D-WHY released his debut project, Don’t Flatter Yourself, in the summer of 2012. The free album featured all new music and guest spots from the likes of Casey Veggies, CurT@!N$, and of course, Hit-Boy, who contributed production to “Ballad of An Asshole”. D-WHY turned to director Jakob Owens for the visuals, which you can now peep below. D-WHY also had some words on the song.
“Ballad of an Asshole”…soak in that title for a second. The sheer ignorance and arrogance might be enough to get someone to listen to the song (and watch the video). It’s both funny and memorable. I think so, anyway. However, let’s think about that title for a second. The word ‘ballad’ has been traditionally used and associated with folk music and tales that are passed down generations in song form. Those songs are typically tales of tribulation and struggle, and are written to find a common ground between songwriter and listener and, more importantly, to tell real life situations and stories.
These are the same reasons why I wrote this song. Sure, being an “asshole” may seem funny and ‘cool’—but it’s really not. The words ‘Don’t Flatter Yourself’ are as much about me looking in the mirror as they are a cocky, profound album title. Sometimes—admittedly—I’m an asshole. Sometimes it’s out of necessity, sometimes it’s on accident. Sometimes it feels good, sometimes it doesn’t. This song was written to celebrate those moments. The frustration, the anger, the ignorance, the arrogance. It’s a battle cry. It’s an attempt to champion those times when you just are an asshole.