Da South.Com Interview
Michael R. Bracey: Readers understand this, I am a
California kid, that I grew up on this man’s music, and that I too have prayed
for those in the secular realm to be saved and focus their gifts for Christ.
So, to get the opportunity to interview this man and to be a part of
introducing him to the Dasouth.com’s audience during his “Transition” is an
honor that I don’t take lightly. On behalf of Dasouth.com and the Christian
Hip Hop fans, I would like to thank you for taking time to field a few
questions.
O.G. Domino: It’s all Bueno.
MRB: Who is Domino for those who have never heard of you?
OGD: Domino is name that revolutionized hip hop with a
melodic flow I call “Melodocious.”.. At a time when hip hop was all about
Gangstasizm on the West Coast and New York was pro East Coast hip hop, I chose
to do what I did naturally, which changed the game as I became the first
West Coast artist to be signed and chart #1 on Russell Simmons’ record label
Def Jam (and then Def Jam West emerged).. I stand for the difference and
will always be the difference.. Originally born in the STL (St. Louis, MO), I
moved to the LBC at age twelve where I was raised and would soon team up with
my childhood hommie Snoop Dogg in Jr. High School. He was the best freestyle
rapper and I was the best on paper. Since Snoop wasn’t a writer, I showed him
how to develop his writing skills.We challenged other crews throughout
California.. We were the HOTTEST!! LOL.
MRB: So, I’m just gonna go for your throat right out da
box! You are on tour with the biggest names in Hip Hop, you have the money,
the fame and all that comes with it, what was it that took you out of that
world and has you where you are today?
OGD: Yea I had the privilege to be able to share the
stage with names like 2 Pac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. (he mentions me on
his first album-much luv), Platinum R&B star R Kelly, L.L. Cool J, N.W.A
my childhood hommies Snoop Dogg and Warren G and many more… The fame was good
to a certain degree because I always wanted to go and hang with the audience
after a show (weird) but sometimes the crowd was just too aggressive. The
money was cool but others around me enjoyed it more than me, I was too busy
trying to enjoy those who had an appreciation for my music and character. What
awakened my change was last year when Snoop Dogg gave me the opportunity
to go on tour with Him and Warren G. The fans were the greatest. The love
between childhood friends were at an all time high but after that I felt
different. Those big Hennessy bottles that I used to drink like water wasn’t a
desire. Those gorgeous young ladies that would come to the hotel after the
show just to receive sexual favors now appeared immature (and I had my share
please believe it). The fans loved the new album performances but all of a
sudden I started to feel like I was settling. Like there was no elevation to
my music. Like there was no elevation within me as a person. I came to the
realization that as a leader I should always look to elevate. No person alive
should want to stay in the 6th grade their whole life, I must always look
to graduate. So I ended up flying home before Snoop left the country only to
have a flashback of this prophet that read me my rights. Lol. Check this scene
out. One day a few years back, my daughter called me on my cell and asked me
to bring her some of her favorite ice cream home. So I went to a local store
but they didn’t have it. I called to tell her the news and she told me to go
next door to where she got her rabbits from. When I pulled up I noticed this
older, heavyset woman in a fresh white Benz. People were laughing at her
because she had big ankles and a mustache. I walked into the ice cream parlor
and she walked behind me and asked me for change for a dollar. I’m thinking
to myself, woman the cash register is over there! I reached in my pockets
anyway and was surprised I had what she asked for. She then replied, thanks,
you have Blessed me. Then she said that her cell was acting up and that she
was going to use the payphone. But what was crazy is that she said she forgot
how to use a payphone. Whoa! After I purchased the ice cream and walked out
the door I looked across the parking lot only to see that woman doing weird
things with the payphone. I then walked over to her and offered my cell phone
to her. She replied again, you have Blessed me. Now, as I walked away this
woman put her hands on my shoulders and said to me, this is not by
coincidence. She said that GOD talks to her and that HE wanted her to talk to
me. YOU are a chosen one she said. You are one that can go through the fire
and survive when your friends can’t. She told me that I had went #1 at
something and that GOD had stripped me of it because I didn’t recognize where
my fortune came from. She said that GOD told her that I would be destined for
a bigger success in the near future, the catch to it was that I had to do it
for the Lord. You will not be able to be successful at anything unless you do
it for GOD. Your friends will succeed at other things but you won’t. She said
the women in your life have caused you much pain due to them not understanding
a leader. The lady started to laugh and said if you release these women GOD
has something amazing in the form of a woman waiting for you (man was she on
point). She then looked into my car and saw a bottle of wine and said put that
in the trunk, I don’t know what this means but I see sirens. So I listened and
soon as I pulled up to the corner of my house there were about 8 police cars
with their sirens on and yellow taped off. I was like whoa! But as we know we
all do, I soon ignored the message and fell back into the trap. Years later
this woman would prove to be right. Because I would come off the Snoop Dogg
tour and notice that I had a beautiful woman at home and a Hot project ready to
go and that neither of the two had prospered in any way. I was going nowhere
fast. That voice followed me forever. I could not shake it. So I prayed to GOD
and said, Lord you know my weaknesses, strengthen me. I have known you forever
but it is only now that I chose to take that walk with you. I am full of fault
and I chose to do better in your name. Even though I have taken care of my
family I have two other children that I had throughout my career that I have
not spent much time with. I NEED YOU!! I’m asking for repentance of my sins.
