What was it like growing up in New Orleans?

Dee: I grew up in The Garden of Eden. Even though I was in a city full of crime, drugs, and poverty, I focused on the positive aspects of life. Then, just like after Adam ate fruit from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, my whole perspective on life in New Orleans changed once I started seeing things from a negative point of view. So, I have a love/hate relationship with New Orleans because I’ve seen the good and the evil sides of it.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since you dropped “Jay, 50 and Weezy” four years ago?

Dee: I’ve learned that there are no rules in the music industry, so you have to just give off positive energy, be honest, and be great at what you do and you will find yourself in a successful place.

You said that you turned down a deal with Cash Money because it didn’t feel all the way right to you. What was it about RCA that was different?

Dee: I can tell that RCA is in a position to give my project more individual attention and that they’re really rooting for me. I wasn’t sure how much everyone at YMCMB would have been rooting for me. Some, but not all.

Your story-telling ability is top-notch. What drives you to take that route with your music?

Dee: I view my life as a culmination of a bunch of different stories. Everything has a plot, a subplot, main characters, an intro, a climax, and a conclusion to me. So, I enjoy painting those pictures for y’all in song format.