DK Robin on Putting On For Las Vegas & Vibrating Higher, Always
Fusing effortless flows to feel-good melodies and infectious hooks, DK Robin is an emerging artist from the Las Vegas who is currently bringing his genre defying anthems to the global stage. His sound is highly unique and innovative as he fuses smooth rap flows to contagious pop hooks. Often opting for rich storytelling in his songs, he’s known for his gorgeous real-life narratives that touch on the lighter subjects of life.
Inspired by Hip Hop heavyweights like Drake and J. Cole, DK Robin has a highly positive feel to everything he does. The kind of upbeat soundtracks that help you get through the struggles of everyday life with joy and excitement. His songs remain deep lyrically whilst still lighthearted enough to get the feels going.
Today, we catch up with DK Robin to get his thoughts on Las Vegas’ budding Hip Hop scene, his goal of becoming "Mainstream Underground" and what drives him to remain positive on his way to the top. Right now, and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Tell us more about your life in Las Vegas?
I moved out to Vegas in October 2020 from Pennsylvania. The idea originally was to be within driving distance of LA and to be on the West Coast (the best coast btw). I quickly fell in love with Vegas. I’d like to achieve as much growth here as possible to attribute it to them. I can relate to Las Vegas because it’s a progressive city. It still is finding it’s identity and the potential here is huge.
With so many people moving out that way, how would you say the Las Vegas music scene has changed or remained the same over the years?
I haven’t been able to check out the music scene here yet. With everything opening back up from the COVID restrictions being taken away, I’ll be able to get involved and digest the scene. Prior to moving to Vegas, my knowledge of the Vegas music scene (rap in specific) was Dizzy Wright. He always championed the city from my point of view back in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Once I knew I was moving here, I researched the Vegas rap scene and found out about Ekoh as well.
Overall, I believe Las Vegas’s rap scene can create a real surge in the industry like the DMV in the later 2010’s. The talent’s here and like I mentioned prior, Vegas is finding an identity. By the mid point of the 2020’s decade, I’d believe myself and others from here will be on the forefront of a strong movement.
Las Vegas’s rap scene can create a real surge in the industry like the DMV in the later 2010’s
Some of your influences include J. Cole and Drake. What do you love the most about each artists’ music?
For Drake’s music, it would be the vulnerability and the utility of his music. His openness to me was unheard of at the time of finding out about him. Beyond that, he has a song for everybody. To say you don’t like any Drake songs to me sounds like ignorance. Having that range of appeal is remarkable.
For J. Cole’s music, it’s his everyman appeal. "2014 Forest Hills Drive" in specific was a special moment. For him to achieve what he did at that point and then withdraw from the rewards and luxury that comes from that, gives him a ridiculous amount of authenticity. It’s one thing to be on the sideline denouncing materialism when the opportunity for it wasn’t presented to you. But to have the access to it and maintain his grounded attitude is very unique.
If you could only listen to three Drake songs for the rest of your life, which ones would they be?
Awe man! That’s like picking your favorite child haha. After heavy consideration I would go with: The Resistance, Free Spirit, Thank Me Now
What inspired you to make your own music?
Growing up with Rap music, the only image I’d see was street or gangsta rap. I enjoyed listening to that but that wasn’t a story I could tell. Prior to Drake coming on the scene, I never fathomed being a rapper. Him breaking in the game opened up my mind to Rap music being more worldly. That was when I started to notice myself typing raps in my iPod Touch. Severals months later while syncing that iPod, J. Cole’s “Friday Night Lights“ randomly came on. Then after “Too Deep for the Intro” went off, I stared off into space and had my “I want to be a rapper” moment.
Your music is an effortless blend of genres, like Pop and Hip Hop. How did your upbringing help shape your eclectic music taste?
The music from my upbringing I wouldn’t say shaped my music taste. It was once I knew I wanted to be a rapper that I started to become a student of the game. So, really my music taste were starting to shape in the early 2010’s. I don’t hear any resemblance in my music that could be traced to the 2000’s in my opinion.
I more so owe it to myself to be the best I can be
Aside from being dope, your music is very upbeat and positive. Why do you think it’s important for people to vibrate higher?
Obstacles and challenges are a normal part of life and growth. A negative attitude would make the journey unnecessarily challenging.
Being an independent artist comes with many challenges and obstacles. How do you remain positive in the midst of it all?
If my music is giving some sort of value to someone then that’s very gratifying. At the end of the day, no one owes me anything. I more so owe it to myself to be the best I can be. I knew that pursuing this dream was going to be a major uphill battle and take a Herculean effort on my part. I have to be full strength and at the very least I can’t get in my own way. Being able to create is still a thrill that doesn't get old.
What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome so far?
Time management is a big challenge. Constantly being present on social media is very important to getting yourself out there. With that, it can take away from creating at times. Both social media and the music can’t thrive without one another. So, achieving that balance is key for me.
Where do you want to ultimately take your career?
I definitely want some sort of commercial appeal. The only caveat being to maintain some quirks that I believe can create my own lane in the process. “Mainstream Underground” is the sweet spot I’m looking for. A big core fanbase is what's most important for me. Artists like Logic, Russ, Mac Miller, Childish Gambino, and Tyler the Creator framed my mindset that way.
Anything else we should know?
I’ll be dropping a song every three weeks for the rest of year. I’m excited for everybody to hear them and to build upon that.
