“I didn’t ask my dad to straight off get me on a label or anything, he actually didn’t even know about my first mixtape I was making,” says Diggy Simmons after making his way through an abundance of shrieking 12-18 year old girls at the PHLI store in Chicago. Since he first appeared on the MTV reality show “Run’s House” at an early age, it was evident Diggy wanted to become involved in the industry, but rapping didn’t necessarily seem to be first in mind. Fast forward a couple years, and the young buck who once was running around feuding with younger brother Russ, is now touring the nation as a part of BET’s Closer To My Dreams Tour.
With the legacy of his family at the back of everyone’s mind, Diggy has to yet to allow that pressure to get to him, or to control who he is as an artist even though some people still look at his name and only see a young boy on the MTV hit series, who’s father is a Hip Hop legend. When he is asked about the Hip Hop legacy his family holds, Simmons appreciates the respect, but makes it clear he still has plenty to prove, claiming there are still many people out there that still do not know he raps.
Shortly after finishing the interview, I was taken aback by how humble and eager the young emcee is at this time, when he could easily be another version of Willow Smith, banking in on her last name rather than her skill. From rapping over classic Hip Hop tracks such as “Nas Is Like” or “Made You Look” Diggy emerged from the TV spotlight in a quite different manner, making it clear what his style is and how he wants to be perceived as an emcee. Once Diggy finishes up his tour during the third week in August, he is headed straight to LA to finish up his debut LP, which is due by the end of the year. While it is evident Diggy is not the next Kendrick Lamar, his work ethic and recognition for those who came before him give him an edge that is the key to future success in any endeavor.