Born in Newark, NJ but proudly reppin, Irvington, NJ; join me as I step into the “American Greed” world of artist L-Duly:

Who is L-Duly?

With the streets quickly grabbing L-Duly’s 6th mixtape, American Greed, there’s not any reason to wonder why he creates the music which he does.  When I first had his mixtape placed in my hands, I put it through the “is it worthy test”.

Step 1: Check the cover art…ok 5 seconds is up Step 2: Check the tracklisting Step 3: Evaluation time (as I do the infamous Stevie J hand rub lol) Step 4: Green light means GO! Time to get to know the music and man behind the mic.

With influences such as: Queensbridge, Nas, CNN, Raekwon, and Boot Camp Clik; L-Duly has been rapping since 2001.

First performing with the group, Foul Play, it wasn’t until 2008 that L-Duly joined forces with his partner T-Bird to form: Skyy High Entertainment.

L-Duly Is A Coke Boy

 L-Duly is also affiliated with the Coke Boys ( yes, same affiliation as French Montana) but L-Duly let’s it be known that, Skyy High,  is first and foremost.  Besides being apart of, Skyy High, L- Duly has also worked with well-known artists such as: Max B, Juelz Santana, and S.A.S.

Mixtapes

Before, American Greed, L-Duly released 5 mixtapes: Narcotics in the Hood (1,2,and 3), Failure’s Not a Option, and Tango and Cash.  

He has appeared on WORLDSTARHIPHOP over 11 times.  His first three mixtapes were recorded at Sose Platinum Recordings.

When I asked L-Duly his reason for American Greed, he replied: “I’m re-creating myself”.

He spent 5 months finalizing, American Greed.  Creating in itself, is a task which L-Duly successfully tackles with natural ease.

It’s only right to ask an artist about their music and its creation.  Spending hours in a studio, creating music that you want the people to accept with open ears, is a job that many choose to take on but few actually conquer.

“I want the people to know that I take pride in my material.  I’m 100% dedicated in my craft and what I do.  I let people know about the lifestyle in Irvington, Essex, and Newark.  I feel like its been overlooked .  I give a real point of view and insight”, states L-Duly.

Giving a real point of view, L-Duly gives you the words and story line needed to feel and relate to all that he says.

Real stories, real truth, real life; on track 17 titled, Turn Back Time, L-Duly raps about many personal memories of occurrences throughout his life.

Rapping, “I wouldn’t bring them memories back, I’m better off with my memories black”.

From rapping about dealing with a father who was a schizophrenic to almost catching his big break at stardom, L-Duly re-births his memories to a point where listeners can do nothing but fall in line and reminiscence.

Interview

What are L-Duly’s favorite tracks from, American Greed?

“I had the most fun making Dope Sick and Up Top Boy.  Turn Back Time, I’m Up, and Good Lord Said were more personal.  I had to dig deep on those.  I wanted to touch nerves of people who feel like no one is listening.  Frelinghuysen was my craziest song.  It’s my alter ego “Snatcheez’s” song.

It’s like the Irvington anthem.  I was going off, lol.  Snatcheez is crazy, ratchet, a disrespectful character; he says what the average person wouldn’t say”.

So exactly how is, American Greed, being perceived and how was Hip-Hop influenced L-Duly? 

With excitement and appreciated , L-Duly explains, “It’s getting good reviews.  A lot of people are saying it took them back to loyal Hip-Hop.

I’m a Hip-Hop historian.  I have a passion for music.  Hip-Hop is a father to me.  I was taught to be a man in life from Hip-Hop, because my father wasn’t there.  I learned to survive and manage in the street from what rappers where doing.  I’m different, I make a different mixture than others.  I use music to help and heal others.  I cherish my craft and hope my friends do the same. I’m a true MC, this is what I do”.

What has L-Duly learned from the industry? His advice? 

“French taught me relationships count the most.  That’s definitely true.  People expect you to do s***t for free.  Prices are rising. There’s not too much hating.  There’s a lot more love from people in the industry and they want to work with you.  I know it’s going to get crazy but I’m ready for it.  Another thing, financing is the most important part.  If you don’t invest in yourself then what?  You have to have a following.  Any artist that wants to come up on their own can’t trust that having a dope CD will help them.  Social media has impacted my career.  When I started, it was still about MySpace.  The internet has helped a lot but it’s getting congested.  It has saved time with handing out CDs.  Rap is funny, you never know what to expect”.

Words of wisdom for the youth?

“I want to keep the kids from making the same mistakes.  At the end of the day, we learn off mistakes.  So if you see a group of grown people doing the same thing and fail…maybe you need to change.  When will they get it in their head?  Reoccurring cycles of failure get you no where.  I’m not a conscious rapper.  I’ve done my dirt, but I can still inspire”.

What’s next?

“I’m getting my whole image and brand together and learning how to be a business man.  That’s how I’ll be successful.  I’m co-executive producing T-Bird’s mixtape, Patience Is Key. Skyy High’s a two-man team and it’ll always be that way.  I’ll be working on, American Greed 2.  I want to work with Kendrick Lamar, I have a passion for his craft.  I appreciate his music, his album is incredible.  I want to work with Nas, AZ, and Nature….I want to bring Nature back.  I want to sample GZA’s, I Got Your Back, from the Fresh soundtrack …Imma tackle that”.

Indie or Major?

“Labels want to spoon feed you.  To be an Indie artist, with a machine behind you keeps your music in your hands.  Make quality music for people to change lives, make timeless music.  I want it to be 2040 and people are like “yo that’s Duly’s song”…people about the money are going with the wave and that’s wack.  Duly’s about Duly…when I go in and record and create it’s for the people and it’s always going to be that way.  Hip-Hop is my heartbeat”.

Undeniably enough as Method Man said, “Music makes me high”.  L-Duly’s, “American Greed“, has become a permanent fixture on continuous rotation since its release.  Any contenders capable of interrupting the rotation? I’m willing and waiting to hear from you.

Want more of Duly? Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Twitter @tharealduly.  Download, “American Greed“, on datpiff.com