 Lakeisha Gardner (LG): How did you come up with the acronym for your name, “Do You Matter…Exactly?” Dyme: Well I wanted something catchy with meaning and at that time I just had a lot of people in my life saying so many different things about my music and how it should sound. So I just one day said,” Do You matter…Exactly?” And there it was, my meaning I had been searching for.
LG: What life experiences have influenced the lyrics for your songs?
Dyme: Well I would say every song I write is about something I went through, or knew of, etc. I would say “Good Ones”... I wrote this song at the beginning of having my heart broke for the very first time.
LG: What do you want listeners to draw from your music? Do you write your music to make a point?
Dyme: [Laughs] Yes, I write music to make a point and then there are times I write just to feel good. I want my listeners to know that you can do whatever you want with your life you control it. So if I am in a bad mood and want to write an " I hate you song," then the very next day feel like I want to dance and write a song that will make you move, it's fine to do so. My music reflects a lot of moods because we’re all human at the end of the day and feelings change.
LG: Has being the only female in an all male music group affected your perspective on hip-hop as a whole today? If so, how?
Dyme: Well coming up with Division 9, which was an all male group including me, I mean, not really. Kind of made my skin a little tougher because guys talk about the worst type of things [laughs]. However, there is a lot of proving yourself. You know, can-you-hang-with-the-big-boys type of stuff. Overall I have been blessed with a very good group of men to work with and around so I guess I know a little more when those snakes come out. Uh… [Laughs] LG: What’s your ultimate goal as a female MC?
Dyme: To pave more of a way for other females to come in this game and be smart enough to survive it.
LG: You’ve been writing music since you were twelve years old. How has your material matured over the years from a child into an adult today?
Dyme: That's a good one. I can actually hear the change in my voice and my lyrics…Everything. I was listening to an old song I did just the other day and was like, “Wow I sound young.” I mean, I am but just my voice. I have more confidence and I think that has also has changed my sound.
LG: What can we expect to hear from you soon?
Dyme: The new project, Dyme Piece, is my first solo album. There's a lot of different music on there. I did collaboration with La Petie La Toy, a top-selling pop artist from France. I’ve got to say I am very proud of my first one. [Laughs] Like it's my first born, ya feel me? There are of course some party joints like "Hot Body." I think it's a very good look.
LG: How did you come about to work with Earl Nash? How did he discover your talent? Dyme: Well My cousin T.O was doing the Division 914 project with him, and I just always wanted to hang out so he would take me to the sessions. I started to spit for T.O at home and one day we were in the studio and Earl was said that he wanted a girl on one of the songs. So my cousin said, “Go ahead and spit.” He told Earl that I could and being shy, I wouldn't. So finally Earl said, “No, she can't do it,” and I guess it was his disbelief at that time that brought about my belief. It was a wrap from that point.
LG: Do you believe it’s possible for female MCs to become popular again and receive the respect that they once had in hip-hop?
Dyme: I believe anything is possible. With true talent there's no denying it. It has to be respected. But to answer simply, I think it's going to be hard, but yes. We will one of these days soon enough.
LG: Who in the music game do you believe has had the absolute most impact on your career as an MC? Dyme: Oh, wow. There are so many artists I look up to and respect. I would have to say some of the stronger lyricist would include: AZ, Nas, MC Lyte, Jay, Biggie, Kim, Foxy… There's too many to list. Everyone brings something different. Oh, Lil Weezy!I can go on and on. They all have had some type of influence in their music, stage shows, presence, etc. You learn from your peers in most cases on what to do and what not to do.
LG: What advice can you offer to youth today that want to pursue a career in music? Dyme: Stay focused. Don't believe in anything but yourself and your dream. Everything else will fall into play if you’re true to yourself first.
LG: What do you want your music to be remembered for? Its impact? Its realness?
Dyme: I want my music to be remembered for its realness of course, but more than that how it makes you feel as a person. If I make you want to cry, dance, be sexy, or whatever, allow those feelings and remember Dyme made you feel that way.
LG: I would like to say thank you for having me and supporting me thus far. I hope to come again and be a part of your show. Thank You!
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