We had the good fortune of connecting with Clay Dub and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clay, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value or principle that matters to me most, is not negotiating with yourself. The late GREAT Kobe “Bean” Bryant has a viral interview where he talks about writing a contract down, with yourself, signing it, and not negotiating. Even when you get down the line in the process, you’ll have thoughts of concessions and compromises; but NO! You cannot go against what you signed with yourself. How good is your word to others, if you can even keep it with yourself. The contract is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I sing R&B/Soul music with some occasional lyrical exercise. I’ve never been a “TRAPPER” but I came up in the heart of both the Crenshaw District & West Philadelphia; I sort of HAD to know how to rap. I got my chops up in school cyphers often, on both coasts. I also sang in the church & school choirs in both time zones; which encapsulates the extent of any formal training.

Being passionate about both singing and rapping catapulted me into each INDEPENDENT arena as I got older and more serious about being a creator of music. RnB open mic nights, rap showcases with 50 artist lineups (and WINNING), opening for singed artists, hosting shows & venues, declining label contracts; there were so many things that I needed to experience, which felt like failures at times, but were the TRUEST lessons I HAD to learn before moving to the next stage of my journey.

The genesis of the journey was TOUGH! It was the toughest emotionally first, because I was inexperienced, but passionate about being good enough for certain opportunities that I was not truly ready for. That festered internally, ESPECIALLY when I continued to see others achieving… “SUCCESS”. That emotional battle was compounded by the financial toughness and realization that despite me having a 4 year degree I was not a “professional”.

As the growth process continued, I started to understand that success is all in your own perception; and your perception of success is realized when you define YOUR purpose. Becoming famous with my creative skills wasn’t my purpose, yet I continued to compare my success, or lack thereof, to the “fame” of others in my field; signed artists AND independent creators.

As the process continued, and I kept pounding the pavement in various aspects of musical work, I began to discern that I WAS actually a professional based on the experiences I sought after and had, This led to a more focused definition of what I wanted to be scene as in the business of music.

Once I defined that my purpose was to use my creative abilities to not be famous but to be SUSTAINED, it opened up a world of opportunity. Rather than focusing solely on being a performing artist, I could be profitable as a business if I offered my music & services to others more intentionally and using the skills not only learned from secondary education, but the REAL LIFE experiences I was fortunate enough to undergo.

Those experiences taught me that there are two completely different sides to being successful as a musician; one side involves your ability and charisma, the other side is knowing YOUR business and taking ownership on it’s direction; because if it’s one thing I would encourage every independent musician to understand is that, you can operate however you desire, define what it is you want first and your actions will be dictated by it.

My story and brand represent the idea that persistence is key, forever be a student of any endeavor you embark upon, and ALWAYS… BET ON YOU!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I love to eat, not a huge drinker but will do so socially if appropriate. But there are some MUST GO places to eat. Number one is TWO HOMMES located in Inglewood. A “from the ground up’ black owned team of people feeding the great city of LA with a multicultural afro-centric menu.

If more light and healthy choice is desired, I would recommend Sachi Teriyaki House located on Slauson and Overhill. Has been serving the community for decades and bringing healthy food choices to an otherwise notorious food desert.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are SO MANY OTHERS apart of my village who deserve recognition on this journey. If I had to choose one person, it would have to be someone I call my brother, Agyeman “AJ” Johnson. We’ve known each other since we were 5 years old. We’ve seen each others near FULL lives and he has been one of the strongest supporters of not only my talent, but the knowledge and vision to execute it. He challenges me musically (because he was my favorite- MY GOAT- rapper of all time… at ELEVEN. We’ve been rocking ever since.

Website: whoisClayDub.com

Instagram: @claydubmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNAB02JlGp2eZbFA7q5F80Q

Image Credits
KMA Kontent @kmaKontent Devin McSharry @YouShotThatToo Sebastian “Bashy” Durant Kyle Cole @cole.shooter or @shutup.cole

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.