Compton Rapper AD the Modern Hero of West Coast Music.
A modern day hero of the West Coast, 28 year old Armand Douglas, best known as AD is one of most prominent, upcoming rappers in Compton. To call Douglas a “ rapper,” is an understatement. In today’s generation of “Skr, skr” mumble rap, this artist strives to keep West Coast music alive. What makes Douglas stand out is his originality and commitment to LA sounding music. Moreover, his eccentric, shouting vocals take over the mic. “Bring a more aggressive different energy than rappers today. Every artist should feel like they are underrated in a sense. Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to be different. Put God first,” says AD.
Douglas is distributed by legendary West Coast label, Priority Records (Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre). In 2017, Last Of The 80’s, produced by Sorry Jaynari hit #22 on iTunes rap charts. Even Kendrick Lamar gave praise to AD’s mixtape, Blue:89 “AD’s been doing his thing.” Douglas is a continuation of great hip-hop.
Album, By The Way (produced by Sorry Jaynari) depicts Douglas’ struggle growing up in the hood. “The streets don’t love you. All my life I’ve had to watch my back because of the neighborhood I grew up in and my affiliations,” expresses Douglas. AD holds it down for his community and stands out as a rising figure of greatness for the streets, to those who once lived the struggle, both buried and alive.
In album, Last of The 80’s, “Out The Hood” with Sorry Jaynari reflects AD’s come up. Though he lives in Hollywood, he’s never abandoned his thug identity. Douglas is anything but egoistic or flashy. During dinner, he’s a regular, charismatic guy who jokes with his family in the living room and eats “A1 candy yams” at the dinner table. As humble as he is, this rapper won’t brag about his fame and lifestyle, nor does he put anyone down. Douglas is the kind of man who acknowledges everyone in a room, even if you’re not in his circle, if you will. You wouldn’t expect 21 Savage or Freddie Gibbs to be in the same room with AD, but that just goes to show how Douglas is respected by diverse artists, including those who aren’t just from the West Coast. “I think it’s dope to work with everyone. Everybody has a different story and music bridges it all together.”
The studio is a regular day for Douglas, with pizza, Worldstar, and cracking jokes with Freddie Gibbs and 21 Savage, “Ty Dolla $ign, we gon drop you. We got AD now. Tahaha!” jokes 21. No doubt, AD is hard worker though. He literally shoots video clips in the studio and records demos the same night from 9pm to 4am.
One thing that keeps his spirit alive for music is his daughter. From a troubled, broke kid on the block, in and out of jail, struggling to pay his phone bill, and no whip, Douglas strives to hustle harder and be a better man than ever. “My daughter made me value life more and in turn made me want to be more honest with my music,” expresses Douglas. On the mic and on stage, Douglas also carries his grandma’s spirit with him, who passed away last year.
AD’s not slowing down anytime soon and is only making moves to become the greatest of the West Coast. Douglas hopes to diversify his career and build upon his craft, including acting. He’s bringing “the juice” to Hollywood, so get your glasses ready. DJ Hustle
For more AD follow Instagram, Twitter, and iTunes
Written by Atlantis Aubry