Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Woodstock, Georgia, this is Fearless Formula with Sharon Cline.

Sharon Cline: Welcome to Fearless formula. I’m Business RadioX, where we talk about the ups and downs of the business world and offer words of wisdom for business success. I’m your host, Sharon Cline. And today in the studio, I have a very unique guy. He’s native to Suwanee, but he’s here in Atlanta making lots of big splashes with music. He is hip hop rapper and performer, Dope Chris Taylor. Thank you for coming to the studio.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yo appreciate. So appreciate you so much. You got me like super shy right now. I’m super excited. But no, I appreciate you for having me over here.

Sharon Cline: Of course. It’s really fun, actually, to talk to someone in the music industry because I speak a lot to actors, authors, business owners. But to have someone that kind of has a unique perspective on the entertainment world is going to be fun for my brain because I’m so curious about how it what it’s like to be you, and not just having your own brand and making a presence out there, but actually being in the Atlanta market, kind of competing against other artists for attention. I can’t imagine what that’s like, too. So yeah, let’s get into it. Native to Suwanee.

Dope Chris Taylor: Shout out to Suwanee. Yeah. Uh, yeah. So I grew up in Suwanee, uh, back in the day before, like Suwannee Festival, like Suwannee Day, like my family was like when I say like everywhere, like my aunt was my neighbor, my grandma was in walking distance. So, like, on the cool side, like, I get to see family all the time on the side. That sucks. If I get in trouble, I can imagine getting like three times the punishment with just, oh, you did this. I heard you did this. Oh.

Sharon Cline: Within five minutes, everyone.

Dope Chris Taylor: Within five minutes, everybody knows. So it’s just like, yeah, it’s a.

Sharon Cline: Small town feel, right?

Dope Chris Taylor: Small town feel. But hey, shout out to Suwanee. Like definitely like my home roots. Like it makes me smile. Like back in the day. Like I used to live in the pink house. Like that’s how, like, people know. Like where I used to stay at. They changed the color of the house now. But.

Sharon Cline: But it was the pink house.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, yeah. Pink house. That’s like made me smile.

Sharon Cline: Okay, so you went to school in Suwanee? Yeah. I saw a little bit about your history that you were part of the band and you learned how to play drums.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, like drums was like one of my first loves. Like, it’s crazy because, uh, when I approached music, I kind of think of it from a what does the song need versus like, oh, you know, let me be the best rapper, like bar people up. So I kind of approach it from like, yeah, me be rhythmic. Let me make sure there’s variation so it won’t sound dull or even predictable. And uh, also learning like, hey, when do I need to speak and when do I don’t need to speak? When I need to let the instruments kind of speak for itself and just like, breathe like it’s it’s a cool little, like, for lack of better words, like a Tetris feel, just like, hey, can I put the pieces together to convey the vision that I want to convey?

Sharon Cline: Right. So here with the drums, you’re not trying to overpower, you’re not trying to, you’re just adding.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, yeah.

Sharon Cline: It is like enhancing what’s already there.

Dope Chris Taylor: It’s like my voice is an instrument, and now I just need to make sure my voice fits in and play the position that needs to play. Like if there’s a solo for my voice, boom, let’s get it. But if there’s something where it’s just like, oh, hey, it’s time for, like, the guitar to, like, breathe. All right. Cool. Hey, let me be the background instrument. So. Yeah.

Sharon Cline: So, uh, who were your influences when you were growing up or when you were in school? Who kind of inspired you musically?

Dope Chris Taylor: Ooh, good question, good question. Um, influences I give a lot of props to people that are popping up in my mind. One of my one is my cousin. Uh, I know he did some rapping back in the day. Another is another cousin, uh, Jeanette. Like, she was an amazing singer. Like.

