FSD: You are known for keeping your ears to the streets. How do you determine who’s the next big star?
MoonDawg: I look at a couple of things. One of the first things I look at is what people are saying. I’m talking non-industry, non-media, just genuine people that have nothing to do with music. I look at what they’re saying. From leaving comments on YouTube videos, or comments on blog posts. The people that aren’t tainted, they are not biased, and they don’t have hidden agendas. I also listen to the music. I would occasionally hear what a fellow industry person has to say. A lot of it comes down to what I see. I’ m looking to see the x-factor: “is there a star there?” You can make a hit song, and it goes national, but it can be gone as soon as it comes. I’m looking for that person with charisma. That person people gravitate towards. Also, I’m looking for people who have some sense and knowledge on what they’re doing. I’m looking for somebody who has a vision and a team as well. Do you have a movement– that’s one thing I saw in Keef. People hated on him, but he had a movement of people who were rocking with him, too —it was organic.
FSD: With that being said, who do you think has the potential to be the next star in Chicago?
MoonDawg: I really like Chin Chilla Meek. I really feel like she has so much star potential. She has grown into her own as an artist in her music. We just dropped a mixtape, and I think that’s the foundation that’s going to show her growth. Also, Spenzo, man! I was in the studio with Spenzo some time ago, and we just had crazy chemistry.
That’s one thing about me that separates me from a lot of DJ’s. I actually go to the studio with the artists, and critique their songs. I’ll give them concepts—almost like A&Ring. It’s other people on my radar that have potential, but I haven’t worked with them directly. It’s hard to co-sign, because all of that comes with me interacting with the individual directly. When you are in the studio with them, and see their work ethic and creativeness, that’s how you see if they have star potential.
FSD: What’s next for you?
MoonDawg: You know the mixtapes aren’t going to stop. I’m real selective on who I work with as far as mixtapes, so I’m trying to get some stuff lined up. Spenzo and I discussed working on a project. Me and Berg are going to come back around and do another project. This time it will be more mainstream in terms of artists and features. Chicago Redemption was him connecting with Chicago artists. On the next one, he said he’s really going to stunt on people and really show how plugged he is in the industry. For me personally, I’m working on singles. Some of them are in the can, some of them leaked out. I’m working on just my records, in the vein of Khaled and Drama. I feel like that’s the next step in my career. I feel like its only right man, I’m in a position where I can support local artists. I feel like I will continue to play my part to be at the forefront and support Chicago.