started my own label Nu Gin Records.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not. One of the main struggles has been adjusting to the different time periods of music. When I started making music at 15 the focus was on bars because of the Lil Wayne mixtape era. Once it transitioned to melodies, it changed the way I wrote songs. I began to focus on structure and that took time. Another challenge was learning the business. The worst thing you can do is get into a business where you don’t know the rules.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist. I make music, websites and I have my own merch as well as a podcast. I take pride in being self-sufficient but I have no problem asking for help when I need it. I specialize in writing and rapping but lately, I have helped other artists learn about the music business. Helping others realize that there is money in this business and how they can create leverage for labels is one thing I am very proud of. One thing that sets me apart is the balance I have as a creative/businessman. When I first started making music, my focus was strictly the bars/melodies. As I got older, I wanted to push myself to another level and that is when I knew that I had to learn the business side of things. It was the best decision ever.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck only comes to those who are prepared for the moment. I prepare for any and everything and if I am not prepared at the moment, I will be next time. No such thing as bad luck.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@troopdza.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/troopsc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TroopDZA
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/troopsc
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/troopdza