Sharon Cline: Do you have a musical family?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, like it’s crazy because, like, the musical part was almost like the outcast part, because, like, a lot of my family was, like, known for sports. I was like the black sheep going like, oh, we’re gonna do music. And like, my brother played football. My older cousins play football like everybody did some type of sport where it’s just like I never did. No. Like collegiate. No, I was just straight up music. Like, even though drums was cool, it’s like, yeah, okay, cool. You’re doing drums, but it’s just not. Yeah. It was, uh, it was wild. But yeah, like people knew. I didn’t realize. I didn’t know my family was musical until, like, random situations. Like, I remember distinctly remember, like at grandma’s birthday party. I saw my mom, I think was with a clarinet. I didn’t know my mom was in the band. I didn’t know my mom was first chair. Like. She was like, good.

Speaker4: And like, where you got it from?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like, I distinctly because I remember some I was like, I didn’t know this is where you get your musical talent. I was just like, I didn’t know that. Like, I asked her, I was just like, why didn’t you do the marching band? She’s like, oh, I don’t like the hot weather, which I get like, I’m not trying to be, well, I can’t that would be a lie. I was out in the sun getting yelled at, trying to make sure the music was perfect. But yeah, I get it. It’s not. It’s not sweet, but it’s the things you do for love.

Sharon Cline: Yeah, things you do for love. Well, you know, she. It’s interesting to think that she still had this musical inclination. She just didn’t want to display it in the same way. But do you all ever play together?

Dope Chris Taylor: No, like I don’t I don’t think I know anybody in the family or I take that back. I know currently my two younger cousins are doing music. One of them showed me their music, the other one I heard of doing music. He haven’t told me or showed me any tracks yet, but like his mom and his brother be like, oh, you know, you need to work with, you know, you need to work with him. I’m just like, all right, cool. Let’s see. I need to hear something. Yeah. But, uh. Yeah. No, it’s. I think I only worked with a few people in my family with music, but, uh, it’s also kind of cool to, for lack of better words, not be the. I’m not saying I’m a super music star, but it’s also kind of cool for them to look at me just like Chris. It’s just like, oh, this is the same cat that if we say, go take out the trash. All right. Cool. Or. Yeah, it’s like nothing.

Sharon Cline: You’re just a family member.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, just a family, like. Quiet, Chris. Like, that’s. That’s literally who I am.

Sharon Cline: Well, I was thinking how interesting it is to be a person who’s got, like, a legacy in their family where everyone plays sports and you’re just sort of expected to do that. It takes such a, um, a surety about yourself to not do that, to go in a different way, a different direction, in order to do something that, you know, fills your soul, even if you think that you’re going to get kind of criticism for it.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, sure. It was a it was definitely a wasn’t that easy decision, I’ll tell you that. Like, I was good at sports, like my brother played defense. So in order to help him get better at defense, I would play offense like my uncle, which was also an interesting thing because he was a music manager. Uh, he also helped out with football. Like, he was kind of like helping me become like a tight end where it’s just like, alright, cool, hey, boom, boom, boom. But then just never committed. Also, ain’t gonna lie, unpopular opinion. I ain’t trying to get tackled like, yo. Like real spill. Like yo, that’s not sweet. Like let’s just put ego to the side. Yeah, that’s not fun.

Sharon Cline: A friend of mine was telling me that, um, after you get thrown down a whole bunch, it’s like, almost like your body sort of just expects it. But they have, like, long term effects of being thrown around so much that, oh yeah, I would hope that, you know, there’d be some kind of way to prevent some of the damage that happens. But, I mean, you’re smart to kind of continue your way.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like it’s it’s it’s one of those things where I just try to I don’t mind the physical like activity or contact, but I’m a firm believer, just like not everybody’s gonna look out for your best interests, like, uh, even like random, like sister. Like I’m part of a boxing gym. And, uh, one of the things that we make sure like, hey, you spar to help your opponent get better, you don’t spar to, like, knock somebody out because we’re all on the same team. So, like, that’s why I’m a firm believer on it was just like, yeah, these people do not care about me. They are trying to take my head off. Nah. I’m good. Like, nah, like.

Sharon Cline: So when did you know that you were sort of musically talented?