Heavenly Father I’m tired of the everyday woman, I desire a woman that is
inspired by your word, a Proverbs 31 woman in which I can call my wife. I used
to live for the judgment of the streets, now I live for the judgment of you.
In the name of the Father and the Son, Amen. Not sure if it went exactly like
that but that’s about 90% right. And then came HIS inspiration into me and so
did my first song dedicated to the promotion of the Gospel “Now It’s 4 My
G-O-D”.
MRB: Why have you changed your name to O.G. Domino?
OGD: I feel that just as one thing has to change so does
another. And since I have chosen a new road then I have chosen to become a new
me. This O.G. is not street related. This O.G. stands for “Of GOD”. And so
HE will ride with me in name as well as spirit.
MRB: Now, Your name has changed and your music as well. I
am part of the body that has been praying and continues to pray for my secular
brothas and sistahs to make that change and am awaiting the new music with
open arms. However, do you get any opposition from those in the secular
industry whom oppose you making music for Christ? What is your response to
that type of opposition?
OGD: They don’t disrespect me verbally but they show how
they feel about the change when they don’t call as much or when I’m around
things get quiet. Or where they used to involve me, it is no more. I can feel
the disbelief and negativity that arises outside of my presence but so be it.
I repped for the streets now I’m going do a way larger scale for my G (GOD)
in the sky.
MRB: Domino had a style that was unique; tell us about the
musical style of O.G. Domino, content and what people can expect in listening
to your new music?
OGD: When GOD gives you a talent and a success, HE doesn’t
want you to change the sound of your gift. Just to do it in a manner more
morally correct than you did it before. I will say that secular music tends
to try to keep the artist with one sound. I have never been one sound so get
ready to hear the Gospel in a wide array and in a way that only O.G. Domino
can do it. This project will be one that the listeners can push play and leave
the CD player or ipod alone.
MRB: What is your motivation for rapping and singing for
the Lord?
OGD: When one sees his life turn from night to day and then
he can go out in the world and hear both young and old give testimonies about
major events in their lives, what an inspiration! GOD is Good all the time.
I used to think that if it wasn’t a good situation then it couldn’t be a
blessing from GOD. But I’ve grown to know that there cannot be complete
appreciation of a good life without hardship.
MRB: There is a project out of Atlanta,
ARTportunity
Knocks presents “The Movement
Compilation CD. This project has been getting a bit of buzz
in the industry due to all the names that have attached themselves to the
project in an effort to help these kids obtain new equipment and facility. Why
did O.G. Domino get involved with this project?
OGD: I feel that when we choose to side with the
LORD we have a responsibility to showcase what HE stands for
and foremost “LOVE”. So I’m reppin…...
MRB: So at the end of the day, what do you want to
accomplish with your music ministry?
OGD: First of all I want the people both lost and found
to understand that in no way am I more Holy than anyone. I have just chosen to
do works for the Lord in hopes that my soul can continue to be saved and that
my testimony through music can lead the blind to the light. Amen
MRB: How can people get more info about you and when is
the new project set for release?
OGD: They can reach me at ogdomino@gmail.com. For bookings leave that
in your inquiry. Luv
MRB: Well, God bless you man and on behalf of the
Dasouth.com, we wish you the best! Also readers, be sure to check out the new
single from Domino “Now It’s 4 My G-O-D” on the Compilation CD titled
ARTportunity
Knocks presents “The Movement” at
www.artportunityknocks.org.
