Dynasty has years of success under her belt and is fresh off both the release of The Love EP II plus a successful international tour. The Tampa hip-hop staple has also announced that she's setting sail for L.A. to further her career. CL caught up with Dynasty as she geared up for a farewell show at Crowbar (and another possible performance of her one woman, monologue-driven show, "A Star in Life's Clothing") and collected some final thoughts on leaving the city, that Euro tour and everything in between.
First things first, you just came off another successful tour, tell me how that went?
Oh it was lovely, I’ve been on tour so many times though it’s hard to explain the feeling [laughs]. You know, we’ve been touring internationally for the last five years and it’s been a blessing, so I’m happy we had another really dope joint.
That’s incredible to have that kind of longevity. How do you feel in touring internationally as compared to the States? Is there an idea of adding or developing new culture when you’re touring internationally?
I don’t think I’m adding anything new to the culture because they already know the culture. There’s nothing really new for them aside from the individual aspect. Because when I’m done, I’m at my merch table, whereas most people have someone at their table, I’m there. So I’m bringing them me, they already know the culture, know the music, know the vibe, so I’m bringing them me. When they come to my show they’re going get to talk to me, we’re gonna dance, we’re gonna cry, we’re gonna hug, you know? That’s what I’m bringing from another emcee.
BETTER WEATHER
Q&A: Dynasty talks Tampa Bay weather, Sandman and Europe before Friday the 13th show in Ybor City
That’s refreshing to hear, you don’t get that with a lot of artists. You don’t see a lot of artists at their own merch table.
Yeah, a lot of people don’t do it. It’s surprising, people come to see you so you should see them. Not only that, go get your money! [Laughs]
I agree, I don’t want to say it’s a sales tactic, but it works. Can’t knock it. Getting into the home stuff, you're back from tour but you recently announced that you’ll be leaving for L.A. You’ve been an institution in Tampa for quite some time, how does it feel knowing you’re uprooting to somewhere new?
I’m a little nervous of course, going to a whole new city. But when I came here I didn’t know a soul, and I think I did alright. It’s bittersweet, I’m excited to be going but of course this is my second home, so there’s some sadness. People I see frequently that I want see for a while. I’m sure I’ll be a little bit of mess before I go, but there’s so much business, so much to do that I can’t get emotional. So much to handle business-wise. It’s bittersweet but there’s a lot more to do, you gotta go to grow. I’m also acting, so I need those opportunities.
Yeah, you have the one woman shows, and you’ve been doing casting calls, so that makes sense motivation wise. L.A. is a huge hub, and you’re killing two birds with one stone, you’ll be able to rub shoulders with everyone. You never know who you’ll get into an Uber Pool, it’s just so easy to meet anyone.
It’s a great thing to be in a city where you’re loved on and supported, but it’s important to branch out to win. And you can always come back. Music is something that you can do anywhere, because of the internet, but if you want to do anything else like acting, you have to go. I have to go so I can work for more recognition, more exposure. That’s how you put on.
I think a lot of people have a strange view of putting on.I think some people get caught up on working together. Putting on is more than doing a 20 people anthem. I’ve worked with people, I’ve put people on shows, it’s not always doing a song together ‘cause we’re from the same city — it doesn’t always work. It’s about really supporting people, and individuals going out of the city and repping. People can see me out and see that I’m touring internationally and say, “Oh, that’s the girl from Tampa who worked with DJ Premier”.
I feel that. With you leaving, doing you have any unfinished business, any last regrets of things you didn’t get to do in the city?
Well, I’m a little salty that I didn’t get to perform on the Ybor Trolley as it rides through the city, I ain’t get to do that. [Laughs] I did tell people, so I am a little salty. But you know, other than that, I think I’ve done it all. Gasparilla, festivals in Ybor, TV shows, the radio. Tampa has been so so good to me.
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This article appears in Apr 12-19, 2018.