Mr. Carter

“Hey, Mr. Carter tell me where have you been?/ Cause they’ve been asking/ They’ve been searching/ They’ve been wondering why.” Man, Lil Wayne was extremely reluctant to reveal his exact whereabouts on Tha Carter III’s JAY-Z-assisted hit “Mr. Carter.” But at least we were reassured that they didn’t skip a beat despite already earning secured spots on Hip Hop’s Mount Rushmore. Rising spitter Dayne Carter not only shares the same surname as these two master wordsmiths, he also mirrors their killer work ethic that’ll hopefully propel him to goat level status in the rap game and beyond.

The New Jersey native and I met through David Biral and Denzel Baptiste, better known as the Grammy-nominated DJ/Production duo, Take A Daytrip (insert their infamous tagline here). I’ve known the brilliant maestros for years. David and I became great friends when he was in HS. While living in Vermont, Dave and his awesome dad would frequently visit me at BAPE where we would chop it up about music, fashion and life in general. As a matter of fact, he was the mastermind behind my Facebook artist page *Laughs*. When Dave attended NYU, he introduced me to Denz and the rest is history. I honestly didn’t speak much to Dayne the first time we met in Soho, but his vibrant energy alone indicated how much of a genuine person he was.

Months after our initial meeting, I surprisingly bumped into Dayne at a Daytrip party in Brooklyn—Kinfolk, to be exact. We practically hung out the entire night and I was blown away by our conversation. Apart from being a budding rapper, Dayne revealed that he worked full time at the integrated marketing agency, The Robot Company , that is co-founded by Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of other artists who are making ends meet by working a 9 to 5. The only difference is how many of them can actually say they love it while they’re continuously pursuing their heart’s passion?

Upon hearing just a fraction of his story, I immediately told Dayne that I would love to continue our conversation on the #FrendyOriginals platform. One year later, here we are! Check out my long-awaited sitdown with the hustler that is Mr. Carter below:

FRENDY: What’s good, D? I’m glad we’re finally able to have this talk. First off, how many people have ever asked if you’re actually related to Weezy or Jay? *Laughs*

DAYNE: What up, Frendy! *Laughs*. I used to get that all the time when I was younger! My first rap name was Lil Dayne but nope, no relation. Carter is a strong last name though!

FRENDY: You already know I had to break the ice with a little joke. My conversations always start with laughter—it’s good for the soul. In any case, you started working as an intern at The Robot Company since its inception in 2014. How did that come about?

DAYNE: Great question! I have a cousin who always had a career path I admired. She was heavily involved in music and did some A&R work on the side. I was getting ready to graduate and had no clue what I wanted to do. I called her to get some advice on how she got to where she was. She said she’d look out in case anything came up. 

One thing led to another, and she mentioned she had a mentor [PR] who was starting his own company. No background on the company or what they do, but it was a dope opportunity that involved music and sports. Almost 6 years later, and I’m still here. I love it. 

FRENDY: That is absolutely incredible. It was written!  We’ll def talk more about your schooling in a bit. I checked out your LinkedIn profile and it stated that you are the company’s Talent & Influence Manager.  What does the role entail?

DAYNE: It’s a new role that I’ve been in for the past few months. Basically, I help to identify talent and create unique opportunities that connect them with brands. A lot of times, the approach can be very one-sided and transactional. Our goal is to create partnerships and moments that are mutually beneficial.

FRENDY: And I'm sure you’re doing a great job at it.  It’s funny how you’re working with talent on the corporate side of things while you’re one yourself. Are you ever tripped out by that?

DAYNE: *Laughs* I appreciate that! I don’t view myself as talent, but it’s helpful having a lot of friends that do dope things due to my interests. Since I make music, I happen to know a lot of creative people. I understand their mindset, and find that I’m more approachable than someone who might not come from their world. It brings the guard down and allows for a more meaningful relationship.

FRENDY: Speaking of meaningful relationships, last week I peeped your Instagram story showcasing how proud you were of your dad for his latest career move. How close are you with your parents?

DAYNE: Very close! We talk all the time, and our relationship continues to grow as I get older. It’s amazing to watch them pursue their passions. I want to be just as supportive to them, as they have always been to me.

It’s funny, man. A lot of my friends who do music viewed their parents as obstacles. I did a show at Pianos earlier this year, and my parents were front row rapping every song word for word. My dad is always bumping my music in the car, and my mom has my songs on her gym playlist. Every time I perform, they invite their friends. Sometimes when friends can’t make a show, their parents show up with mine.

FRENDY: Aww, man *Laughs*.  Did they cultivate your love of music?

DAYNE: I’d say so. I don’t think it was done intentionally, but they’d always play music at the house. They like a lot of soul and r&b. My dad loves Jazz music. He also plays the drums in church every Sunday still. One of the first songs my mom told me I loved as a baby was LL Cool J’s, “Doing It Well.” I loved the melody and always sang along to it on the radio, so she bought the record. However, she didn’t realize the radio version was completely different than the explicit so it didn’t last long at the crib *Laughs*.

FRENDY: We’re not even done talking and I already feel that this is my funniest interview yet *Laughs*.  Where are you from originally?

DAYNE: I feel like I’m from both NY and NJ equally. I was born in Queens, NY and lived there for 10 years. Then I really grew up in Hillsborough, NJ where my family still lives. But I went to college in NY and have been living here since. I’m always back and forth between the two.

FRENDY: How difficult was the adjustment moving from Queens to Jersey?

DAYNE: It wasn’t difficult at all aside from leaving friends. Two very different areas though. Hillsborough is what it sounds like: very suburban and a lot of farmland. It’s a beautiful place to grow up.