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, so I’m about to actually so personally I hot take Personally, I don’t think I’m really like musical talent. Musically talented. Not from a standpoint of like, oh, you know, like I’m not gifted. I think I do have some like background that like, flavor me. But, uh, one of my instructors, he don’t believe he’s musical talent either, and he’s. But the reason he say that because I think anybody can do this as long as they put like the energy and effort and the consistency. And it’s kind of crazy because what consistency looks like is not the whole like, oh, hey, you know, the linear motion just like, oh, you know, if I practice every day, I’m gonna get better every day. They’re going to be some days where you plateau. There might be some days where it’ll be like, yo, I’m getting worse. Like what is going on? So like, I don’t necessarily think I’m musically talented. I think I just haven’t quit yet. Like for some strange reason, I just haven’t quit. And then I just keep seeing myself, like, level up to the next stage and just like, let’s just keep going and see how far we can take it.

Sharon Cline: You must get a lot out of it, though, in order to continue to pursue whatever, you know, whatever your albums are going to be. I Know That You, your first five track album was called sessions with censored.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah.

Sharon Cline: Why don’t you tell me about that?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yo. So one of the things that for I remember sessions was censored. It’s a catalyst of me going to therapy. And I remember, uh, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with life. Like, I already had a career, but I wasn’t, like, fulfilled. So I remember there was a post-it note, like, I had, like, you know, HR lawyer, um, some other things. And I remember just crossing out. I was like, you know what? I always wanted to be like a rapper when I was like, young. But you can’t go tell your mom, hey, I want to be a rapper. Like, I don’t know how to pay bills. So, yeah. So sessions with sensor kind of like display like that journey of, like, hey, me going to therapy, uh, learning like some of the insecurities about myself and like, honestly, just finding the tools to improve. And when, uh, I distinctly remember it was a it was a beautiful moment because the sensor part was like the therapist’s name, but obviously for confidential reasons. I can’t just, like, put her on blast, but shout out to her. Um, I remember we listened to the whole tape together and like, she cried, I cried, we cried. It was beautiful. But yeah, that was like the catalyst because it’s like it was almost like a way to, like, let the inner child breathe. And then now hearing that other people are like, yo, I felt the same way. It was like, oh, I have a bigger purpose here. Not just like to, you know, feed my own ego, but, hey, to inspire others to like, you know, chase their dreams, you know, and like, be willing to, like, trust the process.

Sharon Cline: Was that the first time you really sort of felt that you were part of something bigger?

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, yeah. No, I mean, it’s it’s crazy. From it was the first time I felt like my vision was part of something bigger, like being a part of marching band. I always knew, like, hey, sacrifice for the greater good. Like, definitely learned that a lot. But then when it was like, hey, this is like, hey, Chris, you’re driving. You’re driving the ship, you’re the captain. Now. It’s just like, oh, no, like you’re a lot more conscious of just like, oh, if I don’t execute, this is crazy. But then, you know, was it paralysis by Overanalysis? Yeah. Like, it’s it’s crazy where you start thinking about it. Then you just kind of freeze up, but then once you realize, like, hey, the community, the community that trusts you, they’re not looking for perfection. They’re just looking for you. So all you just need to do is show up. And sometimes it’s kind of hard to like, remember that?

Sharon Cline: Well, I suffer terribly with imposter syndrome.

Dope Chris Taylor: I feel you. We are twins right now. Because, man, like, even now, just be. Oh, yeah, this is like, this is dope and I love this at the same time. I’m just like, man, how did I get up here?

Sharon Cline: Like, I think the same thing. They still let me get in this building and everything. I’m like, at some point someone’s going to figure out that.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, you still hear, like a knock on the door. Just like knock, knock. It’s like, oh, time’s up.

Sharon Cline: All this time we’ve let you in here, we didn’t even know who you were. Well, how did your album come about? Like, how did you find the way to make this music? In other words, you, you you have it all ready in your mind, like the melodies and the lyrics. But where did you go physically to make your first album?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. So, uh, well, I can’t remember the studios, but it was actually up in Woodstock, actually. Oh, yeah. Uh, a friend, a music lawyer, uh, he recommended, recommended me to a friend, and we kind of recorded all up there, and, uh, it was weird because I didn’t have any experience recording. Like, I was recording off, like, a Blue Yeti microphone.

