by SCOTT C

Ottawa’s DL Incognito was on the Canadian version of MTV Live a couple of weeks ago, talking about his new LP Organic Music for a Digital World, and the process of getting back to basics. The raw, sample-heavy production, paired with DL’s microphone dexterity, is the furthest thing from the synth-laden party tracks that seem to dominate the airwaves today, but he’s just doing his thing the best way he knows how. The Mirror spoke to DL from his home in Toronto.

Mirror: In your humble opinion, what’s the definition of a dope MC?

DL Incognito: To me, a dope MC is someone who’s aware of current issues and is able to present a visual with his words. You need a tight flow to grab their attention, but you need content to keep them listening.

M: Do you think it’s possible to really shine on the mic without the aid of truly inspiring beats?

DLI: I think it’s a marriage of both, but some lyrics are just inspiring on their own. I don’t think the beat should overpower the lyrics.

M: What are you not prepared to do in order to get ahead in the music game?

DLI: Basically, I will never sell my soul. I want to succeed on my own terms. My music is my life story, so if people aren’t interested, that’s fine, but that doesn’t change who I am.

M: Were you able to accomplish your goals in your hometown, or did you have to step up to get your rep up?

DLI: We got a lot of love in Ottawa, so I’d have to say yes. Our first LP A Sample and a Drum Machine, was recorded while we still lived in Ottawa. We filmed our first video, for “Spit Forever 2,” with Tara Chase, in Ottawa. Once that LP was released, we knew that our next step was to move to Toronto, but I’d say we accomplished our goals in our hometown.

M: What’s the missing piece of the Canadian hip hop puzzle? And how long will it take us to find it?

DLI: (laughs) If I had the answer, I’d be an A&R person. To be honest, I think a lot of it has to do with pride. We need to embrace what we do in Canada and stop comparing it to the U.S. I think Canada has its own flavour, its own social issues to deal with. Whenever I read a review of a Canadian album, it’s always compared to a U.S. album. I feel like the industry is set up for Canadian artists to fail, from print to radio to TV. It just seems like everyone has their own agenda. We need to work as a community.

M: In the vast universe of dangerous MCs, who would best compliment your particular style on the mic? And who would produce the A-side? The remix?

DLI: I’d love to work with Preemo and have Big L, rest in peace, as a guest MC. People always tell me I remind them of Big L. I’d get my man Techtwelve to do the remix—you always have to be loyal to people that got you there. n

With Moka Only, Frenchi Blanco, Eclipse, MU DJ Battle (Godfather D vs. Manifest) at la Sala Rossa on Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 p.m.

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