Dillon: Legacy in the Making

Dillon

Meet Dillon. Rising from the underground, he made waves with his acclaimed album, Uncut Gems, alongside Diamond D—an instant classic in hip-hop circles. Now, with his latest project Rations, produced by the late Paten Locke, Dillon continues to push boundaries and tell his story. This is his journey, his grind, and what’s next. Let’s dive in.

First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?     

As a lifelong fan and student of hip-hop culture, I am forever grateful and indebted to all the pioneers and architects of this world changing and life-sustaining art form. It’s very important to me that we honor the legacies of those who are unsung. Celebrating hip-hop’s history with its milestone 50th anniversary helped to spread, preserve and further the culture. The buzz from all the events held was palpable - what a moment! For me, it's a reminder of how large this house is that I am a guest in, and to be grateful for those who built the roof over my head and the many who make up the structure that enables it to be still standing!

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?     

Well, BIG was talking about the perspective of the ‘80's when it was brand new, to where he was at in the ‘90’s where it was becoming more accepted by the mainstream and not just seen as a fad, and how there were 'sold out seats to hear Biggie Smalls speak.' 30 years later - as far as hip-hop permeating pop culture and becoming ingrained in everyday life - yeah, we kinda saw that coming - I don't really like how watered down it's become, but I just try to keep my head down and focus on my job. Humans tend to ruin everything.  

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called hip-hop?    

Cooking for Chuck D in college, when I was a hibachi chef in a Japanese Steakhouse. NYC, opening for Diamond D - Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop 30th Anniversary concert at Sony Hall. Going to Posdnuos' house with Supa Dave West, and just hangin out. Diggin’nwith Large Professor. Clothes shopping at Dillard’s with Kool Keith. Smoking and having dinner with Black Thought on my birthday. Touring around the U.S. with Count Bass D.

That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for the 2026 season?

Working on an album produced entirely by Tom Caruana out of the UK. Rumors of a new album from LOBSTERDAMUS have been bubbling up to the surface. FULL PLATE: new albums from The Difference Machine + Batsauce & Declaime a.k.a. Dudley Perkins.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?  

A little release, a little peace, a little evolution, a little revolution.   

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?  

I realllllly want to say Dilla and / or DOOM...but Biz Markie - the Clown Prince of Hip Hop - maybe the funkiest human who ever lived. His combo of comedy, storytelling and raw beats is so endearing, and I know we would have fun.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?  

That Sphere thing in Las Vegas. That would be ill. With the crazy visuals? Yeah, that.      

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of hip-hop?    

You'd have to be a miserable person if you're unhappy with the current state of hip-hop, now or ever! We are in the midst of a new golden era, where legacy artists and new talent alike are releasing music and ideas at an inspirational rate. You may have to dig a little deeper, or work a little harder to find exactly what YOU like, but there is more amazing music than ever! If anything, my one gripe is that there's TOO MUCH music, and often it's un-promoted or treated as a throwaway project. Less of that. More of putting out your absolute BEST WORK, and not forcing multiple albums.

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

I keep being myself. I keep showing up, and I keep showing enthusiasm!   

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

Yes, I want a restaurant / cafe of sorts. It will happen if I'm still on this rock for much longer.

What’s an average day like for you?  

I work as a DJ during the weekends, so those are typically blocked off for gigs. During the week I do more admin work, whether for myself / business or FULL PLATE. Plus, creative work + social media promo, content creation, etcetera. Lots of cooking at home during the week. In my garden a lot in the spring and summer. Coffee. Water. Always working. Always doing something or THINGS.  

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

Can't say I have a lot of 'fans' per se, but I do have a lot of friends that rock with the music, and anyone who knows me knows I am an open book and respond back to anyone who reaches out.   

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

Favorite would be the freedom, and the sheer insurmountable challenge of it all. I'm addicted to challenge.   My least favorite is the lack of objective success / recognition you can receive to let you know you're going in the right direction. Like at a job, you can get employee of the month or have #1 in sales or have a snazzy job title that comes with perks. In music there's no grades, no measure of success, other than total sales which doesn't help for what we do, lol!    

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

Do Not! 

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

I don't. I have never been like that, I can barely keep up with the moment.        

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

I just dropped my new album, RATIONS, produced entirely by PATEN LOCKE. Our final project due to his passing in 2019. Featuring a slew of hip-hop legends; like Large Professor, Diamond D, Masta Ace, Wordsworth and more. It's on all streamers, plus limited CD / Tape / 2x Vinyl. P. LOCKE FOREVER.  

Any “parting” words for our readers?  

Thank you for listening, and please visit FullPlateFam.com and peruse the site + sign-up for our e-mail list to stay in the know.   

Instagram: @fullplatefam | @DillonMaurer

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