Sharon Cline: Um, that’s good enough, but I know what you mean.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. It was. I mean, I didn’t know anything about, like, sound production or, like, gain and stuff like that. So. Like what? Like my first, like, song was just like, oh, like, the game was too high. Like it wasn’t crisp. Like I didn’t have the filter on. So you’re hearing the peas and the like. It was wild. So, like, going to a studio, I kind of, like, learned how to go about recording tracks and that was extremely helpful. It was like the recording process of it was like a learning thing, and it was just like a catalyst of like, all right, cool. Chris, do you want to continue to do this? And just like, yeah.

Sharon Cline: Did you think it was when you first went into the studio, when you were first recording it in a studio, what did that feel like?

Dope Chris Taylor: It was magic. It was. It was like a magical feeling, like it was one of those like. I mean, it’s one thing to see like videos behind the scenes of like, people recording. It’s another thing to be like, oh, it’s me. Like I’m the in the video, like it was. I would tell anybody like. And not only that, it was just cool because like on the album, I had my friend who pretended to be my therapist, kind of like talking to me. And so it was kind of cool to see, like my friends in the studio where it’s just like, yeah, they may not make music, but they contribute it to something that I hold in a very high regard, and that helped change the world. Like I tell them, like when I looked at the metrics one, the favorite tracks was a of a song or I’m Sorry album was like them speaking and like I said, like I’m trying to make sure like themed it out to be like a true therapist. But yeah, no, the studio I mean, studio is awesome. Like, I love the studio.

Sharon Cline: After you recorded those songs, or even in the process of writing them, did you feel like you did sort of process the trauma that you had?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, no, it was very it was like it’s like journaling, like it’s almost just like it’s one thing to like, you know, oh, hey, be clever with like, words and rhyme schemes and stuff like that. But like, if you take away all the fluff and stuff like that and you look at like, it’s like, oh, like sometimes you can almost make like a self-fulfilling prophecy. And even now where you can ask some of my friends from like back in the day versus now, like I try to be more conscious of, like, hey, what do I speak into existence? Because if even if I’m like, oh, I’m having a bad day, I’ll probably have a bad day versus like, okay, cool. Hey, this one bad moment that took up 60s of my life. Yeah, sucked. But the rest of the day is fine. And yeah, like it definitely music. That whole process taught me like, hey, be conscious of like, hey, how much? Where’s your headspace is? Obviously you right off the bat. Like I’m not saying no, be positive go lucky all the time. But, uh, it’s definitely made me more conscious of like, hey, what? I’m speaking to existence.

Sharon Cline: I love that I think, um, the fact that you were able to write in a way that united other people to your story, and you realize that you’re not alone in whatever experience that you’ve had. I think that’s one of the most powerful moments that I’ve ever had, is knowing that as much as I think I’m a snowflake and so unique, but then we all are. So none of us are really unique. It’s just this feeling of if I have something that I’m processing out and I know someone else has, or at least can understand what it’s like. That feeling of not being alone, even just in my head, gives me courage.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. For sure. Like, it’s it’s strength in numbers, like, sometimes. And that’s what I’m trying to get more, uh, proactive about. It’s just like sharing. Like the fears and the behind the scenes, the ugly parts of the win, the lowlights. Because it’s easy to be discouraged. Not even from, like, a musical standpoint, but just from a life standpoint. Just, oh, I should be doing more. I should be doing this. I should be doing that. And it’s just like, you don’t have time. Like it’s just like, oh, you know, somebody like I remember, like talking to my friend about this where just like, oh, how do you balance life out? I just like, I feel like I don’t like it’s a struggle, like. But at the same time, not trying to, like, you know, glorify the struggle just more so just like, hey, like a lot of people may not have it all together and that’s okay. Like it’s perfectly okay. I’m not saying stay there. I’m not saying like, oh, I’m just gonna crash out. But it’s just like, yeah, it’s okay to admit that it’s not okay. You know, find a community to help inspire you to be better. You know.

