Dante Ross: The Ear That Built Hip Hop

Dante Ross

Dante Ross is the A&R who turned street legends into Hip Hop icons. He spotted De La Soul’s playful genius, Queen Latifah’s commanding voice, Brand Nubian’s conscious fire and Busta Rhymes’ explosive energy, before the world caught on. He championed Digital Underground, 3rd Bass, Leaders of the New School, KMD [introducing MF DOOM], Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Del the Funky Homosapien, Everlast and Ol’ Dirty Bastard—names that reshaped the sound of a generation. 

In May 2023, you unleashed an autobiographical book, ‘Son of The City’  — What was it about this particular stage in both your life and career that actually prompted this decision?    

I have been told I was a good storyteller for decades, so I decided to put pen to paper and tell my distinctly N.Y. story.   

Although pretty self-explanatory, still tell me, conceptually, what this title represents both to and for you?   

I am a Son of New York City, raised by the city in a lot of ways. As much as I was raised by my mother, I was raised by New York City. Ironically, I was born in San Francisco and currently live in L.A.. Go figure.  

Without giving away or revealing too much for those who have yet to pick up a copy, what all can be expected from this body of work?   

I mean, it's 2 years old at this point but...you can expect a hardscrabble, no holds barred tale of the high point of New York's artistic and cultural exchange, and the generation of kids this intersectionality informed.  

In retrospect, do you feel that you were able to encapsulate or cover absolutely everything that you had initially wanted to or will there more than likely be more volumes futuristically speaking?    

More or less, I feel like I did, though no matter how detail oriented it is, there is always something you feel you negated consciously or unconsciously. As far as any more volumes based on my story, no, that's been covered...though I am working on a second book.   

For your audience / readers, what do you think or even want the biggest take-away to / will be?  

Work hard, be determined and don't let anyone impose their will on your dreams. If someone tries to box you out, think outside the box, keep it moving, and don't look back.  

Dante Ross

Also in '23, you relaunched Stimulated Music through Roc Nation -- What are your future goals and / or plans for the imprint? And, who all currently makes up its artist roster? 

I don't feel like answering this at the present time.   

Reflecting, what are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?   

The ability to contribute, even in a small way, as a white person is not lost on me. Hip Hop is a black art-form, and the most important youth culture since Rock'n'Roll another black art-form. To be even a small component in this story, and to experience it firsthand, has been life altering. I can't pick just one moment. I have to celebrate the entire 40 plus year experience.   All that said, being able to open the door for some powerful black voices to be heard in an unfiltered way has been a great honor. It changed the course of my life in infinite ways.    

Switching gears here, if you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?  

There is never one artist. I don't look at art as singular. I would have loved to work with B.I.G.. I would have loved to work with Amy Winehouse, she was fantastic. I really tried to sign Teezo Touchdown, I think he's special. I dig Doechii a lot. Then there's Kendrick, right?  Tyler. So many, from new to old. Basically, all the greats from Hendrix to John Coltrane to D'Angelo.              

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?     

Yes and no. Most of it doesn't celebrate the art of MC'ing these days. That said, in the sea of valueless music there is always a Kendrick or a Roc Marci, who just raps so cold, who confirm my belief in the art of rapping. It's a mixed bag. Hip Hop is not made for  60 year old men, and I am a 60 year old man. If I liked Playboi Carti or Ken Carson then it probably wouldn't be good, if that makes sense. That's not made for me. Hip Hop is youth music, so on.a commercial level what I like isn't particularly important or relevant. That said, watching MF DOOM's 3rd career being embraced by the youth is life affirming. There's a lot of good music out here, you just gotta really dig to find it.   

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?      

Being an honest and straightforward person. Knowing I don't know everything. Remaining teachable and adaptable. Having good taste.          

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?      

Just to continue writing and expanding into other genres of music. I am intrigued by the emerging Modern Country movement. I also love DJ'ing, so there's that. I am working on a documentary currently, and want to continue telling stories in one way or another. Most of what I do centers around writing / storytellingthese days.  

What’s an average day like for you?    

Wake up, meditate, pray, drink some coffee, read the N.Y. Times and start fielding calls chasing creative opportunities; whether doing some writing or editing some doc footage. Wind down   with some time in the gym if I am lucky. Basically, the same thing I have done the last 16 years.  Just turning it over to my higher power and pluggin' in. Somewhere along the day I hope for a way to do an act of service, no matter how small; if that happens my day has been complete.  

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...     

Run the other way!     

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?     

Most favorite things are writing and reading. Least favorite is all the business that goes alongside everything else. I don't enjoy talking or interacting with shallow people who have no real respect for the art.   

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?    

Don't! Make your own path. Don't work for (a) label, work for yourself. I spent way too many years working for big companies. Working for yourself is far more gratifying. It's also a lot scarier, but ultimately more fulfilling.   

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?    

Hopefully, above ground; I am 60 years old, so at this point everyday breathing is a gift.       

As for the immediate, what’s next for Dante Ross?   

Just staying creative.    

...a lil birdie tells me there may be a Hip Hop docuseries in the works as well...  

Not exactly, but storytelling in the doc space and beyond is definitely where I am going with things more and more these days.    

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?    

Not really. Life keep's Lifin', and I'm good with that.             

Any “parting” words for our readers?  

Create your own path. Stay honorable. Do it for the right reasons, not for the paycheck.  Exercise integrity, and always know your value. 

- Thanks, Dante Ross

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