LA Rap
The Dominican-born, NYC-bred rapper opens up to Mz Free in an exclusive interview.
I met with Cream Da Villain on April 28 in Los Angeles at 1708 Studios Hollywood for a very relaxed interview. Cream was very comfortable in front of the camera and had no problem opening up to the vlog immediately. He’s tearing up the Los Angeles rap scene with his newly dropped project, “Business As Usual,” where he exhibits the unique line-for-line “punch in method” on songs he recorded himself, such as “Mirages and Headlines.”
Cream was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York around the age of seven. His early years as a young adult in the streets were hard for him financially and mentally. Growing up in a new country and navigating the culture and street life wasn’t always easy for him — until he found the music.
Cream was introduced to music at a young age. In fact, he learned English as a child from listening to rap music. “First song I ever heard was, ‘We’ll always love you big papa,’” he told me while laughing to himself. He also cites DMX and Mase as big inspirations from his childhood.
Although he’s a native New Yorker, Cream has been living in Los Angeles for the past few years. He told me his music connections made him feel comfortable moving. “New York is more grimey over there, with the love” he says. “It’s harder for upcoming artists to get their sound out.” He feels that he had already conquered his city and it was time to branch out and see what Los Angeles had to offer musically. Cream made waves in New York with the smash single “Que Lo Que,” featuring his brother, Mr Light Up, giving him the exposure he needed to feel comfortable to branch out of the Big Apple. Cream says his lyrics and beats have changed since coming to LA. “I met a bunch of different artists and picked up on a different lingo, you pick up on different things in life” he says. “I met a lot of people I wouldn’t have met in New York, been in a lot of rooms I wouldn’t have been in. LA is good to meet people and get opportunities.” The city also inspired his clothing brand Villains & Heroes. “You know, LA is a creative place,” he says jokingly.
But being a rapper in Los Angeles also comes with its own set of risks. Over the past four years, Los Angeles has seen three larger-than-life rappers murdered: Pop Smoke in his rented home, Nipsey Hussle outside of his store, and, most recently, Drakeo The Ruler at a music festival. Cream and I briefly discussed his fears of being a known rapper in LA and how it affects his safety. I wanted to get his opinion on how Drakeo’s murder made him feel and if he feared for his own safety. “Can’t believe that happened, the way it did” he told me, disappointed. “That whole thing definitely should have made more headlines too.”
Cream is not afraid to let his supporters see the real him, while also giving them a survival story they can be inspired by. He seems very appreciative of everyone who has supported him on his journey, and proud of everything he’s accomplished.
Mz Free’s full interview with Cream Da Villain.
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