FRENDY: Do you have any siblings?

DAYNE: I have two older siblings. My brother’s name is Austin. My sister’s name is Ashley.

FRENDY: Nice, I see what your parents did with the letter A.  Do you speak to them often?

DAYNE: We’re close. We might not speak as often as we should, but when we do it’s like we haven’t lost any time. 

FRENDY: How important is it for you to forge your own path in the music scene?

DAYNE: It’s always been my mindset, and the process is more satisfying that way. I have friends that are killing it in music, and it’s motivating to see. I never want to be viewed solely as someone's cosign. I want longevity, so I’m trying to pave my own lane. 

FRENDY: Earlier you mentioned that you weren’t sure which direction to go after graduating college. Which one did you attend? and what was your major?

DAYNE: I went to Fordham University and majored in communications and new media studies. After graduation, I always used to feel like working towards a separate career and pursuing music was conflicting. Obviously, you have less time to dedicate towards it, but it’s allowed me to move smarter. I’ve learned a lot of things that most artists rely on other people to do or figure out for them through my job. It’s made me more self sufficient and better at managing my time. I haven’t released anything in a while, because I’ve got a few things I’m excited about in the future.

FRENDY: I was thoroughly impressed with your 2018 project, Roadtrip.  In its intro you stated that “you’ve been at it since the 6th grade.” What inspired you to start rapping at such a young age?

DAYNE: Ahh, man—that’s love! Thanks so much for giving it a listen and glad you enjoyed it. I’ve always been an outgoing person, but it takes a while for me to open up and have deep conversations with a lot of people. Music has always been an outlet where I enjoy being introverted and gathering my thoughts.

In high school, I didn’t really party much so I spent a lot of time in my basement writing and fell in love with the process. Recently, I’ve been waking up at 6am and writing for a few hours before work at a studio in SoHo. Nobody books sessions at 6am so the space is always open.

FRENDY: Was there any particular reason why you chose “Roadtrip” as the title for your album?

DAYNE: One meaning is the literal journey back and forth between NY and NJ. The deeper meaning is as humans, we tend to get complacent when we stay within the same environment for too long. Roadtrip is my journey in trying to break those comfort zones by exploring new surroundings and finding reassurance in what’s unknown. A topic I feel like we can all relate to.

FRENDY: One of my favorite tracks off the project is “Never Home,” feat Austin Charles. When did you leave your hometown to pursue your dream as a rapper?

DAYNE: Thank you! That and “Introvert” were my two personal favorites. Austin is a close friend from Hillsborough with a similar story to mine so it felt like the perfect song to have him on. My family is still there, but I haven’t really fully lived there since high school. College was the first conscious decision where I was like, “Where can I get an education but also pursue music?” That was a reason I picked my school [Fordham] having access to the city. Just knowing there is always something going on at all times meant more opportunity.

FRENDY: I always gave Cudi so much props for leaving Cleveland with nothing to make it big here in NYC. He went through so many hurdles but never gave up on his dreams. Fortunately, you are able to focus on your bigger picture without the hassle of scrambling around for bread.  Are there any downsides though working full time in the corporate world while pursuing a rap career?

DAYNE: Cudi is dope! For me it was J. Cole’s journey that inspired me. It definitely has its pros and cons. The culture in music is a lot of late night sessions. It’s not conducive when you wake up at 6am. Nobody wants to collaborate at 6am either. Also, you have to be careful with what you say. Sometimes you come up with something witty, but it might not be received well when you’re representing a larger company. I’d definitely be an ill ghost writer though *Laughs *.

FRENDY: Get them checks!  What’s your weekly schedule looking like? Are you able to hit up the studio after work?

DAYNE: It varies depending on what’s going on. There are office hours, but if there’s a big project you’re kind of always on. I’ve become a morning music person though, because I can better control my schedule. But if someone wants to work late, I’ll definitely make it work. But if I’m just writing myself, I prefer mornings.

FRENDY: Smart man. Your very first headlining show in NYC took place late last year.  How was that experience for you? Were you nervous at all?

DAYNE: It was amazing! We finished school, so it’s not as convenient for my friends to come out late on a weekday. People have real responsibilities, and I understand that. I’m not the guy to text everyone and blow up social media begging people to pull up. I was definitely nervous that the show could be empty. The fact that over 200 people came out to see me was a blessing. It’s dope to have that type of support system. It makes you want to go harder.

FRENDY: Nothing tops genuine support, for real. How do you go about booking shows? 

DAYNE: *Laughs* It’s a funny process. Since I work in marketing, I’ve had a lot of experience in writing proposals. I have an alias “manager” account that I’ll use to reach out to promoters and venues. Most of the time, they never want to hear directly from an artist, so I’ll speak in third person.

FRENDY: Talk about a double shift *Laughs*.  Who would you love to collaborate with musically?

DAYNE: I’m down to work with anyone who has a story to tell and is in it for the right reasons. The dream collaboration would be J. Cole! He’s been my favorite artist since I was a teen.

FRENDY: What are the motivations behind your relentless grind?

DAYNE: I just want to show that it’s possible for anyone. You believe you can do anything when you’re younger, but once you grow up and life intervenes passions turn into hobbies. I want to prove that you can make it and accomplish success at your own pace if you keep working. Grind now, shine Later.

FRENDY: What advice would you give to those who are on the brink of giving up due to their pending “success”?

DAYNE: Don’t lose focus and always remember the reason why you started. If it’s worth it, keep pushing. You don’t want to look back 10-15 years from now and wonder, “what if I would’ve put my all into it?” I can live with failure, but I can’t live with a lack of effort.