James Samuels aka Dreadrock grew up on the west-side of Chicago with one parent who passed when he was the age 11. He started music at the age of 13 originally with a small group of neighborhood kids to escape street drama. However becoming known in the streets for his style he created the term “Swervgang” and later contributed to a dozen songs and videos on youtube. He decided to go solo after things regarding the group did not pan over to well, and he created Swervnation. Swervnation is owned and operated by James Samuels. Dreadrock is the very first artist signed to Swervnation. Overcoming the streets was contributed to his love for music and bringing the trials and tribulations from his life to paper, he escaped.
Where did you grow up? How did your upbringing influence your career?
I grew up on the run down streets of the west-side of Chicago, not in the best of conditions. I typically lived with my Mom and siblings at relatives, friends, or shelters and moved around often. Moving around at such a young age made me grew up faster because it was mainly me, my mom and my sister moving and I had to protect and take care at the age of 6. It was a hard job walking the streets without the means to take care of yourself, and it definitely influenced a-lot of my rap lyrics today.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in your market?
The biggest challenge in the market for me so far is support from your own side. When I say side I am referring to family, friends, individuals, or associates you grew up with either hating or will support just because. Getting my platform started requires performing at certain venues, maybe selling tickets, or marketing. When you are starting out, getting support from where you came from can be a big challenge, however I found multiple avenues to overcome those types of challenges.
How do you continue to educate yourself?
Education is important if you will like to succeed in the music industry. I take my time to read up on the latest content for business needs and stay in tune with what is going on in the industry overall. Trust nobody information but your own, someone once told me, therefore I research and study alot. I love reading and checking out videos that can educate me to continue to excel with the record label and as an artist.
What role do partnerships and relationships play in your career?
Partnerships and building relationships are important, I currently work with a small team to get business needs addressed. We all come from different educational backgrounds and makes the partnerships work overall.
True or false? Hard work solves almost anything. Tell us why you feel this way.
True, you can work hard as hell and still fail. But just because you failed does not mean you did not learn the value of the hard work and what to do different the next time.
What achievement are you most proud of?
The achievement I am the most proud of is actively opening a record label and dropping my album under it.
What’s next in your career?
I am set to drop Born Broke 2 on June 15 and it’s heating the streamlines so who know’s. I have alot o projects set up and everyone just have to watch for me.
What advice do you have for our readers?
Be your own representation because no one can truly be you. Keep swerving.