First Day Feature: D. Horton shares the concept behind “The Sessions” EP, Aspirations & more

You know how certain artists just have a knack for the emotional aspect of rap? Let me be one of the first to tell you D. Horton is one of those artists. As humble as they come yet still wearing confidence on his shoulder the lyricist has a long line of strong releases dating back to his 2012 debut Soul Train. Recent years have seen the stream of quality music increase with 3 releases over the past year and a half from Horton, who has roots in Michigan as well as Starkville, Mississippi and Atlanta. Laney High, Brilliant Minds and The Sessions are all well worth the listen but the latter showed a certain level of honesty, focus and reflectiveness rarely seen from younger artists in the game. For these reasons and others we are happy to sit down with D. Horton to discuss the thought process behind his music and more.

To start out could you share a bit about yourself?

David Horton. Zoey’s dad. Dave The Rapper. I’m from everywhere and I’ve been through everything. I know why I’m here for sure and I can’t wait until the world knows. I’m a Que, a king, and a Christian.

At what point was it that you decided to take music as a serious path?

Probably every day I wake up. I just don’t know what else to do man. I love it. It’s why I’m here. I released an album, Soul Train, in 2012…I fell in love.

I hear J. Cole is a major influence on you. What about his style stood out as a form of inspiration?

Anyone that’s honest to their story though. But Cole just reminds me of the rappers my big cousins were listening too. My sister, ya know? Pac, Nas, Hov, Big…and he’s crazy cold. So yeah, that. He’s big bro for real.

How would you describe your music stylistically to someone who never heard it?

I’d say…ummmm….it’s your favorite part of your favorite artists. That’s probably wierd. I’m a student. Pac, 3000, Cole, whoever. What you like about them can be found on my album in a completely new manner. It’s great. I wanna be the voice.

Your last project was The Sessions EP back in May. What was the concept behind that project?

Grandmother passed the week I found out I was having a daughter. I went to the studio and I just got it off my chest. 5 tracks, 3 days, 1 EP. Shout out to KT, greatest producer in the world.

Speaking of KT. What about his sound draws you to him? The vast majority of your music is produced by him.

Honestly…it’s more personal than that. God sent KT to me. it’s spiritual. Like Dre and Snoop, Dre and Kendrick, 40 and Drake. I thank God for KT because I know who I am now, sonically. I have a sound. It’s special.

Did you approach the EP differently from your full length projects that preluded it? It seems there would be more of an urgency to ensure listeners get your goal of the body of work with the shorter track list.

Yeah for sure. I’m very strategic and kinda ocd about writing. I’ll write for months, multiple times a day. All night until I feel like it’s where it needs to be. This was more impulse. I just vented honestly. My heart was broken. I know what my grandmother was for me and I was hurt that Zoe wasn’t going to be able to experience that with her. It was crazy.

As we’ve discussed a bit thus far your songs are heavily constructed around things that happen in your life currently and in the past. You mention missing your Grandmother, being laughed at when mentioning your dreams & the upcoming birth of your baby on your last EP alone. Do you look at music as a form of therapy to get through some of your trials?

Yes….exactly.

https://soundcloud.com/knewskool_dhorton/05-the-voicemail-pt-2-prod-by

You’ve released several bodies of work up to this point. Of all the record in your catalog are there any tracks that are personally more special to you than others?

Like a favorite to listen to….lol no way I can pick. Hmmmm….right now I’d say Blowed or Soul Train. The Voicemail’s are special to me. I’ll always make those for my real fans. They know me through the voicemails. I’m writing part 3 now.

Why do you think the voicemail’s stand out so much?

It’s real life. So it feels different. A lot of times I tell stories because I have a big imagination and even though they might not be 100% fact, they come from real places.

I would have to agree. In fact arguably my favorite song of yours is The Voicemail Pt. 2. What was it like to discuss such a heartfelt topics on wax like that? I imagine some parts had to be hard.

It was great. I miss her so much every day. You can tell and now people miss her with me and that’s great. It’s so great.

In terms of new music we got your freestyle over Erykah Badu’s On & On yesterday. Is this the sign of a new album or mixtape on the horizon?

Ha…you’re good man. I write. A lot. Hope you enjoyed that On And On. Thanks Ms. Badu for that moment. God bless you Queen.

Any details you can let loose about the upcoming work?

I’m writing.

Fair Enough. What are some of the ultimate goals you have for both your music career and other ventures in life?

Be the greatest. No other ventures. The greatest.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans and those who are getting hip through the interview?

God is real and through Him you can become invincible. Hip Hop is alive.

Whats the best way to link with you for business?

@ks_dhorton or email kingdavid_music@yahoo.com

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