By Derrius Edwards – @rawcommnc
Personally, I believe people tend to experience the best growth when they step out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in a new environment. The same way that animals migrate and adapt to their surroundings, we too must adapt as the world is ever-changing.
And that is exactly what this Harrisburg native, Supa Dupaa, has done. From roaming low-light club venues to working with some of the top emerging talents and established artists in the game, the story of how Supa Dupaa became cannot be told without mentioning the word resiliency.
“We started out with one studio and now we have four. We went from having days where nobody would book a session, to where all four of my studios are booked” — Supa Dupaa
In a world where it seems like there are not enough hours in the day to chase a bag and chase your dreams, Supa has found a way to manifest his dreams into currency.
In this over-the-phone interview, we caught up with the Atlanta phenom for an in-depth look at the Supa director.
What inspired the name Supa Dupaa?
When I first started doing music videos a lot of people would start calling me super because I would finish the videos super quickly. So, really after that the name just stuck with me.
What is it exactly that you do?
I’m a director. I actually do a little bit of everything.
How did you get started?
I started out being a cameraman, following artist around in the club, shooting vlogs, music videos, etc. As I started shooting more music videos, I really just wanted to get my work better. I eventually graduated to I guess what you would call the “production” side of it, where I started having a bunch of equipment and acquired more people to help me. My videos began to build up, value went up, and I stuck with it.
I’ve always been someone that cared about music. I opened up a studio and I just started recording myself every single day. Kept doing that and it just developed over time.
What inspires your creativity?
Lot of my creativity comes from within. I have a certain vision of things that I would like things to be for my productions. I’m not one of those people that grab inspiration from other people’s work.
What does it mean to “shoot from the heart”?
Crazy you said that. I’ve noticed that as I progress in this game, I have to protect that. Because I’ve found myself losing that. Constantly trying to be “Supa Dupaa” all the time, and get the videos turned around fast.
What separates you from other directors?
Wanting to get it done, that’s a desire that I have. People do stuff all the time and never complete it. My videos get something put into them that is more than what you can pay for. That’s what separates me from everyone else.
What do you feel like is one of the most challenging things you’ve experienced as a director?
Connections. As I’ve grown in the industry, I’ve basically have become the worker. In doing that, I’ve realized the importance of being a leader and having a solid team around you. My establishment was different. Pretty much “go until you can’t go anymore” mentality. That was a blessing and a curse, because I was just going and wasn’t gathering any credibility or exposure.
Talk to me about My Professional Studios
It was established in 2010, started out with one booth. In the midst of that, I was a street promoter and dealt with different artist. I actually started shooting videos by pitching to people that if they come to my studio to record their music, in return I’ll record their session and upload it to YouTube. That was actually how I learned to produce music videos.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
I’ve moved to Atlanta and seeing all the different artists using my studio back in Harrisburg really opened up my eyes. We started out with 1 studio and now we have 4 studios. We went from having days to where nobody would book a session, to where all 4 of my studios are booked at one time.
We built Professional Studios from the ground up. It took almost 2 years. We made a reality show out of it, so you know, everything happens for a reason. I’m just thankful.
What made you move to Atlanta?
Around the end of 2017 I met Frenchie, and he would come by the studio to see what all I was doing. We shot a video one day, had everything done all in the same night. He eventually called Deb and I had the opportunity to speak with her. After conversing for a while I was invited to her home and actually ended up shooting a music video that same night with an artist there. We met and we talked. After I left, I made a New Year’s resolution for myself, somewhat of a structured timeline of my objectives for the year. She ended up convincing me to move to Atlanta and I’ve been here ever since.
Any noticeable differences between the music scene in Harrisburg and Atlanta?
The biggest difference is that there is something always going on in Atlanta. Artist are always here, producers etc. It’s about demand, nothing else. If only I was here a long-time ago, I can just imagine where I would be now.
What’s next up for Supa Duppa?
Bigger names, bigger budgets. My quality is only going to get better. Visual effects, like I already have some things in mind that I know will take me to a step further to that next level. The visuals are something that people have been asking for, so I’m going to serve them well.
The last 8 years of my life have been nothing but me in the studio, that’s where it starts. I remember watching this documentary on Lil’ Wayne called “Dedication” and he just talked about how everything happens for him from the studio, and I can attest to that.
If you place yourself in position, anything can happen.
I’m that n***a with the cape on , like I’ll save the game if I have to, whether that’s good or bad.
Who are some people that you would like to work with?
Future, Migos, Moneyman, Moneybagg Yo. Definitely Gunna & Lil Baby. I like em’ all to be honest with you. Certain artists I already have a vision for with a project in mind already.
Closing remarks
Be on the lookout for Supa Dupaa. Check out My Professional Studios Instagram.
Definitely have a lot of things in store for the people, just stay tuned.
