When it comes to Latin urban music, Dominican hip-hop has often been overlooked. The immense splash reggaeton had on the music industry and the publicity it gave Puerto Rico made many aspiring artists superstars. However, the Dominican Republic measures favorably with the best rappers. The problem is that many are still known locally and in the New York City area where a large portion of Dominicans can be found thriving in neighborhoods, including Manhattan’s Washington Heights and Inwood. By word of mouth and reputation building, artists such as Lapiz Conciente and Vakero have made inroads. Black Point is from the camp of Lapiz, so we can expect a great deal of quality from his debut effort.
Black Point built such a fanatical following in the Dominican Republic’s capital Santo Domingo that even hitmaker Pitbull wanted to work with him. By utilizing social networks like YouTube, Black Point has built a local buzz to the tune of an average of 100,000 hits to the half million he accrued with the Pitbull pairing on “Watagatapitusberry.” NocheLatina is pleased to be the first to speak to this emerging artist. We believe you will be hearing a lot about him in the coming months.
nocheLatina: Tell us about your background. How did it all begin?
Black Point: It started in 1994-95. My uncle made me listen to rap from English artists. I didn’t understand it, but I liked it. I also listened to Campamento Revolucionario and Tribu Rebelde. I commenced by rapping in Spanish from that point. In 2000 my friend Ramon Emilio Jimenez got me involved in a group called La Sociedad Grupo. After that I went solo.
nocheLatina: I understand that Pitbull was interested in doing a remix with one of your songs. Tell us about that.
Black Point: I couldn’t imagine that Pitbull would do something with me. He is an international star with a huge public following. I admire him a lot. It came out good because a lot of people listened to the remix. I had no problem with that. That is how ‘Watagatapitusberry’ came to happen.
nocheLatina: What got you into the public eye initially?
Black Point: In Santo Domingo I had a song called ‘Te Agradazco,’ which was a hit. When a song gets big, it explodes. That was my first big moment.
nocheLatina: What projects are you working on now?
Black Point: I am working on the mixtape. The single ‘Escena del Crimen’ will be out in a couple of months. The album, which is titled El Precio De La Fama should be completed in eight months to a year.
nocheLatina: Did you grow up wanting to be an artist or something else?
Black Point: I am Dominican, so naturally I wanted to play baseball, but that didn’t work out. So now I am a rapper.
nocheLatina: Tell us about other Dominican artists and why they haven’t made a bigger splash yet.
Black Point: The Dominican market is very disorganized. If they got together they would go further. There is a lot of talent. Lapiz Conciente, Monkey Black, Toxic Crew…Black Point. They cannot see beyond the district to a worldview.
nocheLatina: Describe your music style for those who don’t know yet?
Black Point: My style is hip-hop. I also do techno. I am about the tempo. I am the street, the town, I am what’s real. For example, you know when you’re so poor, you go to another person’s house with a canteen to get water? That’s street. That is me.
nocheLatina: How did you learn your craft? Was there anyone you patterned yourself after?
Black Point: I watched a lot of artists as they rose and fell. The world is always in a state of evolution. I listened, but I didn’t understand what they said. I understood the flow. I am not a fan of anyone in particular. I listen to Hispanic music from Spain and Cuba.
nocheLatina: What do you see for Black Point?
Black Point: Only God knows. I trust my talent. In a year or year and a half I am going to be heard.
nocheLatina: Any artists you care to collaborate with?
Black Point: I would like to work with Mana, but it’s not possible now.
nocheLatina: What do you have to do to reach the next level?
Black Point: Radio play is the key to getting to the next level.
nocheLatina: If you got an offer from a major label, would you take it or stay independent?
Black Point: Realistically, the position determines what you do. If it’s a major company who helps me with a lot of money, you have to consider it. I am firm, however, in not signing with anyone. I know my value. I want to construct my own company. I work very hard, but it’s in God’s hands.
nocheLatina: What is Black Point and what do you want the public to know about you?
Black Point: Black Point is super versatile. He has much talent to offer. I want people to listen first before deciding whether the product is good or bad.
To learn more about Black Point, click here.
Check out a live video of Black Point "Watagatapitusberry" right here.
