Serge Didenko is a masterful lyrist that has created an internationally appeal with his music. The Russian born rapper certainly has all the right stuff to make him one of the best rappers to have come along in a long time. Add the fact that he is extremely talented with meaningful lyrics that everyone can relate to; the outcome is a superstar in the making. In this recent interview with our Webzine, Serge kindly answered some of our questions in this ultra cool spotlight. Enjoy!
Isaac: Thanks for the taking the time to complete this online interview. How do you sum up 2008 for Serge Didenko?
Serge: Thank you for the opportunity, I really like what you guys got going on over at (Juniorscave.com)! The past year has been crazy, very productive, and fast paced. Everything from new music, press features, nationwide shows, photo-shoots, radio features, emcee battles, down to the basics such as promotion, MySpace, YouTubing. I really feel like I took my marketing and networking game to a new level thanks to the amazing artist-development program over at Bristol Studios in Boston, MA.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Serge: I gotta say there's nothing like local press from newspapers. Being featured in my hometown newspaper and others is very inspirational to me because I can feel the support coming from the people. My music is solely for the people so there is almost no greater feeling to me then when people respect my vision by means of newspaper/magazine features, fan-mail or just a basic compliment saying they respect what I do. That, being on the radio, collaborating with one of my favorite artists "Copywrite", and hitting the stage close to 5 times a month is quite the rush!
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Serge: Snoop Dogg and 2pac was my first "real" exposure to hip hop music. I quite kept Pac in quite the heavy rotation, wearing out CDs by the time I was in fourth grade on a consistent basis. I loved the way Pac was so good at communicating to his listeners. Many people don't hail him as the greatest lyricist of all time, I'm not saying he was, but that man knew how to get his point across and that is an extremely valuable lesson I feel any up and coming rapper should take into consideration. I listened to Snoop because back in the day, Snoop was the epitome of "swagger like us", I like how he talked, rapped, acted, and he was just a cool dude. I never really listened from a fan's perspective probably because my father was a pretty well-known musician back in Russia. As far as I can recall, my experiences with rap music, I always wanted to rap, and so I began to write heavily at age 11.
Isaac: How will you incorporate your Russian heritage into your music?
Serge: I bring a different perspective to the table because despite living in the USA for 17 years I am pretty "Russian-ized" and it plays a large part in the person that I am today. English is my second language and it's funny because there are still many new things I am learning about American Culture to this day. For example, I had my first authentic Turkey Dinner just a few years back. I also got my citizenship two years ago.
Isaac: Congratulation!
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Serge: Well there are many paths an artist can take in the industry. My music is pure expression of what I have seen and experienced thus far. There is a lot of emphasis on staying true to myself and embracing my differences as positive attributes that will shape my individuality industry. My lyrics portray my perspectives gained based on life experience, the goods and the bads, ups and downs, etc… And so far the response has been that people can relate. However, I believe hip-hop music has yet to reach its peak of creativity and accomplishment so a more personal goal is to be a part of the revolution. Who doesn't want to be the best? Ha, that is my goal!
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one producer, who would it be and why?
Serge: Pretty cliché but I would have to say Dr Dre. The reason being is that his style of music is so wide-range. What he's done for artists like Eminem, 50 cent, Jay-z is he's really conformed to their personalities and I feel he is a master at capturing artist's true motives and personalities in his production. He makes ideas come to life.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Serge: I am a Russian-born, urban middle-class raised, opinionated, white boy, whose main goal is to have a positive influence on my listeners. This does not mean I am against explicit lyrics of graphically vulgar descriptions. I use whatever means of verbal expression to present a positive message as an outcome. I believe in making catchy hit songs without conforming into the misogynistic world of "panty dropping" anthems, and I do not support violence. My goal is reverse the destructive and alarmingly deceptive trend in the hip hop industry and make people feel good. That to me is what making music is all about!
Isaac: What is your definition for Hip-Hop?
Serge: To me, every genre has its own swagger, its own style and personality. Hip-hop is defined by the raw beats and bass accompanied by complex word-play and lyrics that communicate to the listener. It's not as easy as it sounds; there is so much bad hip-hop out there!
Isaac: You are living and rapping in Boston. How has the Boston scene helped you professionally?
Serge: There are pros and cons to being a rapper in Boston. The pros are that 95 percent of the population are rappers (kidding), but, there is great networking value and lots of venue's that will support you and allow you to get your music out. The problem is hip-hop has been around for quite some time and we have yet to see a significant rapper make it out of Boston and shine in the industry. There's the artists doing there thing, no doubt, but their still paying dues and it seems like the scene in general has been running in circles. This is also very good because the opportunity to really make it in the industry is always here in Boston. Someone will grab it soon, (hint).
Isaac: What type of feedback are you receiving from other rappers in the music industry?
Serge: It's been very good. There's nothing like respect from other rappers, especially ones that have established quite a buzz for themselves such as one's I have featured with, Copywrite, and Boston's own Termanology.
Isaac: How do you handle haters? What message do you have for them?
Serge: The way I see it is just a test. Haters will always be there and it takes the bigger person to not be effected by whatever is said. Sure you have to handle certain situations but handle them fast and never look back. The industry is very cut-throat so your ability to confront criticism must be top-notch!
Isaac: What can fans expect from your album, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Serge: I am working on several mixtapes right now set to release Spring/Summer of this year. Look for your authentic Serge Didenko vibe, with hard hitting lyrics and of course, lots and lots of story telling. Definitely check www.myspace.com/sergedidenko for updates, news, and exclusive songs.
Isaac: What can fans expect from Serge Didenko in 2009?
Serge: There is a lot in the works! Expect some pretty big-name collaborations in the next few weeks, shows at popular Boston venues, merchandise, radio appearances and photo-shoots. Most importantly, I will begin show-casing to major record labels in the next two months.
Isaac: Good luck with that man!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
Serge: I wanna give a shout out to Bristol Studios in Boston for putting me on the "Path". Definitely Universal Motown pop-group "Jada" (also from Bristol) for showing me that the "path" is walkable! My hype-man Tyrannachorus Rex, www.myspace.com/tyrannachorusrex, all my friends, all my fans that show me support and motivate the hell out of me! My mom and dad I love y'all crazy ass Russians!
Isaac: Final words from Producer Serge Didenko?
Serge: It's gonna be a hell of a year, thank you Junior's Cave and keep doing what your doing!
