We caught up with the brilliant and insightful De’Yara “Buttagoharder” Hardy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi De’Yara “Buttagoharder”, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
I’m at a point in my life where I’m fully aware of who I am and my abilities. There was a time when I thought I wasn’t good enough, or didn’t have all of the tools that I needed to elevate. I no longer doubt myself and I understand that everyday that I wake up, I have another opportunity to touch another soul. I also understand that someone will always have more than you or go farther. Everyone won’t like you or your craft, and that’s fine. I don’t like everyone or their craft either. Overall, as far as “haters”, I believe that word applies to those that don’t even believe in themselves, are unhappy in their life and somewhat bitter. I’ll keep them in the general prayer batch. My last name is “Hardy”, which means bold and stong, persistence is in my DNA.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wear many hats and take on alot of roles. In the music world, I’m an independent recording artist (rap & r&b), song writer, performer, and creative director, with over 60 award nominations, and over 10 wins, globally, being 100% self invested. My style is very versatile , ranging from energetic and crunk, to laid back, deep, tear jerking and sexy. I’ve lived in 4 states, primarily raised single handedly by my father (rip) , with only brothers. My mom overcame a drug addiction and is now over 26 years clean . I’m extremely proud of her and I have so much to write about , it’s my therapy. I write 100% of my music and give 200% in the delivery. If I have a beat before the words, I usually close my eyes and just play it over and over until it speaks to me and tell me what to create . I’m known to most as being a “perfectionist”. I take my brand very serious. I’m currently the Texas Brand Ambassador for the RReport Magazine (found in Books-A-Million stores & digitally online), as well as the newly associate chief editor for the publications. With highlights of some of the most respected moguls in the music and entertainment industry, as well as the hardest major and independent artists today and prior, the RReport is definitely making its mark in the publication world. I’m 1/2 of the Duo #WeTheHardest, alongside Hope, Arkansas Living Legend, DGB DirtyBlac. We’ve had the honor of having a #WeTheHardest award influenced and named after our brand, by Mississippi’s most respected mogul, Lex Luga, with the Hood Idol Awards. We’re currently wrapping up on the film “Unforgiven” , directed by award winning film director, Jonathan Nelson, from Dallas Texas. I have lots of music online, from mixtapes, features and singles, alongside some dope visuals , solo, as well as with DGB DirtyBlac. Just search “Buttagoharder ” on all music outlets, including mixtape sites (Spinrilla.com, Datpiff.com, Live Mixtapes, My Mixtapez.com). Big s/o to one of the hardest, freshest videographers as well, Flight Dogg , with Shot Right Films. He’s my main videographer and really that guy. The Newest video “Circumstances ” is one of my favorites and the message is so inspirational and needed. Stay tuned for #WeTheHardest clothing line, more visuals, music and more. The work is never done. I’m always grateful but never comfortable, so I keep going.
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?
Self-Awareness , the willingness to listen and learn , and the willingness to self invest. All 3 goes hand in hand. There’s always something to do. Get a budget, no matter how small it is, to go towards promotion, etc. Don’t be scared to invest in yourself, but do your research, there’s a lot of janky people out there. Don’t let others distract you and throw you off your game because it seems like they’re making more progress than you. Quality is Everything. Timing is Everything. Use any downtime to plan and sharpen your skills. It’s wasn’t until I stopped doubting myself and comparing my journey to others, when I started getting recognition that I never saw coming. Use your uniqueness to stand out. Don’t hide it, to fit in. A star is born, everyone has an “it” factor about themselves, you just have to find it and nurture it.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Being raised solely by my father until I was almost out of high school, impacted me alot. It made me feel special and put that non stop work ethic in me. I saw my dad work through sickness and health, with and without a vehicle, on minimum wage and a little over. Yet, we never wanted for anything and the bills stayed paid. He taught me how to budget and prioritize. I learned that it’s not what you make, it’s how you make the best of what you have. He was loyal in everything that he did. Seeing my mom struggle through my teenage years gave me a more softer spot for kids and those from broken homes. In her addiction, she still managed to make an impact on me that I’ll never forget. She was in attendance when I graduated and gave me my first car when she went to rehab. She displayed a strength to overcome what usually kills most. She never gave up on herself and never looked back. That impacted me as well. I love them both and thank God for every experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Buttagoharder.com
- Instagram: Buttagoharder
- Facebook: Buttagoharder
- Linkedin: Buttagoharder
- Twitter: Buttagoharder
- Youtube: Buttagoharder
- Yelp: Buttagoharder
- SoundCloud: Buttagoharder
- Other: De Yara Hardy (Facebook) As well
Image Credits:
DreasVision, URImages, Hood Idol.
