He took a two and a half year break from music but returned in 2010 with his mixtape, The Laboratory. Julio Lawson caught up with Dex-Man to talk about what brought him back to the game and what we can expect from him in 2011…

Why did you take a break from music?
I did music for years but never took it seriously due to the fact that I had other commitments to fulfil. Therefore I had to put it on hold and focus on my priorities, such as my education and trying to gain financial stability.

What made you want to return to music?
One day in early April 2010 I thought to myself ‘Why am I not taking music seriously?’ I knew I had the talent to potentially make an impact in the scene. I didn’t want to not give it my all and then regret it a few years down the line. At least I can now say to myself, if things don’t work out, at least I tried. So in May 2010 I brought out my first video, Rapstar and kept pushing from then onwards.

What’s the story behind the name Dex-Man?
Well it’s very straight forward. My name is Dexter and when I was younger everyone used to call me Dex for short. Also I just thought adding Man onto that would only be right as that’s what I’ve become.

Apart from music, what else do you do?
I’m a full time student currently in my final year at university. At times it can be hard balancing the two. During term time I like to focus on my education and in my spare time and during holidays, I focus on music. My time at university is done in a few months and when it is, I’m putting all my time and effort into music so don’t sleep on me.

Why did you start doing music?
Well when I was younger I used to listen to a lot of rap music, like 50 Cent, Eminem, Kanye West, Ludacris and Dizzee Rascal. It started from there I guess, they helped influence me to do music. One of my old friends encouraged me start recording music. He set up a studio on the estate and encouraged everyone to just do their thing, so big shout out to him. I used to do grime which was the norm, then I switched to rap as it allowed me to express myself more and be real.

Your mixtape include very few features, why was this?
I felt that by having most of the tracks featuring just me, it would help get my point across much easier. I wanted people to listen and focus on my musical abilities so they know what I’m capable of.

What can we expect from you this year?
I’m working on two mixtapes, a solo project and a joint project with an upcoming artist like myself, known as T-Grhymey. So for now it’s a grinding in the booth hype until everything’s completed. In addition, I aim to release a single for the ladies off my solo mixtape with a video so look out for that too. You can definitely expect new videos from me this year.

Are you a rapper or an artist?
I would say I’m an artist because I’m willing to record any genre of music as long as it sounds good. Any music that catches my attention and makes me vibes to it is good music.

Some people find it hard to distinguish between the two, what would you tell them?
I would say a rapper is an individual that focuses on one specific genre of music such as hip hop and an artist is an individual who is more versatile with their music and can jump on any genre and make it sound unique.

Can we expect to see you link up with any up and coming producers this year?
Most definitely, I’m always up for working with up and coming producers because I feel we’re all in the same boat. We all want to get heard by the masses. If it means coming together to use our talents in order to create something special then so be it.

Any big collaborations in the pipeline?
Nothing planned just yet. Although I wouldn’t mind working with a few established artists in the scene. For now I feel I need to establish myself first then good things should follow.

By the end of 2011, what would your ideal position in music be?
By the end of 2011 I want to be recognised in the music scene as one of the talented, consistent, up and coming artists that create positive music a great deal of people can relate to.

Any last words for the people?
I want to give a big thanks to those who have supported me by taking time to watch my music videos, downloading my mixtape and just showing love. It shows that I’m doing something right, it’s very much appreciated. I would also like to thank all the websites that showed me love and support, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Stay tuned for my new projects and look out for T-Grhymey this year, very promising.

Salute to Julio Lawson & SBTV for giving me this opportunity, love.

Dex-Man’s Facebook

Dex-Man’s Twitter

 

Interview by Julio Lawson

Edited by Lily Mercer