There’s a thin line between being a regional artist and placing yourself on the national map. In many ways the challenge differs as you move outside of your own region. With less people who are family and friends becoming the consumer, a rapper must truly separate themselves from the pack and establish who he or she is to connect in other audiences. It’s a challenge many have failed to navigate, but also a challenge one distinct group from the ever-growing DMV music scene is ready to take head on.

It’s getting to where I can’t walk outside without knowing someone from what I do. Our art got out there enough to where people know us for something. That’s when you start to see the (potential for) a successful side. – Nature Boi

The potential for success is there indeed as the Dope Music Village looks to move to different levels as a faction. Originally a concept hemmed by the artistry of Brain Rapp, The Village has since grown massively into a full-fledged movement. Nature Boi’s ascent from producer to re-born MC was pivotal in the shift of momentum in both’s career. Now able to move as a talented tandem, Dope Music Village has capitalized on the release of Elevator Music and SPRNTRL to perform across their region.

From Broccoli City Fest to A3C to opening for Curren$y and Jadakiss, they are making their mark with their live shows. Adding to the feeling of their faces becoming more familiar is their shiny new vlog series which takes you behind the scenes and into the personal sides of Nature, Brain and the rest of the Village. There are comical moments like Brain’s affinity for plain-ass rice cakes as well as more serious times likes soundchecks and planning for festival dates. All-in-all everything they have done as of late has been of the utmost quality and carefully builds for a sure crescendo-like moment set to come with the release of the Dope Music Village album.

We’ve always been able to step up whether it was rhymes, song concept or now production-wise. You’ll hear more on the Dope Music Village album, you began to hear it on SPRNTRL and you’re going to hear it a lot more on my own album afterwards. Just how crazy the production is really getting and bringing in other people to play live instruments. – Brain Rapp

As evident by what we’ve heard thus far with Feel It and Used To, we can expect a more “jazzy”, widespread sound. In a quest to place themselves on the national map, the compilation album will be a huge stepping stone along the way. With the eyes watching at an all-time high we caught up with Brain Rapp and Nature Boi to see where their minds were as they create the album and prepare for Fall and Winter. It seems as though they aren’t ready to relax at all until their ultimate dream of rap greatness becomes a reality. If no one else thinks they have what it takes, 1DF does. Be sure to check out the full audio of the interview and maybe you too will understand why.