“I made another hit record; that’s on my grandaddy.” Atlanta-based rapper and songwriter KingDarius TheGreat is back and has made a statement with his new uplifting single “Self Love (Re-Up) [Ft. Hayzell B].”
As the song begins, Hayzell B steps into the spotlight, glistening. Her soft, smooth vocals soothe the soul and heal open wounds that were once neglected. Stating that “negativity has no place” in her life, she sets the tone for the rest of the record.
KingDarius TheGreat then displays his experienced penmanship out in the open for the world to see. His high-energy performance delivers consecutive clever, enlightened puns directing the listener towards higher vibrations. He keeps the listener engaged while sharing his wisdom along the struggles of his journey with playful bars like “Like I don’t see you, but I got Visine in my third eye.”
This seasoned veteran has had past success and virality being a member of the hip-hop group “C-Side,” in addition to songwriting opportunities for numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits for Flo-Rida, T-Pain, G-Unit, and many more. This perfectly translates to the weight of the playful yet soul-provoking lyrics provided in “Self Love (Re-Up) [Feat. Hayzell B]”.
The record's production has a seemingly classic vibe with its nostalgic, lush melodic keys and a moving hip-hop rhythm that naturally carries both vocals like water down a stream.
Let us not forget the beautiful Male-Female romantic dynamic in the second verse honoring the divine feminine. “Treat my empress like royalty, that’s what she is,” KingDarius TheGreat sheds light on a subject that seems to be dim in Hip-Hop as of late.
Unsurprisingly, the single is already doing numbers; helping listeners discover the importance of self-love and empowerment keeps them returning for more. Raise your vibration with some inspiration from KingDarius TheGreat new single, "Self Love (Re-Up) [Ft Hayzell B]," now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, KingDariusTheGreat. We genuinely admire your honest and uplifting approach in your recent single with Hayzell B, "Self Love (Re-Up)." What inspired the creation of this empowering hit?
There are a few different elements to this record in terms of the inspiration to create it, one being the importance of exhibiting self Love within a world climate that all too often promotes a false understanding of what a perfect image is or who you're supposed to be based on your career of choice and etcetera. I firmly believe that when you're called for a particular role in this life, and you know deep down what that role is, you should embrace that understanding and never allow someone else to dictate what you should or shouldn't be striving to become. The song also acts as a creative public service announcement to the mainstream rap genre landscape and the violent turn it has taken over the years. It's a plea to the artists to be more respectful to one another, value love, value life, and embrace positivity. Lastly, but equally meaningful, it is a tribute to close loved ones we may have lost over the years.
How did you cross paths with the talented Hayzell B, and what pulled you to utilize her energy on this record?
Hayzell B and I are both within the Atlanta, Georgia, music scene. While we both shared mutual work-related peers, we had never collaborated with one another, but I was definitely an enormous fan of hers from afar, hoping to work with her when the opportunity presented itself. That opportunity manifested into reality when key turns of events took place, resulting in me having this truly inspirational record on my hands in Self Love (Re-Up), but in search of the perfect female vocalist. This record needed someone who was genuine, powerful, confident in themselves and in what they do, someone who seeks truth, with a personality that is as real as it gets. This record needed Hayzell B. So, a business associate of mine (DJ Nuclear) linked us to one another, then Hayzell B and myself got in the studio after she heard the song and was totally down to be a part of this record, and it's a journey to success. The chemistry while working together was incredibly awesome (which should've been expected, sharing the Taurus Zodiac), and she impeccably delivered the chorus, coupled with elegance and grace. Working alongside her was truly an honor, and I look forward to continuing our musical alliance on future projects.
You briefly mention your grandfather at the end of the song; how was your relationship with him?
My relationship with my Grandfather was as great and wholesome as any grandson would have with a loving Grandad. He was extremely caring towards me and wanted the absolute best for me from when I entered this planet to this moment as he looked over me from the cosmos. I learned a lot about different musical artists that were well before my time, credited to him, which helped shape me into the artist I am today. He also was one of the first to tell me how great of a writing ability I have and to explore more writing opportunities within this industry as I continued further into the business. I often regret that I didn't get to spend more time with him during the latter part of his life, but his love was so gigantic towards me growing up that it's truly enough to last an eternity and beyond.
After listening to the record, it’s clear that you’ve had to go through trials and tribulations to get to where you are now. What’s your advice to those who find it difficult to come out of a similar situation positively?
My advice is to stay the course. Like Shakespeare's HAMLET, "This above all to thine own self be true." Take the time to learn who you are as an individual, then focus on becoming the absolute best version of that individual. When seasonal relationships close, allow them to do just that. The higher power will keep those who should be around and remove those who need not be present for the forthcoming journey. Learn from that time, let go, and embrace the new beginnings. It's a lot less stressful that way.
Is there more heat on the way?
In this game, there better ALWAYS be more heat on the way; otherwise, you're in the wrong business, my friends. Yes, I have more material en route. Keep an eye out for a song titled THAT'S AI where I attack the good, the bad, and the ugly in reference to Artificial Intelligence within the music industry and society. Stay Tuned. Self Love (Re-Up) video will be coming soon, so everyone is on the lookout for that as well.