We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darrell Asberry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Darrell, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
The late great Art Laboe sat MC MAGIC and myself down one evening with Smokey Robinson, the evening before a performance in California. They both told us about believing in ourselves and knowing what we wanted to accomplish in the business. There much more to this business than being “Famous”. Fame is fleeting, but having good business acumen and being willing to listen more than speaking is essential. That perhaps was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me, in this business. They didnt have to spend 3+ hours with us, but they did. RIP Art Laboe!!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My entry into the entertainment business was really no different than a lot of people. I met people, established and maintained solid relationships, and most of all tried to always keep my word.
The thing I’m most proud of, these days, is the team I work with. MC MAGIC, LIL ROB & BABY BASH, These guys are pros and there are no egos to entertain, which is very important, especially in this post pandemic entertainment world. Our teams view each other as equals. Nobody is a boss, but we are all leaders. Everyone has the same goals, which helps tremendously.
We have been doing approximately 90+ live performances, together, annually for several years, With a percentage of them being self financed, that in itself is something Im extremely proud of.
As we have gotten older, we have also learned the importance of having balance. I know when my guys need time off for family and adult life, and that is something I have to be able to before they tell me.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
If I could reply to this question in 1 or 2 words, it would be to change the Perception & Narrative of this lane of Music. for a long time, the perception of this music and the artists that perform it, was viewed in a negative light, the opportunities to perform live were very limited. If it wasn’t for forward thinkers, such as Art Laboe (RIP), Alan Beck, Bobby Dee, Lowrider Magazine and several others, the artists and the music would never have had an opportunity to grow and extend beyond certain people’s expectations.
Now these artists are sharing Arena stages with major “A” List artists and giving their culture something to be proud of,, by seeing people on those stages that resemble them.
There’s so many artists in this genre that have proven they can, not only, perform with the others, but also maintain a fanbase and a long career.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is when a particular event is announced, and you hear your artist’s name as a part of that performance lineup. Then the night of the show, when the venue is packed and your artist is introduced and the crowd goes crazy with love, the adulation is so overwhelming, you cant help but smile. I’m just happy to be around people who aren’t afraid to put in the work and win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.NastyboyRecords.com
- Instagram: @DAISTHA1