Tampa Bay emcee Achilles the Conqueror turns 30 years old at a New World Brewery show in Ybor City, Florida on January 13, but the CL music family is most proud of our own photo contributor Michael M Sinclair who is helping organize the show as part of the 79 Sorcery collective he and Achilles are a part of.
DO THIS: 79 SORCERY PRESENTS: DIVINITY AT NEW WORLD BREWERY 01.13.17
This one has something for every taste and includes two more CL’s contributors (hybrid hip hop duo DEA & Saint) plus Billy Mays III’s Mouth Council vocal looping experiment.
A big highlight on the bill, however, is the inclusion of Bay area favorite Dynasty, who has come a long way since opening for Little Brother in 2008. In a short Q&A conducted by Sinclair, Dynasty — who arrived in Tampa from the Bronx over a decade ago — waxes on how she's grown since she landed in the Sunshine State, the power of social media and more.
Check out Michael's Q&A with Dynasty below, and listen to here single "Be," from her latest full length Forever, DY right here. Get more information on the show via local.cltampa.com.
What was the impetus of your move to Tampa in 2005?
The weather. It's that simple. I visited with a friend in November, it was about 80 degrees. I found a roommate online, packed up my car and moved. I didn't even know anyone. LOL. I was sold.
You have been in the game for awhile, how has your style/music changed over the years?
I think I've grown more introspective and vulnerable as an artist. Of course, I still like my aggressive, "I'll body anybody" type songs. But, I think as the years go by I continue to develop a willingness to share more and say whatever I want, without worrying about what other people think about it.
You and DJ Sandman have a great dynamic on stage, you can see the connection you two have. How did you come to meet him?
I met my DJ, Sandman, in 2008 when I was opening for [Durham, North Carolina hip hop group] Little Brother at Crowbar. This was actually my first big intro to Tampa as an artist. We've been rocking together ever since.
I see you post often to your YouTube channel, how much has social media helped in your success?
Social media has played a major role in my success. Actually, it's probably the main factor outside of working to produce quality music and visuals. Without social media, there's no vehicle to share and connect. I've found a way to engage with my supporters authentically, as a result, they support me in my endeavors.
Doing European tours must be an amazing experience. How did you get to be so popular overseas?
It is definitely amazing. I've been touring since 2013, and it never gets old. I started getting popular over there after getting support from the legendary DJ Premier. In 2009, he put my song on his mixtape and toured with it. Next thing I know, I was getting tweets from people in Germany, South Africa and beyond. We went on to do two songs together, so of course that helped with my popularity.
Funny thing about social media, I met my European booking agent via a Facebook friend and fan. He really wanted to see me in Germany and he kept hitting her up until she gave me a chance. That's a prime example of the power of social media.
This article appears in Jan 12-19, 2017.