Primetime With The Underachievers

Interview by @ThatzCrack
Photo by @Andrew_Kass

Shouts to my team @JENESISMagazine

Right now NYC is looking to close out the year strong with a highly sought out group of new artist that have re-ignited a love for NYC hip-hop. Instead of just shoving NYC down our throats, these up and coming rappers show and prove with creativity, natural skill, incredible stage performances, plus more. Along with A$AP Mob, Pro Era, Smoke DZA, and others, The Underachievers have done more than kick up dust and are now also a double threat to look for. Louie links with Ak and Issa Dash as they talk the Beast Coast, each other’s roles in music making, and how they crossed paths with Joey badA$$ and Pro Era.

Who are The Underachievers?

The Underachievers are a Brooklyn based duo out of Flatbush to be exact. The duo consist of Issa Dash and Ak, whose sole purpose in making music is to aide in the enlightenment and spiritual uplifting of our generation and have as much fucking fun doing it as possible.

How did you guys meet?

We grew up 2 minutes from one another met about 7 years ago. We’ve been spiritual brothers for all eternity though. Beast Coast.

What is the meaning behind the term “Beast Coast?”

Beast Coast is the movement established by Pro Era after they threw a concert called “Return Of The Beast Coast” this year. It inevitably grew into a powerhouse roster of the best rappers in America, and it just keeps growing.

What do both artists bring to table, as a group & individually?

Akeem is the creator of The Underachiever name and movement. Akeem records and engineers all of the songs and also he layed down the original foundation for our success now. Issa Dash is the creative side of the operation he handles music video treatments, song directions, and Strategizing plans for the future takeover.

You guys have been dropping some dope visuals lately. Do you guys direct your videos yourself?

Issa writes the treatment and works with the videographer in directing the videos.

Hip hop in New York has been hitting hard again, mostly due to all the young talent that’s has been coming out in the last year or so, or better known as the NEW New York. What are your thoughts on this?

This is where it all started. New York is the home of the lyricists, the home of the boom bap, the home of all types of heritages and cultures. Once artist like the whole A$AP, Flatbush Zombies, Mr Muthafuckin eXquire, Action Bronson and Joey bada$$ blew up, we think that helped bring the spotlight back to New York and also influenced a lot of strong artist to put out good stuff. We see how the West is united; New York is uniting again like in 2000′s.

Can you explain to us your relationship with fellow Brooklyn emcees the Flatbush Zombies & Pro Era

Issa, Juice, and Meec all grew up together in a building that Issa and Juice lived in. Eric Arc Elliot and Meech live on the same block, and Akeem lives one block away from them.  We all developed a very close relationship over the years, we also known the Pro Era homies for a while now. We been friends with a few of them and have met all of them over the years. We all grew up in the same neighborhood minutes away from each other. All of us inevitably ended up on the same path with similar aims and everything just clicked. Those are our indigo brothers.

Who are your favorite artists right now?

Joey Bada$$, and the whole Pro Era. – Best rappers in the world, and there all kids. Joey bada$$ has graced the scene already but be prepared for the rest of the roster. All talented artist, eventually you’ll know and respect all of them.

TDE – They’re leading the generational change currently, all awesome artist with unique styles. They are also successfully getting people into an enlightened state of mind, so technically they are our family.

A$AP Rocky – Makes awesome music, paved the way for New York artist as a whole and did it all almost overnight. An inspiration to all rappers on the come up.

Flatbush Zombies – Our older brothers in the game, they make awesome music and have some of the most amazing shows. We’ve been learning about the game from them, watching they’re mistakes and just taking advice on little things to help better us.

Eric arc Elliot – Producer extraordinaire. He’s a musical genius. His solo career will be something to be reckoned with he’s one of our favorite artist overall. Real music from the depths of one’s soul, the world is going to love him.

Haleek Maul – He’s a 16 year old phenom. He hasn’t even blown up yet and already working with the likes of some of the top people in the business. Kid is a prodigy, makes music from a perspective that people are afraid to face. And he’s only 16. Look out for this kid.

What is a typical day for The Underachievers?

Typical day for The Underachievers is full of marijuana, fun times with close friends, and recording music and awesome conversations. We’re simple people.

What are some of your favorite producers at the moment?

Harry Fraud, Clams Casino, Eric Arc Elliot, Mr. Bristol, the Entire Brainfeeder roster, Alchemist, Ski Beatz. We want to work with more experimental producers, like on our label. Make a new genre or some shit.

When can we expect a mixtape from The Underachievers? What can we expect from this upcoming tape?

Our mixtape set to release soon. You can’t expect anything. The tape has a complete array of songs from all different approaches in music. Many different types of rap styles are used. Everyone will be able to find something they like. The Underachievers are not one track minded; we want to make that imperative.