Ninu Nina Artist Interviews

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DOE THE PAPERBOY

Ninu Nina

INTERVIEW WITH DOE THE PAPERBOY

By Daniela Selva

Reginald Thurman aka Doe the Paperboy was born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia. As a young kid he was greatly inspired after hearing the song "Self Destruction", on the Stop the Violence Movement album.   His family and close friends would encourage him to challenge other teens in rap battles which helped sharpen his skills. Over time, his passion for music went deeper which lead him to do talent shows, contests, and create music of his own. Doe has released singles, albums, collaborated with various artists and amassed popularity with his Drive Over Everything clothing brand and branded “BIKE” sneaker.

Highlights?

One of my musical highlights would be diversity made records with Against Grace, an indie pop rock band, that I met in a Sushi Bar. We collaborated on a song called “Monday” a Hip-Hop Pop Rock song and one of my biggest singles. This opened the door to work with N.C. Music Hall of Fame inductee Mitch Easter known for working as a producer for R.E.M early albums from 1981-1984. The relationship also birthed a connection to The National, a notable venue in Richmond, VA, we actually sold out the venue on two separate occasions. By collaborating with artist outside of the hip-hop genre, it opened up a door to a more diverse fan base. Another highlight would be my longevity, I have been operating in the hip-hop genre for over 22 years.

Greatest Inspirations?

Life experiences, societal Influences such as friends, family, trends, and neighborhood upbringing helped shape my mentality and moral compass. My upbringing was a single parent household. I would occasionally spend time with my father over the weekends. The transition to their different households enhanced my ability to adapt to any environment. I got a perspective of the hood while living in lower-class neighborhoods with my mother and a vantage point of the suburbs because my father always lived in middle-class neighborhoods.  Through all of life's obstacles such as the untimely passing of my brother on Mothers Day 2010 (4EVASHAWN), the message motivated me to create a saying for the acronym D.O.E which stands for Drive Over Everything. The D.O.E message exemplifies hope, strength, and reminds you that no matter what obstacles you face in life you continue to push forward.

The world inspires me daily. It could be the weather, a conversation or a painting I draw inspiration from all of the things around me at all times. Staying true to hip-hop inspires me to keep going. I owe it to hip-hop to stay true to myself.

Creative Process?

I’m motivated by anything. It can be the most unlikely of things such as a catchphrase by a friend that sparks my mind to create. The first thing I do is I write down the idea. Then, I start to elaborate on the idea. Afterwards, I start to write my poems and/or songs. I believe my creative learning process and my empathy are my biggest gifts as a writer.

What do you think is going to change in life and in your industry post this virus we are experiencing?

I think it's going to force me to operate more in my gifting and have more faith in myself. I have gifts inside of me that helps me survive. It's back to the basics and survival. I hope for others to realize how much time we don't have and how much time we do have. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to sustain a livelihood from my creativity and business sense. Therefore, going forward post the virus we’re experiencing, I’m going to continue to elevate my hustle to ensure I maintain a firm foundation in the mist of any circumstances.

Do you want to share anything about the origin of the name or music video?

What “More Play” is letting the industry know is either you're going to give us more play or we're going to take it. The beat produced by The Crownz is very futuristic. “More Play” is the return of D.O.E embodying the spirit of John Henry!

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