California kid, that I grew up on this man’s music, and that I too have prayed
for those in the secular realm to be saved and focus their gifts for Christ.
So, to get the opportunity to interview this man and to be a part of
introducing him to the Dasouth.com’s audience during his “Transition” is an
honor that I don’t take lightly. On behalf of Dasouth.com and the Christian
Hip Hop fans, I would like to thank you for taking time to field a few
questions.
O.G. Domino: It’s all Bueno.
MRB: Who is Domino for those who have never heard of you?
OGD: Domino is name that revolutionized hip hop with a
melodic flow I call “Melodocious.”.. At a time when hip hop was all about
Gangstasizm on the West Coast and New York was pro East Coast hip hop, I chose
to do what I did naturally, which changed the game as I became the first
West Coast artist to be signed and chart #1 on Russell Simmons’ record label
Def Jam (and then Def Jam West emerged).. I stand for the difference and
will always be the difference.. Originally born in the STL (St. Louis, MO), I
moved to the LBC at age twelve where I was raised and would soon team up with
my childhood hommie Snoop Dogg in Jr. High School. He was the best freestyle
rapper and I was the best on paper. Since Snoop wasn’t a writer, I showed him
how to develop his writing skills.We challenged other crews throughout
California.. We were the HOTTEST!! LOL.
MRB: So, I’m just gonna go for your throat right out da
box! You are on tour with the biggest names in Hip Hop, you have the money,
the fame and all that comes with it, what was it that took you out of that
world and has you where you are today?
OGD: Yea I had the privilege to be able to share the
stage with names like 2 Pac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. (he mentions me on
his first album-much luv), Platinum R&B star R Kelly, L.L. Cool J, N.W.A
my childhood hommies Snoop Dogg and Warren G and many more… The fame was good
to a certain degree because I always wanted to go and hang with the audience
after a show (weird) but sometimes the crowd was just too aggressive. The
money was cool but others around me enjoyed it more than me, I was too busy
trying to enjoy those who had an appreciation for my music and character. What
awakened my change was last year when Snoop Dogg gave me the opportunity
to go on tour with Him and Warren G. The fans were the greatest. The love
between childhood friends were at an all time high but after that I felt
different. Those big Hennessy bottles that I used to drink like water wasn’t a
desire. Those gorgeous young ladies that would come to the hotel after the
show just to receive sexual favors now appeared immature (and I had my share
please believe it). The fans loved the new album performances but all of a
sudden I started to feel like I was settling. Like there was no elevation to
my music. Like there was no elevation within me as a person. I came to the
realization that as a leader I should always look to elevate. No person alive
should want to stay in the 6th grade their whole life, I must always look
to graduate. So I ended up flying home before Snoop left the country only to
have a flashback of this prophet that read me my rights. Lol. Check this scene
out. One day a few years back, my daughter called me on my cell and asked me
to bring her some of her favorite ice cream home. So I went to a local store
but they didn’t have it. I called to tell her the news and she told me to go
next door to where she got her rabbits from. When I pulled up I noticed this
older, heavyset woman in a fresh white Benz. People were laughing at her
because she had big ankles and a mustache. I walked into the ice cream parlor
and she walked behind me and asked me for change for a dollar. I’m thinking
to myself, woman the cash register is over there! I reached in my pockets
anyway and was surprised I had what she asked for. She then replied, thanks,
you have Blessed me. Then she said that her cell was acting up and that she
was going to use the payphone. But what was crazy is that she said she forgot
how to use a payphone. Whoa! After I purchased the ice cream and walked out
the door I looked across the parking lot only to see that woman doing weird
things with the payphone. I then walked over to her and offered my cell phone
to her. She replied again, you have Blessed me. Now, as I walked away this
woman put her hands on my shoulders and said to me, this is not by
coincidence. She said that GOD talks to her and that HE wanted her to talk to
me. YOU are a chosen one she said. You are one that can go through the fire
and survive when your friends can’t. She told me that I had went #1 at
something and that GOD had stripped me of it because I didn’t recognize where
my fortune came from. She said that GOD told her that I would be destined for
a bigger success in the near future, the catch to it was that I had to do it
for the Lord. You will not be able to be successful at anything unless you do
it for GOD. Your friends will succeed at other things but you won’t. She said
the women in your life have caused you much pain due to them not understanding
a leader. The lady started to laugh and said if you release these women GOD
has something amazing in the form of a woman waiting for you (man was she on
point). She then looked into my car and saw a bottle of wine and said put that
in the trunk, I don’t know what this means but I see sirens. So I listened and
soon as I pulled up to the corner of my house there were about 8 police cars
with their sirens on and yellow taped off. I was like whoa! But as we know we
all do, I soon ignored the message and fell back into the trap. Years later
this woman would prove to be right. Because I would come off the Snoop Dogg
tour and notice that I had a beautiful woman at home and a Hot project ready to
go and that neither of the two had prospered in any way. I was going nowhere
fast. That voice followed me forever. I could not shake it. So I prayed to GOD
and said, Lord you know my weaknesses, strengthen me. I have known you forever
but it is only now that I chose to take that walk with you. I am full of fault
and I chose to do better in your name. Even though I have taken care of my
family I have two other children that I had throughout my career that I have
not spent much time with. I NEED YOU!! I’m asking for repentance of my sins.
