Beats N Brews mixes hip-hop and craft beer
Hip-hop is no stranger to references about drugs and alcohol; as a matter of fact, just about every genre of music references it in some way.
One Delaware rapper has decided to combine hip-hop and alcohol, but not in the way that most do. Wilmington native Rob Dorsey, 29, is not only a local rapper who has been grinding in the industry for years, he now is the lead host for the Beats n Brews podcast, which airs weekly on YouTube.
Each show Dorsey combines conversation about hip-hop and pairs it with a different beer. The craft beer explosion of the last 10 years has led to more locally made beers with as many varieties -- or more -- as wine. The explosion of beer connoisseurs has opened the door for the show like Beats n Brews to reach the masses.
Not only is Rob just drinking and talking about beer, he also has become a brewmaster of his own. Recently he partnered with Argilla Brewing Company in Newark to host a live podcast and taste their new Green Tea, which the company and Dorsey collaborated on.
Dorsey also has begun brewing his own beer in his house labeled with his company brand, Nurd. Even though Rob can’t legally sell his creations, he plans to host more events and live podcasts where fans will get to taste and comment on the beer.
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With the craft beer explosion in full effect, Dorsey and his Nurd brand seem to have a lot of room for growth. We chatted about Rob's upcoming music, and why beer and hip-hop pair so well together.
Q: So when did you first start rapping?
Growing up I was heavy into Tupac from a very young age. I read that he started out writing poetry, so that's what I wanted to do. By the time I got into middle school, I was writing poetry. I also remember seeing Bow Wow as a kid and thinking that if he could rap as a kid so could I. So that's when I started to formulate bars. I used to record with friends in high school and my man Pete had a studio. But soon enough I had my own setup.
Q: When did you release your first album?
Well in 2008 I joined this talent agency that's is no longer around, but through that I was able to meet Kim Jackson, who discovered JAY-Z and Jamal Joseph, who is Tupac’s godfather. I got to work closely with Kim Jackson for a bit and was able to get a distribution deal with WhoMag distribution company. In 2009 I released my first album called “The Difference.” That album is actually still on iTunes, Spotify, etc.
Q: How did you come up with the idea to do a beer and hip-hop podcast?
Honestly, it came from listening to Drink Champs with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. The premise of their show deals with mostly liquor while interviewing somebody from the entertainment world. Personally, I am more of a beer guy with an occasional whiskey. Our show is more about the conversation about topics that intertwine with the type of beer we are drinking.
Q: So the beer actually fits with the style of music you're talking about?
Exactly, for example, a beer can be bold and strong with a nice aftertaste. That same description can coincide with a song or topic centered around hip-hop.
Q: Wow that's amazing; What is the goal for the show long term?
The goal is to keep teaming up with great companies like Argilla. But we also want to expand the beers we make as a brand. It's not about making money, it about the art of making beer. I also want to be able to make custom orders and show people how to brew themselves. Hopefully, we can team up with other brewery companies and maybe even get some sponsors and special guests.
Q: How about the music; do you have any new music coming out?
I have a five track EP that I am releasing later this summer produced by my homie Kyle Wilson. Weirdly enough I decided to call the whole project KYLE since he is the producer. But there is a lot of big things coming soon. The podcast has been running for almost 20 weeks strong and we get better each week. Consistency is key.