Photobombshell Media

Hello, beautiful people. This week, I (of course) have found yet another New York artist that you need to hear. In this article, you’ll learn about Dave UOG, his music, his career highlights, his challenges, and how he’s setting himself apart as an artist.

Dave UOG, a conscious Hip Hop emcee from the Bronx, NY, isn’t just here to entertain. He’s here to enlighten. With a distinctive, vibrant sound and uplifting, thought-provoking lyrics, he’s carved out his lane as a “speaker who speaks his mind in rhythm and rhyme.”

Since his breakout moment with the “2K12 Cypher,” Dave UOG has dropped multiple self-released mixtapes and EPs, all while sharing stages with legendary acts like the L Brothers, Treacherous 3, Busy Bee, and Funky 4 + 1. Blending entertainment with activism, Dave UOG’s mission is clear: to inspire and uplift through profound lyricism. His name says it all: Decided A Vision Enormous Uplifting Our Game.

Meet Dave UOG

Photobombshell: Hi, Dave UOG! Thank you so much for chatting with me and sharing your story. While you are new to me and our independent artist community, you are no stranger to music, having over a decade of experience as an artist. Tell us about your start in music and how you’ve managed to stay in the game.

Dave UOG: Music has been around me since grade school. I had my first piano recital at the age of 9. As far as hip-hop music, the excitement and curiosity grew at 12. The love grew from me being able to express myself without judgment. Writing was a therapy for me at a very young age.

Dave UOG on Conscious Rap

Photobombshell: You have a seasoned pen and have been writing for quite some time. In that time, I am sure you’ve seen the divide in how certain artists are received. As a “conscious” rapper, particularly one from the Bronx, how do you set yourself apart while remaining part of the culture?

Dave UOG: I like to say, “I’m a speaker who speaks his mind in rhythm and rhyme.” Over time honing my craft, I’ve developed a consciousness of the words we use and how we use them. They are mantras, spells, and affirmations, so I’m conscious of my words to create a feel-good experience for the listener.

Photobombshell: I love that perspective and the reverence for words. What inspires and motivates you as an artist and performer?

Dave UOG: Being a hip-hop recording artist for over a decade now, I’ve entered another realm of inspiration and motivation. There is a greater love for sound and meaningful lyrics from my life experiences. Being able to inspire others to become the greatest version of themselves is what inspires me to keep going for another decade just on a grander scale of notoriety.

Balancing Authenticity and Popularity

Photobombshell: In my experience talking with and working with independent artists and poets, I have found that it’s much more challenging for artists who focus on social issues vs. what’s commercially popular. How do you feel about that and how do you navigate it as a creative?

Dave UOG: Great question. I’ve always had a knack for not being too preachy on records, but saying just enough to get someone’s attention to what the message is. I also don’t like to listen to music where I feel like I’m being preached to. It’s about creating a balance, making the listener tap their toes, nod their head, and dance but also giving substance and something to think about when the music stops. Heard KRS-ONE coined the phrase “edutainment.”

Dave UOG on Personal Success

Photobombshell: As an artist and a creative, what is your ultimate goal for this music thing? What does success look like to you?

Dave UOG: My goal as an artist simply is to gain notoriety traveling the world, and touring. I believe my brand will positively impact people’s lives. Adding to what success looks like to me, with my music endeavor, it’s being able to take care of myself and my loved ones. There’s an economy in anything you’re passionate about. You have to love it and the money follows.

Being a “starving artist” for some time, I know what the struggle is like. I’ve paid my dues through the worst of times and kept going because of what my brand represented. Now, I’m looking to experience the love for my art, operating on a more prosperous frequency, keeping my business cap on, and my love for creating intact.

Thoughts on Distribution Models

Photobombshell: Why Soundcloud? Do you have plans to distribute to major digital streaming platforms? 

Dave UOG: Most of my supporters use SoundCloud along with the major streaming sites. I saw a crazy statistic, nearly 80% of artists on Spotify have fewer than 50 monthly listeners. CRAZY! I mention that to say I do plan on using major digital streaming platforms. To me it would make sense to have a marketing/promo plan in place connecting with music curators landed on a playlist with my style of music. I want to give myself a chance to be heard by a larger audience.

The Meaning of Dave UOG

Photobombshell: I think you make a good point when you talk about having a marketing and promotional plan in place when you branch out to major streaming platforms. When people think of you and your music, what do you want to be your primary message to the world?

Dave UOG: I’ll start by mentioning the acronym in my stage name, “Dave UOG” which stands for: Decided A Vision Enormous Uplifting Our Game. The primary message would be Upliftment, being high on your energy, frequency, and vibration, envisioning greater outcomes in undesirable circumstances, and seeing things through.

Career Highlights

Photobombshell: That’s dope. You’ve become the message. What has been the best moment of your musical career so far? 

Dave UOG: The best moment in my music career so far… Man, I’ve had so many profound moments. From recent memory, it was last year when I performed at my family’s reunion in Ocean City. I ended up being out of the studio for two years. I was getting rid of the team I had been working with for the last 9 years while handling some very peculiar circumstances in my personal life. Through all of that, I kept writing and I practiced, practiced, practiced.

Many of the family members I met for the first time. It was supposed to be a talent show, but I was the only one in the family who happened to be a hip-hop Emcee. I just remember the genuine love with the standing ovation I received after my performance. That gave me a boost because I remembered how much I prepared to make sure my performance was tight.

Advice for Fellow Musicians

Photobombshell: Yes, that kind of feedback is priceless. What top piece of advice would you share with fellow independent artists? 

Dave UOG: Your creative energy is sacred. Protect it. Set high but reasonable standards, and keep your boundaries strong. You’re one of one so take the time to hone your craft. Only you can sound like you. Lastly, if you’re taking your music as a profession, surround yourself with people who are doing the same. 

Photobombshell: Oh, that is so good! Surrounding yourself with others who are treating their musical careers as a profession is profound. What can listeners, readers, and fans look forward to from you in the rest of 2024?

Dave UOG: I’ll have an announcement to make about a show and a project I’m releasing privately to my email list. Stay tuned!

Connect with Dave UOG

Listeners and readers looking to connect with Dave UOG can find him on Instagram. His music is presently available on SoundCloud. For more music, updates, and interviews from independent artists you need to hear, stay tuned to Photobombshell.media and subscribe to have more stories like this one delivered right to your email.