Heavenly Father I’m tired of the everyday woman, I desire a woman that is
inspired by your word, a Proverbs 31 woman in which I can call my wife. I used
to live for the judgment of the streets, now I live for the judgment of you.
In the name of the Father and the Son, Amen. Not sure if it went exactly like
that but that’s about 90% right. And then came HIS inspiration into me and so
did my first song dedicated to the promotion of the Gospel “Now It’s 4 My
G-O-D”.
MRB: Why have you changed your name to O.G. Domino?
OGD: I feel that just as one thing has to change so does
another. And since I have chosen a new road then I have chosen to become a new
me. This O.G. is not street related. This O.G. stands for “Of GOD”. And so
HE will ride with me in name as well as spirit.
MRB: Now, Your name has changed and your music as well. I
am part of the body that has been praying and continues to pray for my secular
brothas and sistahs to make that change and am awaiting the new music with
open arms. However, do you get any opposition from those in the secular
industry whom oppose you making music for Christ? What is your response to
that type of opposition?
OGD: They don’t disrespect me verbally but they show how
they feel about the change when they don’t call as much or when I’m around
things get quiet. Or where they used to involve me, it is no more. I can feel
the disbelief and negativity that arises outside of my presence but so be it.
I repped for the streets now I’m going do a way larger scale for my G (GOD)
in the sky.
MRB: Domino had a style that was unique; tell us about the
musical style of O.G. Domino, content and what people can expect in listening
to your new music?
OGD: When GOD gives you a talent and a success, HE doesn’t
want you to change the sound of your gift. Just to do it in a manner more
morally correct than you did it before. I will say that secular music tends
to try to keep the artist with one sound. I have never been one sound so get
ready to hear the Gospel in a wide array and in a way that only O.G. Domino
can do it. This project will be one that the listeners can push play and leave
the CD player or ipod alone.
MRB: What is your motivation for rapping and singing for
the Lord?
OGD: When one sees his life turn from night to day and then
he can go out in the world and hear both young and old give testimonies about
major events in their lives, what an inspiration! GOD is Good all the time.
I used to think that if it wasn’t a good situation then it couldn’t be a
blessing from GOD. But I’ve grown to know that there cannot be complete
appreciation of a good life without hardship.
MRB: There is a project out of Atlanta,
ARTportunity
Knocks presents “The Movement
Compilation CD. This project has been getting a bit of buzz
in the industry due to all the names that have attached themselves to the
project in an effort to help these kids obtain new equipment and facility. Why
did O.G. Domino get involved with this project?
OGD: I feel that when we choose to side with the
LORD we have a responsibility to showcase what HE stands for
and foremost “LOVE”. So I’m reppin…...
MRB: So at the end of the day, what do you want to
accomplish with your music ministry?
OGD: First of all I want the people both lost and found
to understand that in no way am I more Holy than anyone. I have just chosen to
do works for the Lord in hopes that my soul can continue to be saved and that
my testimony through music can lead the blind to the light. Amen
MRB: How can people get more info about you and when is
the new project set for release?
OGD: They can reach me at ogdomino@gmail.com. For bookings leave that
in your inquiry. Luv
MRB: Well, God bless you man and on behalf of the
Dasouth.com, we wish you the best! Also readers, be sure to check out the new
single from Domino “Now It’s 4 My G-O-D” on the Compilation CD titled
ARTportunity
Knocks presents “The Movement” at
www.artportunityknocks.org.