Sharon Cline: I often think people mistake, um, someone being vulnerable as a weak person. And it’s such the opposite, exact opposite, 1,000% comfortable with showing a part of you that you’re opening to potential criticism or, um, even just feeling like someone can make fun of what you’re like as a real human. There’s something about that that just really He bothers me to know that there’s there’s a belief that you. You’re not a strong man or something. If you are, if you’re showing your emotions where I actually think it, you have self-esteem if you do.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, yeah. Like, I kid you not, one of the phrases I like hate with a burning passion in my life.

Sharon Cline: That phrase I gotta make sure I don’t say that on the show.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, no. You’re good. It’s good. Like, because anytime I hear, like, the phrase like, man up, I’m just like, yo, I will, like, kick you in your chest. Like, just because. Just because, uh, and granted, I get from, like, hey, back in the times, like, you know, hey, we growing as a people in society, but it’s just like, dawg, there’s so many different ways a to be a man. And then B’s just like, yo, it’s cool to be like, oh, you know, tuck your emotions in and stuff like that. And I’m, I’m not gonna sit here and say, hey, I don’t like high, not high, but hey, I show my emotions in the appropriate situations, but to bury them alive and just be all right. Cool. I Cool. I never see you again. And just. Yeah. No. Like, it’s it’s cool to like. Hey, say, yo, I’m hurt by you doing this. Like, I may not be the best at it sometimes. Still kind of working on, but. Yeah. Now like to man up and just all I could show is anger. And I think that’s it. Like I think.

Sharon Cline: Yeah, just.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, that’s all it is. Just like he’s angry. Cool. Everything else. Like. You mean like I can’t, like, be happy. Like I can’t smile. I have to mean mug. No.

Sharon Cline: Or be sad.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like I can’t be sad. Can’t be hurt. Somebody can’t hurt my feelings like I’m sensitive. I’ll tell people off. I’m a sensitive soul like yo.

Sharon Cline: Yeah, I like that too. Because it’s like when people are like, you’re too sensitive. I always think, well, I am sensitive, so you have to watch what you say around me. If you want to be my friend. Like it’s a strength.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. No, it’s it’s definitely. And I’ll be the first to say it took time for me to get to that. Like, that’s one of the main reasons where I started therapy, because I was just like, yo, I’m like a robot. Like I’m doing everything right. But it’s just like, I cool. Why don’t I feel like I’m winning even if I’m following x, y, z a, b, c, one two, three, yada yada yada. So yeah, no vulnerability is is real. Like it’s I think it’s what makes music music like it doesn’t matter if it’s like perfect or it sounds bad, but somebody being vulnerable and you can see them like singing their heart out. Like that’s why I think shower singing is like, awesome. Like it doesn’t matter if it’s like great or not, but it’s like you’re really feeling it.

Sharon Cline: So you’re singing your song.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Just singing your song. Whatever happens, happens. Like, yeah.

Sharon Cline: Okay. So you had the next album that you had, which came out in 2022. It’s called The Lost Compass.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah.

Sharon Cline: Can you tell me about that?

Dope Chris Taylor: So Lost Compass, uh, for lack of better words, like, I felt like after EP session was censored, you know, I’m making music and again, paralysis by Overanalysis. I’m just like, man, I want to make something like, I want to make sure my project shows like The Growth and me and like my producer Panda, like we were just like in the lab trying to figure out we were trying like a whole bunch of, like, genre bending, like between, like, all right, cool. What does drills sound like with R&B or cool? Hey, what does a folk sounds like with these, uh, pop drums behind it? Like, we was trying a whole bunch of stuff and, uh, for lack of better words, kind of felt lost. So, uh, when we got to like, hey, figuring out, like, what traps or what tracks to put on us, like, all right, cool. We know we like our, like, dirty South hip hop. Like, we got that. We got our fast paced, like, all right. Cool. Hey, let me show you some lyrical miracle stuff, like, hey, I can put bars together and be witty. Uh, let me make my quote unquote, like, love song for the radio. Uh, and then finally, like, let me make my song where I can be vulnerable and, uh. Yeah, with four songs. It was just each song had like a cardinal direction to it. So yeah, Lost Compass was a was a thing.

