Published on December 13th, 2015 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who is Urban Republic? #OfficialHype

Formed in 2006, Urban Republic is composed of Dewey Da Don, also known as the Hustler and Ambitious one, and Novacain, the Introspective and Calm one. Though different in so many ways, together their unique styles compliment each other and give the group the perfect balance. The two met while attending the same high school, and at the time, they only really communicated while passing each other in the hallways or in between classes. It was while the two worked at “Sonic”, that they developed the friendship that remains strong today. After a failed attempt with another music group, Nova and Dewey decided to join forces and begin creating songs together.

As you see yourself, who is Urban Republic?

Dewey Da Don: Urban Republic represents transformation. We are “urban”, because we represent the streets. And we are a “republic” because we promote and reflect growth by elevating to a positive way of hustling. We are about being more than your circumstances and using your passion to find a way out of those circumstances.

Tell us about your current project.

Dewey Da Don: Our latest project is called, “ Killa City State of Mind”, which is a six track EP. It includes two of our biggest songs to date, “Blur” and “ Heavy Artillery”. There are also some deep tracks on the EP like, “Distorted Portraits”, in which we voice our experiences with people trying to box us in as artists and limit our creativity. Then there is “Killa City”, which is about us telling God that we are never coming back home (to Kansas City). It’s like, we made it out of the “killa” before it made us into “killas”. This project is in itself all about the Killa City mind state, which is when times are hard and the pressure is on, I’m going to hustle my way out of it.

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

Novacain: The amount of people who continue to let us know that authenticity is missing in the industry. Someone once told me that they cried after listening to one of out songs because it related so close to a situation in their own life. That was the biggest moment that let me know this industry was for me. I have a story to tell that needs to be heard. There are people who need music to help them through adversity. I always tell people, “You gotta go through something, to listen to our music.” It’s real and very authentic.

What makes you the next great happening?

Novacain: What makes Urban Republic the next great thing happening, is the authenticity we are bringing back to the game. We are taking it back to the essence, and giving people that nostalgic feeling of why they fell in love with Hip-Hop and it’s beautiful culture. We give a voice to people that come from similar cities or places that provide little to no opportunity.

Are you currently signed to a label or have any situation in the making?

Dewey Da Don: We are currently fully independent, operating through our own label, Loud Pack Productions. We plan to keep it that way unless the right deal comes across the table.

Who and what are your influences?

Dewey Da Don: Some of my musical influences would be artists from the West Coast scene like, Jacka, Berner, Joe Blow, all the way down to Texas with Chamillionaire, Paul Wall and Slim Thug. But my favorite group would have to be, Bone Thugs and Harmony, hands down. They changed the game of fast raps by blending with melodies. I used to try and rap like them early in my career. I soon realized that wouldn’t work for me lol.

Novacain: UGK, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Slim Thug and Jay-Z.

What should people expect from your upcoming 2016 projects?

Dewey Da Don: We will be dropping our follow-up project “From Atlanta With Love” hosted by DJ GuyATL. We are also working on shooting more visuals from tracks off of the “Killa City State of Mind” EP. The next video will be to the intro song, “Killa City” featuring Shaka.

Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

Novacain: Check out the EP “Killa City State of Mind” on iTunes and follow us on social media: @urbanrepublic2 @novacain007 @deweydadon

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know… What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that
at?!” moment…

Dewey Da Don: The first time I ever went to Miami to kick it, I hit this club that was in the hotel I was staying at. The hotel was dope and it was set up like condos. Anyway, I went to the bar and ordered two Patrons and Sprites. Now, at this time I was still living in Kansas City, so I was used to their club prices. So, I’m thinking at best, this may be like $25 for the drinks. When the bill came, it was like $50. I was like, sheesh, that’s high at the time. But I was having an experience so it was cool. Then it all became worth it, when I turned around and in the club there was this woman dancing with nothing on but rain boots and a thong. I was like 21 at the time so, I had never seen anything like that before. All I could think was where they do that at?

Interviewed By: Just Jay

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER