Unlike the current wave of Soundcloud rappers making headlines with radio-friendly Billboard hits and cringe-worthy social media beefs, Danny Brown doesn't need tacky viral marketing ploys to solidify his spot in the music industry. Long hailed as a hero of the underground hip-hop scene for his effortlessly inventive rhymes, transparent storytelling and unique delivery, it's no secret that the Detroit-bred rapper has the talent and work ethic necessary to churn out a steady stream of content for years to come.
Unfortunately, for the followers that bump to Brown's lyrical flow and raw, emotional cuts, years often pass before he releases his next studio-length collection. After dropping his debut solo album The Hybrid back in 2010, Brown followed up with a disarmingly intimate trilogy cataloging various emotional traumas that he often offsets with drugs and alcohol via XXX (2011), Old (2013), and Atrocity Exhibition (2016).
After achieving both critical and commercial success during the release of these albums, Brown made it clear that fame and name recognition would do little to change his creative process. Proving time and again that he's consistently willing to take risks in the name of artistic integrity, Brown's dedication to his craft often means that the years in between studio releases are peppered with instances of the "Really Doe" rapper slipping in and out of the limelight.
“[Since the release of XXX] people recognize what I already knew, so it’s not really like a big deal to me," Brown said to Complex. "If people like, ‘He’s crazy!’ I already knew that my whole life. I already been wanting to do this shit. To me this feels like the tip of the iceberg. This ain’t nowhere close to what I’m gonna do musically. To me it’s just another step to get to the top."
Wondering what Brown has been up to since dropping 70k to clear the samples for Atrocity Exhibition? Check out how the 37-year-old has kept busy below.
Working On A New Album
Where Is Danny Brown? Tracking His Movements Since "Atrocity Exhibition"
If Brown's timeline isn't unexpectedly pushed back, the Motor City-bred rapper's tight-knit, eclectic fanbase will have good reason to celebrate in 2019. During a Twitch Livestream in early Fall 2018, Brown revealed that his next release will (hopefully drop) in early 2019.
"I'mma say...my album will probably come out early 2019. I think i twill come out early. I don't have enough time for it to come out this year, I'mma be honest. I tried, I tried, I tried...but there ain't enough time for it to come out," said Brown.
Additionally, Brown even spit some new bars for his live Twitch viewers.
Speaking to Complex, Brown also let slip that his next studio collection will be backed a top name in hip-hop (and no, it's not The Alchemist.) "Yeah. I'm working on my next album right now," he said. I can't really talk too much about it. I would just say it's being produced by one producer, who’s legendary in hip-hop. And it's gonna be a big deal."
Live At The Majestic
Where Is Danny Brown? Tracking His Movements Since "Atrocity Exhibition"
In 2017, Brown was scheduled to release a documentary titled Live At The Majestic via Apple Music. Unexpectedly and without explanation, the streaming service shelved the project and Brown took to Twitter to vent his frustration during a fan Q&A.
"Crying right now because of it ... really hurt about the whole situation," tweeted Brown. "It’s not coming out I’m sorry."
Following the controversy with Apple Music, the project was finally released on Brown's personal website, just the other week no less. With missing teeth and half-brushed hair, the rapper explores his storied history with his hometown, his tendency to self-medicate and the intimate relationship he shares with his fans. Culminating with a legendary performance at Detroit's own Majestic Theater, fans are treated to an uncensored glimpse at Brown during the peak of his XXX glory.
It's just something I always wanted to do, was to make a live album with a live DVD or something. But it turned into a documentary," said Brown, referencing the origin of LATM. "And it's cool, 'cause we followed these three kids that are Danny Brown fans, watching them walk through life, how they relate to my music. It was a real humbling experience.
Fixing His Teeth
Where Is Danny Brown? Tracking His Movements Since "Atrocity Exhibition"
In September 2017, Brown shocked the hip-hop community by removing one of his most recognizable trademarks (besides his nasally delivery)-- his chipped teeth. Despite having his grill fixed when he was younger, a series of childhood accidents left the rapper with a less-than-perfect smile. Gifting himself with a Gucci Mane-styled glow up, the "White Lines" rapper finally filled in the holes in his mouth and even defended his actions in an interview.
"I didn't fix [my teeth] because I wanted to, but because I had to" said Brown. "My teeth were fucked up, so I had to fix 'em."
Acting
Where Is Danny Brown? Tracking His Movements Since "Atrocity Exhibition"
In addition to putting the finishing touches on his next studio album, Brown has kept busy by extending his talents to the big screen. Along with securing a guest spot on the Comedy Central show Detroiters, the "Golddust" rapper earned a role alongside YG in the 2018 crime drama White Boy Rick.
just found out danny brown is in white boy rick now i definitely gotta see it
"I didn't want to cut my hair off, I did it for the movie, and me having teeth and dreadlocks; you kind of marginalize yourself out of a lot of roles you can possibly get," said Brown, revealing the impetus behind his shiny new look. "I didn't pick acting, it picked me. I wanted to go into voice-overs, but people want to see my dumb ass."
Bruiser Thanksgiving
Where Is Danny Brown? Tracking His Movements Since "Atrocity Exhibition"
Keeping in line with tradition, Brown is set to host his fifth annual Bruiser Thanksgiving event on November 21, 2018. In terms of the most immediate way to connect with the likes of Danny Brown, this would be the event.
Brown will headline the show with supporting acts: Valee, JPEGMAFIA, Sam Austins, BEARCAT, and Kyle Hall + a Jay Daniel also filling out the bill. In a commendable nod to his hometown, a portion of the ticket sales will benefit Inside Out Detroit, a local youth literary arts organization.
"I wish I had something like that when I was a kid," said Brown in reference to the important work carried out by Inside Out. "I'm going to hang out with them like I always do."
