If any single artist embodies the boundary-breaking crossover that’s making alternative hip-hop so exciting right now, it’s Dylan Ross (aka ROZZ DYLIAMS)! He has just returned with his 15th official release, a 14-track trappy goth-tinged r&b hip-hop opus, titled “Epiphania”, and it’s just been released as a limited edition vinyl and CD via Blackhouse Records! The lush, gloomy soundscape of Epiphania is a result of Rozz’s signature production, as well as teaming up with fellow friends and producers, Judge (Young Thug, Migos, Bones, Lil Aaron, etc), Lederrick (Lil Peep, etc), Sadbalmain (Yung Bans, Lil Xan, Xavier Wulf, etc), and others. ROZZ gives the dreamy, melodic offering further layers of sound, rhythms and chilly vibes thatshould put him into the discussions of his generation’s best underground R’n’B and hip hop artists. We caught up wih Dylan to ask him about this project and “Epiphania” and here’s what we got.
A headlining Rozz Dyliams national US tour in promoting the new release, presented by legendary LA-based streetwear brand “Nature World”, is currently being booked. Supporting tour acts include fellow HZM collective member, “Crimewave”.
Hey Dylan! Thanks a lot for joining us here on IDIOTEQ. How are you? How’s Seattle? Already feeling the coming cold?
Seattle is getting cold. I am getting a cold.
Haha! Cool. Congratulations on the release of ”Epiphania”! You really made it and managed to carve out your own lane within the tricky genre. What inspired you to create it?
I was inspired by people. The subject of the record is people that I love. I always want to remain consistent with my output, while at the same time consistently pushing myself to try things out of my comfort zone. I wanted to create a pop/rnb album for a while now. It was just finally time, and it finally happened. I don’t force anything.
Tell us about your creative process for the album. How long did it take for you to produce, write, and record it?
From inception to release, this took about a year. I treat all of projects as an autobiography, and this one was no different. I stewed on beats, and had pieces sent to me from friends, and producers who I fuck with. I wrote when I was in the mood, and didn’t when I wasn’t.
How did you team up with Judge, Lederrick, and Sadbalmain? What was their influence on the final feel of the record?
Their contributions, as well as the other amazing producers who took part in this, fell into place naturally. I am a control freak, and I produce a lot, but for Epiphania, I wanted to give everyone their own palette and set of brushes and work on this whole big picture together. I could have done it all myself, didn’t want to. Wouldn’t have turned out like this.
Do you have a dream collaboration with anybody?
Craig David.
Considering your experience with alternative hip-hop, what attracted you to this unique blend of genres and styles in the first place? Give us some details on your background and how you gravitated towards this style?
I just consider myself a musician. Producer. Songwriter. Whatever. I work on a lot of different genres, and I see all of those as separate extensions of some unexplainable kinetic thing.
You’ve been in the game for a couple of years now. What keeps you motivated?
Now, the reality of time and aging.
Ok, so you’re hitting the road in support of ‘Epiphania’, right? Give us some details on the upcoming trek and what do you appreciate about touring?
We are going to be doing a North American run. Not rushing it, making it perfect. The thing I love most about going on tour is connecting with people who I have impacted positively. It’s easy to lose sight of that, and I am very grateful to be able to be with these people. We’re just like a giant family.
Lastly, what alt hip hop and rap records would you recommend to our readers? Are there any new artists that you’re feeling right now?
Theatric Symbolisation Of Life by Agathocles. I don’t have any alt hip hop records to recommend. Support my friends: Crimewave, Grimburton/Grimjob, Misery Club, GBC, BFZ, Hot Leather, Brennan Savage, Killstation.
Awesome, thanks so much! Feel free to add your last words and take care!
Stop eating meat and dairy, you idiot. Also, thank you for the interview.
Epiphania is out now on vinyl, cd, and all digital platforms. It will maybe make you want to cry, but also maybe have sex, too.
Love u.
