We're diving into the wild world of rapper and comedian Danny Brown. The Detroit native is highly regarded in the underground world of hip-hop, employing dense sonics and a uniquely glass-shattering vocal pallet. That unique voice has made waves over the past decade. He's worked with the likes of JPEGMAFIA, Earl Sweatshirt, and Kendrick Lamar. The past five years have seen Brown translate that bold energy into the world of comedic podcasting. He's made a name for himself as a hilarious storyteller and unhinged personality.
Danny Brown was surrounded by drug use and poverty throughout his childhood. While his parents strived to keep him out of the streets, he became a drug-dealer by 18. However, his rap days got started in kindergarten. "I went to school one day, and it was show and tell," Brown said during an interview. "But I didn't know that it was show and tell, and I had nothing to show or tell. So, I was just like, forget it, and just rapped in front of the class - and then everybody went crazy. So I was like, I don't know, maybe I got something."
XXX Was Danny Brown's Breakout Album
Danny Brown has never fallen into the traditional confines of the hip-hop scene. He almost signed to 50 Cent's G-Unit back in 2010. While his raps were compelling, his tight jeans and abrasive hairstyle didn't exactly fit into the conceptual aesthetic of the G-Unit Label. However, Brown's unhinged energy would eventually find its way into the blog era of the internet. A mosh-pit-inducing sonic pallet was found on Atrocity Exhibition's "Ain't It Funny," with bold horns and songwriting. Atrocity Exhibition saw him depict drug use in a multi-faceted manner. He takes the listener on a journey through the come-down of an all-night bender.
Brown has always been a magnetic current against the prevailing trends of hip-hop. Rather than romanticizing drug use or excessive wealth, he focuses on attacking the grim realities of the industry through his music. Unfortunately, he's been in and out of rehab for alcohol abuse. However, he translates that pain into his standout sound. Brown's breakout album, XXX, saw his commanding flow layered underneath distorted synths, as he conveys an increased sense of panic as he begins experiencing the damning effects of drug addiction. A self-described rap nerd, he's admitted to having heavy No Limit and Def Jux phases. That background has enabled him to hear "words that rhyme together just appear all in my head," he said.
He Recently Released SCARING THE H**S with JPEGMAFIA
Danny Brown released the collaboration album SCARING THE H**S with JPEGMAFIA in March. The JPEG-produced album was poised to be great, with the two existing on the fringes of hip-hop throughout their respective careers. From the distorted horns on the title track "SCARING THE H**S" to the chaotic sampling on "God Loves You," it's immediately entered the shortlist for rap album of the year. The slapshot blend of emo-rock and soul sampling was a much-needed moment for Brown, who's been predominantly silent on the music front over the past five years.
Consequently, JPEGMAFIA discussed the reason for contacting Brown, stating, "I wanted to unite the underground. You look at all the mainstream dudes, and they all make songs together. They get money together, and they come up together, and they give each other strength. It's like a spirit bomb." Two artists that are known for being unequivocally themselves, they spent a year curating a project that's both progressive and compelling. After its release, Brown fans wonder whether he'll put out a solo project shortly. It's been four years since his fifth studio album, uknowwhatimsayin?.
Danny Brown's Career Goes Beyond Hip-Hop
However, Danny Brown's career goes well beyond hip-hop. Media outlets have picked up on his cartoonish and downright hilarious personality throughout his career. It led to him to hosting the celebrity talk show Danny's House on Noisey, where he held his own with fellow rap comedians such as Zack Fox. In addition, he's recently begun hosting The Danny Brown Show. Spotted by fellow comedian Tom Segura, he gave Brown a platform to host within a podcast format. The Danny Brown Show has been highly successful from the jump, quickly becoming one of the go-to podcasts in the YouTube comedy space.
As mentioned, fans have been anticipating a new solo project from Danny Brown for years. Controversy began surrounding the release of Quaranta back in March, when he accused Warp Records of delaying the release of the album. However, he backpedaled on his comments over Twitter, stating, "Aye chill out with the #FreeDanny shit I was drunk and talking shit and that's why my dumb as is checking into treatment tomorrow got nothing but love for Dart and Warp so chill out the album is mastered." More recently, Brown has been in better spirits leading up to his next album.