Meet Dejon Paul

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dejon Paul a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dejon, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

From having no choice but to be resilient. I want more for myself. I want better for myself. I expect more of myself and from my career. I’m constantly pushing myself to go harder, do more, and to expand my brand. There’s just this drive I have within to be the best.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m founding Editor in Chief of A Day In LA Magazine. I’m also the founder of RapReportCards.com. I’ve hosted and been a part of several podcasts here on the west coast. Im dedicated to bringing artist development back to hip-hop, as well as energy, structure, and organization back to the west coast hip-hop. Im also working to create content for like minded individuals that just might not be interested in hip-hop artists. You’ll see me grading and reviewing everything from restaurants to weed strains, not just music.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My three premiere skills have been organization, creative writing, and branding. I’ve always been an organized person and feel out of whack when things aren’t organized. Every podcast set or project I’m on, I’m the one taking minutes and notes, active in the group chat, and on time for filming or activities. I’ve always been like that. I’ve been exceptionally well at writing since elementary, and branding is something that I picked up from being a fan of hip-hop. Seeing how Def Jam, Deathrow, Bad Boy, Rocafella, G-Unit, and so many hip-hop labels branded themselves made me pay meticulous attention to the visual output of my own brand. While these skills are sometimes innate, I would say emerge yourself in your field and take it a day at a time. I’m still improving myself.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I’ll never forget reading Russell Simmons’ book “Do You”, when I was about 12 years old. Not only did I know I wanted to be a hip-hop mogul after reading it, but I knew the importance of being of service. Could I service hip-hop? Could I help make it a better industry than when I arrived on the scene in 2008? From that book, I also learned to always underpromise and overdeliver. As well as to humble myself and do things for free initially to get in the door.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@onemanjay3 @fatjesus562
(A Day In LA Magazine LA Freshman Cover)

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