Tajie D is a hip hop artist coming out of Northern California. `With family hip hop roots going back to Tupac Shakur, Tajik D is a MC with a certain challenge being confined to a wheelchair. Despite some of the challenges it has not stopped him from pursuing his dream, opening a recording studio, and ultimately helping the hip hop industry in his small town of Kelseyville. Read up on him!
ABM: What is your Rap name? Any other names you go by?? Tell us the story behind your rap names.
Tajie D: My name is Taj Dedrick so I go by Tajie D or Tajie! At a very young age I started Beatboxing so my family started calling me Tajie D.
ABM: How long have you been in the rap game?
Tajie D: My family roots go way back in this game, my mother and father were very close to Tupac and Ray Luv in the Strictly Dope Days. My pops Byron was one of the TMS dancers for Strictly Dope. My uncle Ray still plays an active roll in my career. I started taking rap and music more serious at the age of 16. Im 25 now so about 9 years.
ABM: What got you involved in the hip hop scene?
Tajie D: As a little kid I was surrounded and raised by music, and with being in a wheelchair i always knew that my love for music was the one thing this disease couldn’t take from me.
ABM: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?
Tajie D: Im from Kelseyville California! Its a small town 2 1/2 hours north of San Fransisco. Being raised in a small country town made it hard to express my feelings and emotions through hip hop but at the same time I’ve gained so much love and respect through a non active hip hop community. Because of opening my studio (K-OTIC Recording Studio) the hip hop foundation is finally thriving. I see a lot of talent in this county!
ABM: What inspires you as an artist and what are your early influences?
Tajie D: First off is Tupac! Not only because of his and my families connection but he has showed me strength and courage as an MC. Along with the power to show love and compassion to your fellow man. Im not afraid of any obstacle life gives me because of him! I feel like 90’s Hip Hop raised me. E-40, Will Smith, Bone Thugs, Snoop, Ice Cube the list goes on and on! I also have an old soul. I love chilling to Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and all the Mo Town era. I was born with Soul!! Lol
ABM: What do you typically rap about?
Tajie D: My raps are very diverse. One day I can rap about parties, weed, booty, the homies, my happy life! Then on the flip side I rap about my emotions and struggles of being confined to this wheelchair. No matter what “I don’t rock if the beat don’t knock.”
ABM: What are your last full length releases people can go check out right now?
Tajie D: My last EP was “The Cherub” along with two other singles “That’s Just Me” (Ft Anonymous That Dude & Preacher) and “Cruise” (Ft Will Harmony) all available on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play etc. I will be releasing my New EP “Diamonds In The Rough” later this fall produced by Luke Kelly. Featuring Ray Luv, K-Town, and DMK.
ABM: What are you currently working on?
Tajie D: Right now I’m doing a lot of features from talent all over NorCal. I will also release a bunch of singles through out the year with my group K-Town and other artists from the bay.
ABM: Whats your last visual release people can check out, tell us about it.
Tajie D: We have a Series called K-Town TV which you can view on YouTube. Its what my group and I do behind the scenes of shows and other events we partake in. Its hilarious and cool for people to see were dope to kick it with.
ABM: What is your ultimate goal at the end of your career?
Tajie D: For people to see my story and have a different out look on life. Ive seen and been through a lot of things people can relate to in some aspect. If I can help at least one person a day feel better about themselves or there situation I think my mission for the day was successful. I hope my music can help ease this hectic world. Ultimately I need to get my mama a house! Hahaha
ABM: How can people reach you?
Tajie D: You can find me on Instagram, SnapChat, and Twitter at @therealtajied. Or look up @Officialktown on Instagram.
ABM: Any shout outs?
Tajie D: S/O to my K-Town Boyz Preacher & Jamyle Willie! If it wasn’t for them on stage with me every show I wouldn’t be able to do what we do. We are family first so that just makes this bond strong! I will forever ride with my crew till my dying days.
