DaBaby Admits To Studying "The Greats" Like "Future, Lil Wayne, & Kanye"

BY Erika Marie 6.2K Views
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DaBaby
He also shared where he sees himself in 50 years.

In one year, DaBaby went from being a rapper on his way up to one of the biggest entertainers in the world. The North Carolina rapper has climbed the ranks to take his place at the top, and with No. 1 album under his belt, DaBaby is enjoying all of the luxuries that his hard work can afford. “I like pushing the envelope and being creative,” he told The Guardian. “I’m a high-level performer – [it’s about] how I can take it to another level. I try not to be complacent in my music or with my performances. I gotta keep it fresh and rock out.”

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There are plenty of secrets to success if one subscribes to that school of thought, but DaBaby claims that being a student of "the greats" is what helped him craft his style. “I studied people like Future, Lil Wayne and Kanye, who came up and consistently progressed," he said. "I’ve studied all the genius marketers throughout the rap game. I borrow from anybody with something to offer.”

However, he admits marketing, per se, wasn't really his thing. “I’ve just always been a hustler. I didn’t even have a major decided at college," DaBaby admitted. "I only went to school for my parents.” If there's one industry where a hustler can make a living, it's entertainment...and possibly politics. When asked where he sees himself in the future, it's clear that DaBaby has big aspirations. “Fifty years, man? I better be damn near the president of the United States.”


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.