Sharon Cline: It was like an evolution of figuring it out.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like it was because, yeah, I.

Sharon Cline: On the fly, you know.

Dope Chris Taylor: Literally on the fly. Like, I kid you not, because I remember just like sending him a hey, man, we’re gonna roll with this. And whatever happens, happens. And again, like, it’s crazy because the reception of it, everybody. And this was kind of like the purpose of Lost Compass. Like, people have songs they gravitate to where some people like shopping in Japan because it’s got that southern feel. It was a slower tempo. Some people loved the honesty of, uh, of somewhere away of just like, you know, like, hey, I want to cry, but I’m scared to cry in public. Or some people like the crazy talk of, uh, anywhere I reside, because it’s like it’s the cockiness. It’s the confidence. It’s like, yo, you put me anywhere on this earth, I’m going to thrive, or vice versa. Some people like the make me weak, where it’s just like you hear stuff that is, for lack of better words, crazy, but crazy in love, if you will. But yeah, it was just, like I said, just being lost in different directions. But at the same time, just knowing that we’re progressing.

Sharon Cline: How did you find your producer?

Dope Chris Taylor: Panda was who? This is going to be a story. So, uh, we reach out like we’d known each other since high school. Like he’s my brother’s best friend. I actually met him. Uh, I met him at a, like, college football rivalry from high schools. And, uh, there was a riot that broke out. And I remember, uh, my brother calling me to come pick him and Panda up. And so, like, picked him up, uh, tried to get out of there. Pop the tire. Cool. Yada yada. Uh, we didn’t really connect too much after that, but then years later, found out he was making music. And, uh. Yeah, Once we kind of, like, linked up, it was just like a yo, let’s just see how far we can go. Because I thought going back to the imposter syndrome, like, I thought like, oh, cool. His beats are way too good for me. Like, ah. And then when he heard me rap, he was just like, oh, he would never rap with me. So, like, it was cool to be, like, fans of each other. Like. Yeah. So like, we just became like one of those things where there’s like a certain list of, like, people where I’m just like, alright, cool. Like, hey, if I let’s just say for sake of argument, like, I make a living off music, I need to find some way to like, help bring them along. Or at least. Yeah, he’s like one of them because, uh, I joke around, he was rocking with me back when I tried to put like, 57 words in, like, one line, and I was mumbling and it was like, yeah, like, he saw the journey and he’s super patient and we’re patient with each other because we also we also understand we gotta live life. That’s like, not everything could be music 24 seven because then what else is there to talk about? You know?

Sharon Cline: True. So to balance yourself a little.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. So, yeah. No, that’s how we met. We met at a high school, and then we’re still friends to this day. Like, we still making music. And we also encourage each other to, for lack of better words, just go outside of the genre. Like, because, I mean, for lack of better words, like, yo, if we trying to just like stay limited to like not necessarily not discrediting rap because rap is always going to be my foundation. But I know if I like country or pop or gospel or R&B or blues or folk music, why not have those influences in my music? Because that’s part of who I am. Same thing with, uh, Panda. Like that’s part of who he is. So it’s just like, hey, let’s just go to these extremes that we love, let’s make the music we want. And whatever happens, happens. You know.

Sharon Cline: I like it because we were talking before at an event. That’s where I met you, um, about the fact that all kinds of music is interesting to every different kind of genre has an interest in you. So you were saying that, um, what were we talking were we talking about Frank Sinatra? I can’t remember, but like, we were talking about.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, you’re talking about my my weird. Oh, yeah. My weird music theory. Yeah. The spider web.

