Ryan Dillard shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m actually learning a whole lot from my inner self, rediscovering my core likes and practicing a newfound patience I’m having with life & the issues that come with it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ryan DJ STAGE ONE Dillard I’m a DJ, a graffiti artist, hip-hop activist, historian. Organizer of Twin Cities hip-hop day, the great day in twin cities hip-hop photoshoot and an author who is finishing up my second book about hip-hop in the Twin cities.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother always believed in me from day one but I would also have to mention my peers Hasaan Barclift, Steven Wilson, Eli Esters & Ralph Crowder the 3rd. These individuals encouraged me to pursue my hip-hop dreams and put me in positions to show my talents to the public at a young age.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
At 53 life has definitely changed for me. 4 of my six children are adults and I don’t see my 2 younger children as much anymore since my divorce and they’re getting older too so I would say that I miss being a hands on in house dad.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes because I genuinely care about the hip-hop community in the Twin cities and I want the artists etc to know that they are appreciated and respected for their crafts and dedication to the culture hence why i put together functions that recognize different people in the community for their accomplishments and give them their flowers.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That i was genuinely dedicated to bringing light, recognition and excitement to hip-hop culture in the Twin cities and the world by being innovative and trying new things to instill pride in our local scene and the progression of our culture as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: djstageonessb
- Facebook: Stage uno
- Youtube: Djstageone
Image Credits
Ryan Dillard
