From Tolosa to the World: Dren Zabala’s Rise Through Resilience and Sound
It’s rare to meet an artist whose journey feels like a handwritten letter to everyone who ever dared to dream in silence.
Name and Inspiration
The name DROCasso is far from arbitrary; it encapsulates a profound meaning. It stands for "Determined Revolutionary Options." DROCasso's mission is to employ hip-hop as a revolutionary option for change. He seeks to unite people through music and dismantle social barriers. The name DROCasso originates from his street nickname, "DRO," earned during his days of selling bud. It was a moniker he transformed into a purpose-driven identity. "Casso" was an artistic addition, bestowed upon him by a cousin who believed he painted lyrical pictures like Picasso. Thus, DROCasso was born.
Musical Genesis
DROCasso's journey in the hip-hop realm began with a strong familial influence. His aunt, La Atrevida, was the first Latina artist signed to a major label for Reggaeton, embedding music deeply into his DNA. Hip-hop, prevalent in his upbringing, became the culture he gravitated toward. It provided the canvas for him to express his thoughts and experiences.
Influential Forces
In shaping his sound and approach to music, DROCasso draws inspiration from a diverse array of hip-hop luminaries. The likes of The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, 6Black, and No Cap have left a profound mark. Each of these artists possesses a unique blend of substance, delivery, and artistic prowess that resonates deeply. DROCasso aspires to evoke a similar depth of emotion and connection through his music.
Creative Process
DROCasso's creative process is driven by feelings, vibes, and energies. These can emerge from various sources, including beats, experiences, or even unexpected moments of inspiration. He archives these sparks for future use. Typically, the vibe of a beat guides the direction of a song. Archived thoughts, experiences, and ideas are converted into melodic and rhythmic tones that complement the lyrical content. Whether the hook or verse comes first depends on the feeling, but once the process begins, it's a journey to the finish line. After a rough draft, he fine-tunes the composition, practices diligently, and heads to the studio to record.
Visual Artistry
The connection between music and visual art is essential to DROCasso. He views music as a form of expression, akin to painting a picture with words. To enhance his audience's connection, he employs creative and imaginative visuals, such as images, graphics, or videos, to convey the emotions and feelings embedded in his songs. These visual elements provide a deeper level of connection with his audience.
Dream Collaborations
Among the artists DROCasso aspires to collaborate with are J Cole, No Cap, Joyner Lucas, 6Black, Janelle Monae, and Teyana Taylor. He envisions these collaborations as pure creative vibes, uniting artists in a shared pursuit of musical excellence.
Social Commentary
DROCasso recognizes the power of hip-hop as a platform for social and cultural commentary. He believes it is vital to address real issues and topics that affect communities. Using his platform, he aims to amplify the voices of those who share his sentiments but lack the means to express them. His goal is to use hip-hop as a tool for positive change, advocating for truth and creating tangible impact.
Legacy and Impact
DROCasso envisions his impact on the hip-hop scene as a renaissance of timeless music. In an era where trends often overshadow authenticity, he seeks to bring back the soul and true love of music. While not pigeonholed as a neo-soul or conscious rapper, he aims to transcend boundaries and limitations with his music. DROCasso desires to connect with his audience on a level that transcends the moment, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of hip-hop.
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