Sharon Cline: Oh, yeah. Let’s talk about that a little bit.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. No, I’m a firm believer. Like, hey, like, music is like a spider web where you got, like, your stream extreme genres on the outside. Like, you know, like your country classical, uh, you know, rap, uh, heavy metal. And, like, the closer you get to the middle, that’s where you start getting, like, those genre blending, like, you know, like hip hop or like all these other different things. And so, like, it’s almost weird now. It’s just like, I may not I may not know. Oh, hey, I like rock and roll, but hey, I might need an introduction to make me like rock and roll or same thing with, uh, blues, same thing with country, stuff like that. So it’s just like I try not to write off any genre because I know, hey, maybe this is not the gateway song to get me to go into this genre. And so like. Yeah. So I always like, be curious to like people’s like, oh hey, what do you listen to now from a standpoint like, oh, you listen to trash. It’s like, all right, cool. I kind of have an idea what might be your gateway song. And then. Yeah, like, I’m a firm believer, like, because most music, most music is personal. Like, that’s what’s so dope about music is just like you’re getting to see somebody’s personal. So that views their experiences. And then plus dog like it’s, you never know what you’re gonna find. Like it’s like hidden gems. So like yeah. So yeah, that’s my theory about, like, music, like it’s a spiderweb. It’s all connected. All I, all I can ask is just like, yeah, just be open to find the gateway to the next genre.

Sharon Cline: That’ll be your your next album. Name. Spiderweb. I’m just letting you know.

Dope Chris Taylor: Write it down the notes.

Sharon Cline: Writing it down seems like a natural fit. Um, but I was thinking, I’ve never heard hip hop before, and I’m, like, embarrassed to admit that.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, it’s.

Sharon Cline: Okay. My vernacular ever. Yeah, I said it is.

Dope Chris Taylor: There’s a lot of genres that I’m not even gonna lie to you, I don’t know. And I think that’s also the cool thing about music. There’s, there’s we listen to a new song every hour on the hour. I’m still not going to listen to all the songs in the world. So like, it’s kind of crazy to like, see, like, hey, how do music, like, become one? Like, like I said, I don’t know. I can’t even tell you any hip hop songs because I know the genre. I just don’t know it. But like, even with one of the groups I am, I’m part of called the family name. Like that group consists of me and rapper, uh, a jazz singer and a folk artist who plays the banjo.

Sharon Cline: Oh my gosh. So interesting.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yes. But like, because, like, on paper, you’re just like, how did this how did this even happen? But like, yo, we already cut like three tracks where it’s just like, oh, yeah, like how fun. Yeah. Like, it’s, it’s one of those things where it’s just like, kind of going back to for me, like my personal goal is to say I want to make music with people I enjoy. Like, you don’t have to be like the biggest name or like most talented. Just like, can we actually hang out and do you have a good soul? If you got good soul and good character, yeah, let’s kick it. Like, let’s see what comes about, because it’s like, I’m not saying I want to make sure I’m very clear. I’m not saying disregard the money because like, I think if you want to make a living off like music or honestly any like any creative side, I think you need to understand the business side, but also don’t let the business side like mess up the creativity. Like, I think it’s like two hats or there’s like 50 hats. But for now, for this example, you have two hats where you have to fulfill. But yeah, like as far as like the creative side, you know, if we make cash cool, we make trash. Like it’s okay. Like we just have fun with the process and that’s dope.

