DC on nerves, South East London and dream collaborations

I find DC in the green room dressed in a grey beanie, denim jacket and grey track pants before his performance at the Sound Bite party with Johnnie Walker Black Label. A throng of early birds have already gathered at the bar downstairs in anticipation for the night to come. But upstairs, the ‘Gleamin’ and ‘Paper Planes’ rapper is taking a minute to relax with a drink before the show starts. 

A seasoned artist with almost a decade of experience behind him, DC remains present in the moment, answering every question candidly. His team hovers nearby reminding him to plug his new single, ‘Soldier’, but he’s not in a rush. As we speak, his South-East-London roots are signalled by both accent and laid-back demeanor. He talks calmly about performing at the O2 and how his upbringing shaped him as an artist as the crowd downstairs thickens. Then, he finishes the last of his drink and awaits his cue to go onstage.

Be honest: what is the first thing you think when you walk off stage after a performance?

I’ll ask how the performance was from management.

What’s your pre-show ritual?

Just chilling out, really. And then I might listen to the songs just before I go on.

Which Johnnie Walker Black Label cocktail are you drinking tonight?

I’ve got the elderflower and Johnnie Walker one. It’s beautiful.

Who’s your dream collaboration?

Cole.

Describe your sound in three words.

Different, real and I’d say, honest.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done for the sake of your career?

I don’t think I’ve done anything crazy, if I’m being honest. I performed at the O2 — that’s a crazy thing for me.

Which song in your set makes you feel the hottest?

‘The Latest.’

What’s the most diva request you’ve ever made, or wanted to make?

I’m not really a diva, I can’t lie. Maybe I might’ve asked for lobster or something, but it’s ambitious.

What track are you most excited for the audience to hear?

The music from the new project: a song called ‘Maze Hill’.

What’s your biggest on-stage fear you’d never admit in a serious interview?

I’m always nervous. Always.

Johnnie Walker Black Label’s ethos is ‘Keep Walking’. Can you share a moment in your journey where you chose to keep moving forward — a moment that helped shape you into the artist you are today?

I think there’s been several. When I first started, [it was] just up and down in terms of releasing music. I definitely decided to keep moving after that point. My environment where I grew up [shaped me]: Woolwich Dockyard, South East London.

What’s new for you?

I’ve got a new project that I’ve just finished. It should be coming out early [2026]. And I’ve got a [new] single called ‘Soldier’. It’s the intro to my project — one of the songs I’m playing tonight as well.