Sometimes the best way to express emotions is through music, the universal language that brings thoughts and feelings together in a way that anyone can understand. Sometimes something as simple as a melody, a favorite song, a heavy breakdown, or a calm beat can explain more than words or stories ever will. Music will always be something we as a universe collectively bond over, form memories with, and attribute to different experiences throughout life, and this is what Memphis-based producer, Z-Dougie, has strived to do with the release of Teach You How to Dougie 2, the homage to his brother and biggest inspiration. In honor of his late brother, Kyle, this special exclusive mix has been carefully created to encapsulate not only Kyle’s memory but also his music inspirations on the Z-Dougie project from its creation. “My brother and I were very close, and I’ve learned much of my style, taste in art, and many other things from him. I not only included a bunch of his favorite stuff, but throughout the mix, I’ve included interviews from legendary artists talking about the loss of loved ones to build a story of some sort.”, Z-Dougie stated when he spoke to us about the mix. Not only did this mix create a story, but it truly exemplified the immense impact his brother had on his life through music. Teach You How to Dougie is an emotional journey that everyone should experience, as it brings us back to our roots and reminds us that music is not only a way to express our feelings but to connect, inspire and heal together.
Diving Deep w/ Z-Dougie
1. You put together and released Teach You How to Dougie 2 in honor of your brother, Kyle. How did you incorporate his memory into this extraordinary mix?
This mix series was intended to release on my birthday in January, but he passed a week before and it just wasn’t happening. So I pushed it back to release on his birthday! He would have been 33, partying like he was 23. The Z-Dougie project has always been party bass and rap music, so I knew I couldn’t switch styles and make something sad. Kyle would be so mad if I killed the vibe, that wasn’t his style. In this volume, I included music from other artists I love that we’ve lost like CharlesTheFirst & Big Scarr, and interview clips of legends speaking on love, loss, purpose, legacy, etc. There’s intent behind the messages and the songs they lead into that apply to Kyle, and many others that we’ve lost too soon.
2. How did your brother inspire you in music and daily life? Did he play a big role in your pursuit of music the way you are right now?
Kyle introduced me to a lot of the music that inspires my project. He’s seven years older than me, so I wasn’t really looking for music myself at a young age, but he was always sharing. He got me into hip-hop, punk, jam, dubstep, and everything I draw inspiration from. He also showed me how to party, how to socialize, how to live in the moment, and what it means to really be strong. He was a cancer survivor after fighting for years in his early twenties, and he did it with a smile while cracking jokes. He didn’t make music himself so wasn’t hands-on with my journey, but there’s no limit to the influence he had on me growing up.
3. As you continue your musical journey and put out more music, play more shows, etc, how do you plan to continue incorporating Kyle’s memory since he had such an impact on the journey you have already begun?
I wasn’t able to work on anything for some months and finally knocked out this mix as my first project back. There’s A LOT of music to write, but there’s even more ideas to filter through. I have so many emotions on this it can be hard to translate them, but I’m working it out and the tunes are coming.
More importantly though, I want to continue his legacy of being a helper. He was always willing to lend a hand, even to a stranger. I’ve done a little fundraising and charity work in my life, but am going to do a lot more. I encourage everyone reading to check out and consider donating to the organization that supported my brother during his fight against cancer (website below) or another in your area. If not that then that’s totally cool, here’s a reminder from Kyle to hug your family tight, call an old friend, and take more pictures!
Website:
4. Teach You How to Dougie 1 brought a lot of hype and was stacked with some absolute stompers! What can listeners expect from Teach You How to Dougie 2?
More unreleased music from myself including collabs with Crowell, DrewBeats, SICKISH, and Fringe! Bigger IDs from artists like Super Future, A Hundred Drums, Evalution, Volume Unit, and of course plenty of never heard edits/mashups!
This volume is very much a tribute to my brother and many of my favorite artists who aren’t with us anymore, but it doesn’t stray away from the party even with a sad theme. Kyle would want the party to go on, so I hope everyone turns it all the way up and goes crazy!
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