Diz Gibran Interview
A07 – What brings you to SD again?
Diz – Took a real quick trip, my girls doing some stuff for Comic Con, and I’m just out here to see some friends-hit the beach a lil’ bit cause I’m getting ready to go out of town.
A07 – Since were @ 5&ADime, one of those friends must be Jay. Talk about that relationship.
Diz – I come from streetwear. I been doing sales & marketing for streetwear brands the last 8 yrs. Jay @ 5&ADime became one of our accounts when he first opened up then from there we became friends. Anytime I’m here this is one of the first places I come to–always.
A07 – On a music side, “Soon you’ll understand” is being considered to be one of the best mixtapes this year by B.E.T and Imeem to name a few. Do you feel any pressure to out-do yourself or are you more worried about consistency?
Diz – A little bit of both. I mean, I felt pressure doing this one[soon you'll understand]. but at the same time, it’s something me and Moonshine have a love for first. We didn’t know what the turnout was going be when we did this one, we just recorded what felt right and ended up with what people are calling a classic with a lot of critical acclaim. The next one will be a little bit more different and aggressive.
A07 – How’d you meet Moonshine?
Diz – We met at the Magic Convention 5 yrs ago. He was a buyer and I was doing my sales thing. He gave me his card then two weeks later when I was in New York I hit him up we had some drinks and that was that. But 2 yrs went by before he knew I rhymed and I knew he produced. When we found out, it was automatic.
A07 – Sounds like destiny?
Diz – That’s exactly what it was!
A07 – Any Upcoming collabs or anything outside of L.A?
Diz – I was just texting Dom. when we both get back from out of town, we hittin’ the studio. Also, I’m working to collab outside of L.A, so as far as collabs go, we talkin’ to some bigger names. Me and Emillio Rojas been building and some other good shit in the works that I can’t speak on just yet.
A07 – You usually come out here to chill right? So what type of vibe do you get from San Diego?
Diz – Man, I love San Diego. It’s super laid back plus Im a beach kid. I was born in Newport Beach and lived in San Clemente a few years before moving to L.A so I’ve always lived by the water growing up surfing skating and whatnot. It’s real relaxing out here too. I dont”t come out here as much as I would like, but when I do it’s love.
A07 – Any future works with Crook & Castles?
Diz – Yeah that’s family, they were really one of the first to see what me and “Moon” were trying to do and support us on the music. I knew them before they started Crooks and when we really started rockin’ on the music and taking it serious, they got behind us and wanted to push…..Pause both of those statements!….but I don’t know what’s next. Of course another mixtape probably around the winter time and we’ll take it from there. Shoutouts to the Crooks and congrats on the new store…
A07 – I know your quite the sneakerhead. Are there any kicks out right now you beastin’ for?
Diz – I been a sneakerhead for so long, I kinda got out of it. I got my collection, I rock all my shit, but I been on some super simple shit. But I tell you this, These[Vans] I got on right now aint comin’ out for a year. My boy @ Vans designed and sent me these and they my favorites right now. There’s nothing that feel I gotta have cause I’ve seen a lot so I don’t lust over anything no more.
A07 – When it’s all said and done, What do you want Hip-Hop to say about Diz Gibran?
Diz – We do this cause we love it so I want to be respected as a great MC. I want people to say Diz was one of the fucking greatest. I got a lot of work to do but I think we on the right track. I been doin this a long time without making any money so that’s not the drive. The drive is me living and dying doing what I love to do. From there, the spoils from it is beautiful but I want be known as someone that added something to Hip-Hop.
A07 – Any shoutouts?
Diz – Shouts to Moon, my manager Terry, all of L.A Hip-Hop, RiseA07, and my girl.
A07 – Last question. When you here the word “Rise”, what does it mean to you?
Diz – Improvement, progression you know……Airborne!!
