Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single "Recession Free" and what message you wanted to convey with it?
The song ‘Recession Free’ reflects the American philosophy of what it is to be truly considered an ‘American.’ The term ‘Recession Free’ is an ideology that under no circumstances does one allow a “recession” to affect one’s quality of life or societal status. You adapt, evolve and take the limited education they provide you while strategizing and boiling up some pure unadulterated capitalism baby! The message is to, ‘survive by all means necessary.’
How does your Chicano heritage influence your music, and how do you aim to represent your community through your work?
Observing the societal status projected onto my culture via American television, which in my opinion is, ‘the primary causal factor for the misconceived societal views America and the world has on Xicano’s’ has always fueled my interest in partaking in the media outlet. Xicano’s are the new merchandise in a ‘store that never changes.’ Xicano’s are now the ones who work the fields, clean the houses, and maintenance the yards, Xicano’s are a ridiculed and grossly underrepresented culture in American society today. Not only in the music industry but on media, sports, political and entertainment platforms it’s safe to say that Xicano’s are far and few. Thus, America created an assertive, educated and talented Cholo from the barrio. These mis and underrepresentation’s have motivated me in ‘being the voice.’ A gang member turned, catalyst, innovator, musician, editor, photographer, writer, artist, entrepreneur, clinician and graduate student from the University of Southern California, were we, ‘Fight On!’
You were discovered by the legendary Jack Gibson, a.k.a. Jack The Rapper, on the streets of North Las Vegas. How did that discovery impact your career?
Tremendously, the man wasn’t just anybody, he was somebody, I had no idea who he was from Tom, but people in Las Vegas respected him and had nothing but positive words when I had inquired. I had met Jack during the Music of Business convention being conducted at a N. Las Vegas Community Center (where Jack was the primary donor.) I had just finished performing when the ‘yellow jackets’ a term for the authorities had become concerned and thought there was going to be an altercation with the local gang artists and myself, since I was from California. The opposite had taken place. I was greeted by family, The Gearson’s and Dana St factions introduced themselves to a young Lansky as they were familiar with CA gang politics and felt a similarity amongst my set and their own being that we were all ‘outnumbered by rivals but solid.’ It was all love. Jack had approached me towards the end of the event while I was on the pay phone (getting yelled at by my pops for being gone all day), Jack discreetly handed me an undisclosed amount of money which assisted me on my musical path (I still have one of the ‘old’ 100-dollar bills from his donation.) Jack’s words of wisdom, ‘you have to be unique, you are different in every way, whatever brought you out at this time in your life will continue to guide you in your future, listen to that inner voice, I told James Brown the very same thing.’ Hearing that disclosure was an amazing moment in my life, although I personally didn’t break big like James Brown, at 21 years old it was an amazing story that Jack had shared with me and a story that motivated me to never quit the show or the business!
You've collaborated with a wide range of artists like The Game, Fashawn, Planet Asia, and Nino Bless. How do you choose your collaborations, and what do you look for in a potential partner?
The Game was not an official collaboration, (that’s a long story involving the so-called “rights”, being given to me for ‘free’ after an understanding had been met, lol.) If they are from my Fresno circle it’s instant. If I grew up listening to their game while I was in the streets it’s instant, if they are still righteous, have no stains on their jackets and if they’ve never folded in this complex dirty game, it’s automatic. That’s how I pick my collaborations. There might be a couple of questionable collabs I have had in my career, (putting people on) but they were never official, and the tracks have never been dropped.
Over the years, you've maintained your authenticity and independence in the music industry. What advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to find their voice and audience?
Be true to ‘your’ artform, respect music, it’s origins not it’s genres, those are ‘labels’ be careful and stay away from projected ‘labels.’ Music transcends music when the muse is ‘tapped in’ and influenced by ancestors of creation, (not clones or vultures) remember you are an instrument, be your own unique instrument and it will resonate with your audience. When it’s your turn to get on the ‘mothership’ remember to embrace the moment, be kind to others and live!
What's next for you after "Recession Free"? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or plans for Breadhouse Entertainment that you can share with us?
Yes, we have a two in one video coming soon. It’s called, ‘Broadway’ it has a bouncy West Coast and contains a sample ‘disco style’ tempo. Followed by tracks ft. Planet Asia ‘Let you Tell it.’ A video featuring Vallejo’s own, Dubee Suga Wolf Pimp ‘Reign’ and Inglewoods Squeak Ru ‘Throwaway.’ Dubee is featuring on three tracks in the new upcoming Lp & San Diego’s Mitchy Slick is featured on two tracks in the new upcoming Lp. www.tribunez.com will announce D-Lansky’s upcoming Lp digital release date and will be secured for downloading soon!
