Music Nerdery talks to Dee-1 about his new Mission Vision.

Been a minute since I left you with some quality Dee-1 info. Since the last time we chilled at Paid Dues in San Bernadino last year, I’ve been busy working while hes been hes been getting his music out to the masses, getting nominated for XXL Freshmen awards and recording his newest album Mission Vision, which is due out pretty soon (March). Before I ran out of time again and before he becomes even more famous, I sat down and spoke with Dee about life, tours, new music, Mannie Fresh and the future.

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Music Nerdery: Long time no talk man. The last time we sat and chilled for a while was at Paid Dues LA concert where you were busy getting your superstar on. So tell me everything you have you been up to since then.

Dee-1: Well right after Paid Dues I went on the Grind ‘N Hustle Tour with Young Dro, Pac Div, and Killer Mike. We did about 30 dates all around the country. That was real cool. Then I just started dropping a bunch of music videos from my mixtape “I Hope They Hear Me Vol 2!” They include ‘The One That Got Away’ ft. Mannie Fresh (S/O to MTV Jams), The Garden of Eden, Blue, Uncle Tom, and I’m On It. Started working on my next project “Mission Vision” which will be out in March. Then Mannie Fresh said he wanted to produce it, so I was like “of course big homie.” I have about 40 songs done so far. It’ll be out in March. Just been growing my movement and focusing on my mission to motivate my listeners. I’ve spoken to a few big labels since then, and the stage is set for 2012 to be epic. Lastly, I’ve gone through a lot of changes with my team. I let everyone know that the stakes are higher than ever now, so we all have to take this more seriously. It’s not a hobby anymore.

Music Nerdery: MTVJams is still the greatest of all time, and its good to hear you’re getting ready for that next level. So my man. XXL Freshmen 2012 Nominee. Ohmigawd, WAOW. Excuse me while I flip out for a moment. 
In the meantime, tell me how you’re feeling about this right now? I know its still all new to you, but to be nominated is a big deal.

Dee-1: When I found out I got nominated I stopped everything to focus on that. What an honor. I know we work hard, but there are so many artists doing their thing that I’m honored to be nominated. Shoutout to the thousands upon thousands upon thousands of fans who voted for me….. Even if I don’t make the cover, we still won. That’s why I made the song and video “Standing Ovation” where I shoutout all 50 nominees.

Music Nerdery: Recently we were chatting over the twitters and you expressed surprise at the recent success of your latest video and single, “The One Who Got Away.” I reassured you the song was certified awesome, so I wasn’t that surprised by everyone relating to the song. Why don’t you tell me the story behind the one that got away and what inspired you to write that for us?

Dee-1: Okay…. so it’s a true story. A story about a female I was digging in college. She had a boyfriend who was in another state and she was never happy, but she refused to break up with him. So even though I knew she liked me, she never let her guard all the way down and I’m not one to try to steal girls from their men, so as much as I liked her…. nothing ever popped off. I have so many stories about things I did to try to show her that she should be with me, but I’ll share those with you next time we talk lol. They’re too long. (shakes his head). Oh but hold up, shoutout to ole girl, because she helped to inspire a hit song and I know she’s married with a whole family now, so no hard feelings. I still go on her Facebook page every now and then just to browse around. (Laughs)

Music Nerdery: Ah facebook. The place where exes go to die. (Laughs) Since were speaking on music, word out on the street is you have a new mixtape coming out soon. Why don’t you tell me all about it. Title, names, songs… guest appearances?

Dee-1: New project: “Mission Vision.” Droppin in March. Produced by the big homie, the legendary Mannie Fresh. This cd is a tool to help inspire people to pursue their personal mission in life. Guest appearances: a few Grammy nominees, a few leaders of the new school, and a few OG’s. And a lot of Dee Uno.

Music Nerdery: Word. Any word on touring (specifically to the West Coast) anytime soon or are you just chilling for now.

Dee-1: I’m going back on tour in February and March… It’s called the Never Say Never Tour with Myself, Jean Grae, and Sir Michael Rocks… And we’re mostly doing the south and midwest. Dates will be posted on dee1music.com.

Music Nerdery: With the new year here now, tell me what your plans, hopes and dreams are for 2012.

Dee-1: My word of the year for 2012 is: EXECUTE.
The game plan is there, God is on our side, the network is in front of us, and the grind is strong. All we have to do is go the extra yard and EXECUTE.
I don’t need a deal because we’re eating right now, but I feel in my gut that I will have a deal by the end of 2012. A great deal.

Music Nerdery: Thank you.

Dee-1: Nah, thank you. 100.
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Welp, not only is he focused… hes also a lot of fun to talk with. He’s also dropping some new music soon, I’ll post that up as I get it. For now, make sure you stay close to his twitter for more information on that upcoming tour.