Having already survived a crippling fall, triple bypass coronary surgery, as well as a frightening NDE, Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright has pretty much proven himself indestructible.
As the co-founder of the iconic Digital Underground [DU], responsible for such hits as “Doowutchyalike,” “The Humpty Dance,” “Freaks of the Industry,” “Same Song” and “Kiss You Back,” Dright, along with his son, S.O.T.U., recently unveiled a new studio opus, Sex Packets 2 – The ReUp, recorded under the moniker D.U.Nx.G. [Digital Underground Next Generation], basically a second coming (if you will) of the nineties SF Bay Area based rap band largely known for bringing the funk to Hip Hop.
First things first, sorry to hear about your Health Scare with the Near-Death Experience — So how are you feeling now?
Feeling stronger everyday; looking to return to the stage soon.
On a lighter, brighter side you’re gearing up for this brand new LP, Sex Packets 2 – The ReUp — At this particular point in time, what all exactly can you reveal and / or divulge about upcoming said set?
Sex Packets II is a celebration of a recording and career that has come full circle, and is timely for the generations. D.U. to D.U.NxG; it's black to the future.
In addition, you have the just launched podcast, “The Chop Shop,” with your son S.O.T.U. — Talk to me a lil bit about this platform…
The Chop Shop gives us an opportunity to discuss any and all matters, and have the ability to have to separate generations’ point of view. As the population is so divided by generations, it's really good to know what each of us are thinking.
Congrats are in order, too, as DU marks its 35th anniversary — How does this actually make you feel?
The idea of 35 years of anything is a true blessing, and I'm entirely grateful! I look forward to making the most of it with a brand-new generation of D.U.!
Now last year [August 11th 2023 to be exact] also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
50 years of Hip Hop reminds me that I've been a DJ as long as Hip Hop has been around, back to when teachers would allow me to bring records to class and play them during music time of "Puff, the Magic Dragon" to The Jackson 5's "ABC," or spinning 45s at our family birthday parties and gatherings to talent shows to headlining arenas.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
No, there isn't any way me or anyone could have imagined Hip Hop going this far, except probably the creators watching it mobilize. Internationally, telltale signs were there from corporate to Hollywood 30+ years ago.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
I have many fond memories of achieving my dreams and goals; from touring worldwide, being paid to sleep, eat and perform at exotic and historic locations all over the world and seeing the common denominator of it all, music.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
For the remainder of the year the plan is to work hard on the podcast, utilizing digital distribution and social media platforms to bolster our presence so that we can hit the stage top of 2025.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
What I would like people to take from the music moving forward is that it's moving forward, not living in the past but in the now and beyond. As artists, we grow and express ourselves in a multitude of ways. As a product of my eclectic environment, I’d like to show all my colors, proud like a peacock.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would most likely like to collaborate with my late father, jazz saxophonist Mr. Wonderful, whose intonation on his axe wasn't so great but with today’s technology we could have him sounding like Charlie Parker or Coltrane, lol. I love my dad!
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
We've been going to a bunch of gigs at The Hollywood Bowl which has the best vibe of an outdoor venue with a lot of people who actually consume the arts, not just trends, and actually subscribe to the seats in the venue as real supporters of the Arts.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
The current state of Hip Hop is what it is with women really looking to be the future of the genre with certain aspects seeming to get away from the origins of either party or sociopolitical messages. I think the genre was pregnant and it’s time to give birth to a new group of individuals that can shine in today's light.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I believe that my longevity to continue in this business will be dictated by the ability to give the people what they need not just what they want, remaining curious and forward-thinking in terms of the art and growing as an artist; never staying in one place too long - like the other great Jazz musicians that have influenced me, like Miles Davis and George Duke, who seem to move in different directions constantly.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
As music is seemingly the driving force behind moving products, everything from hamburgers to cell phones to pizza to beer to cars to pharmaceutical drugs, we are looking to align our art with our own line of health and wellness products to give people a better quality of life. It's never too late to start nor too early to begin a better quality of life for one's self. Make sure to look out for HipHopHerbs and The Digital Dope @ Herb'n Soul Media.
What’s an average day like for you?
An average day for me is waking up being grateful for being alive and appreciative of my family and loved ones and productive as evidenced by my appreciation for being alive and talking a lil' shit.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
Interacting with fans is something that you learn to appreciate more as you realize your inspiration has become their inspiration and you hear the results of the way they consumed and re-articulated your influence upon their lives. Humbling, but deserving.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part of this work is the freedom to create and be appreciated for your hard work. My least favorite are the egos when some of the artists you work with don't remain appreciative of their gifts.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I don't believe any artists could walk in my footsteps and, more importantly, I would encourage them to blaze their own trail.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself in 5 or 6 years performing when I want and hopefully sharing the stage with more family to make the people happy.
This past April 22nd was the 2nd anniversary of the tragic untimely passing of your friend and musical brethren Gregory “Shock G / Humpty Hump“ Jacobs — How has his passing impacted you on a personal level?
There was an unspoken competitiveness between the two of us. My ability to change and progress with different ideas and concepts that had led me to Force One Network and Big Brutha Soul, while he was stuck or seemingly felt stuck in the brand we built together. I'm sorry it ended that way. I wish we would have reconnected to launch this next generation of Digital Underground, but I'll have to go it alone and I'm prepared to do so.
What are some of your fondest, most cherished memories / stories / anecdotes about Shock?
I have a plethora of memories that you'll just have to tune in for on the various Chop Shop episodes with the segment entitled "Shock G & Me."
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
I don't believe it's anything I forgot to mention other than we ain't done yet, so stay tuned and don't blink! It all happens in a twinkling of an eye.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Make sure to tune into The Chop Shop podcast; keep your ears open for Digital Underground Next Generation a.k.a. D.U.Nx.G.; the new Kamala LP; and to "love ya' selves so that you can learn to feel the love." #FeelGood
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