Introspective song-writing with lyricist E.d.g.e

Vancouver lyricists Derrick Douglas aka e.d.g.e has shared the stage with artists such as Common, Talib Kweli, Naughty By Nature and Theophilus London. His stage name stands for Eternal Determination Grants Everything. E.d.g.e’s determination started out at a very young age, he was heavily involved with rap at school, and dropped out after year 12 to pursue his dreams as an artist. Since then he has gone on to release his first solo mixtape, entitled "Captain Nasty's Introduction Vol.1", which would be the first of his 22 releases to date, and is due to drop an EP with producer Savage Beats.

We chat to E.d.g.e about why Black Thought of The Roots was the most inspiring MC he’s met, if dropping out of school was the best decision and about his upcoming EP. Margaret Tra writes.

You've shared the stage with some pretty great artists' anything you learnt that you took something away with you?

To be honest, Black Thought of The Roots was the most inspiring MC I had the pleasure of meeting/opening for, for various reasons. I watched him do sound check and was amazed by his breath control, cadence, delivery and overall presence while rhyming, and I told myself that I would strive to perfect my craft ever since.

Who are your inspirations?

Lyrically I would have to say Royce Da 5'9'', Elzhi, Eminem, Jay-Z, Raekwon, Skyzoo, Nas & Jadakiss. In no particular order of course.

You started getting heavily involved in rap when you were at school, did you end up finishing your studies?

No, I left in the 12th Grade shortly before graduation. I felt that I had so many other things that I wanted to do, and in hindsight I don't regret my decision because things have worked out just fine. I wouldn't recommend that course of action to anyone else however.

What was it like finding your passion at high school?

Distracting! Nothing is harder than trying to study for biology when your headphones are full of instrumentals. (Laughs)

Are you working on any new projects at the moment?

I'm working on an EP with my good friend, producer Savage Beats, and a mixtape with another good friend, DJ Krisp Kutz (Klash Akt).

You're a songwriter, has there been a time where you had a thought of lyrics in your head, but were in the most awkward place? If so where?

Well, lyrics come to me all the time, so I guess I've had them running throughout my head during any and all awkward places, which would be too many to name!

What stimulates your soul?

Family, music, life!

Want to hear more?

Listen at Bandcamp.