Sharon Cline: So I think it’s neat the creative aspect of music or any media. There’s something so cool about making something that didn’t exist a little bit ago, you know, like before you showed up and then you wrote a song, and now this song is alive. It exists. And it didn’t before. There’s just something so special about that. And I’m wondering if that’s what it was like for you in writing the album The Lost Compass. And, um, I also actually wanted to ask you, for those who are listening, what is the style like? How can they how can you compare your style to someone’s. Ooh, it sounds different. Like it’s different. Yeah. The average.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like so the way I would describe my style, like I like I’m a lyrical miracle baby meaning like, hey, I like to be witty. But as I grown as a songwriter, I look for lines that like, make an impact. Like, sometimes I don’t need to be like, oh, you know, there’s a, you know, quadruple meaning under this one line. It’s just like, all right, cool. I’m a rap nerd, so I love that. But at the same time, sometimes the biggest impacts can be like, yo! Um, you know, hey, you make me feel special whenever we talk. You mention your son like so. Some people might be like, why is that so special? But then, hey, if you are in, like, in a relationship with somebody, where or you’re pursuing somebody where, hey, they feel comfortable enough to bring their children to you. Like, that’s a really special moment. Or if you want to be, like, more lighthearted, like, I want you to want me like you want those Arby’s cheese sticks. Like there’s nothing like I remember somebody asking me about that. They were just like, yo, how did you come that you’re so creative. That’s clever. I was just like, nah, I was trying to court a girl. And her favorite snack was Arby’s cheesesteaks. And so, like, I was making a song to her. I was just like, I really just want you to want me. Like, you want Arby’s cheesesteaks. Like, it’s real. Like it’s personal. So, like, yeah, uh, it just comes to life in a whole weird way. Like, it’s.

Sharon Cline: How you go with the girl, by the way. Just.

Dope Chris Taylor: It did not.

Sharon Cline: Go. I’m really sorry.

Dope Chris Taylor: You wrote a.

Sharon Cline: Whole song and everything. Oh, man.

Dope Chris Taylor: It’s okay. It was, uh, fun fact, uh, I wrote the song, and it was wild because it was almost like a. Oh, man. Like I’m trying to make it work, but you’re not trying to make it work. All right. Cool. And then I distinctly remember I had a concert, and I did not plan for her to show up, and she showed up and to perform that song in front of her. And for the greater. I’m glad that, uh, she didn’t recognize some of the lines because, like, I’m sure she looked back and, like, listened to the song. She was like, you were talking about me. I’m glad she did not pick that up because, uh, yeah, that was, uh, when I saw her walk in. I was just like, ooh.

Sharon Cline: This could be a moment.

Dope Chris Taylor: This could be a moment. This is my first show. I’m already nervous. Yeah. And then walking her like, yeah, she didn’t like in the front, but she was like, within, like, distance. I’m just like, oh. All right. Cool. Chris, are we gonna cut the song or are we gonna ride with it? And yeah, we rolled with it and yeah, all is well.

Sharon Cline: What was it like to perform live?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yo! Performing live is like a man. It’s like a natural, like elevated feeling because it’s just like it almost becomes a conversation. Like when, like I try to be a student of the game, like, watch, like different performance, go to different concerts, see how people like, you know, just like, interact with the crowd and see, like what resonates with me. Like I’m a firm believer of like the storytelling, the process, just being human. So like whenever I do shows like, yeah, I kind of let people know, like, hey, here’s what I’m feeling. Like, hey, here’s the background to the song, like or like, yeah, like if you like if you just having a bad day, hey, let’s just leave that behind. Like, hey, like it’s cool. Like it’s really just to me. It’s just like, hey, I just want to see excitement. Some people voices. Sometimes it might be like a karaoke song where I might do a cover of a song just to have the crowd participate, because at the end of the day, it’s just like, yo, I’m a firm believer that everybody can do anything in the world right now. So like if somebody like spent especially spent money. Spent money. Come see me. Oh, yeah. No, I want to make sure you have a great time because. Yeah. Nah, you could have spent that money on food. You could spend that money on anything. Spend your time on anything. So. Yeah. So I just want to make sure, like I give, like a just a good hearted feeling. Just make sure people like, feel the same type of, like, happiness and experience. I do so like. Yeah. So like it’s just it just becomes like a cool event you know.

Sharon Cline: Mhm. How do you market yourself in an online presence. I saw on your website you’ve got all the socials and all the links to everything. Do you have, do you feel like you’ve got to promote yourself like with TikTok. Like where a lot of artists do. How do you how do you promote yourself?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, that is that is the question for every artist content creator out there because, uh, yeah. So obviously with the social medias, uh, word of mouth merchandise, uh, dope. Chris Taylor. I gotta make sure I shout that out where you can get like, the Good People merch. Uh, a lot of merch. Honestly. Truthfully, just kind of come from things that I naturally say. So just like if you ask my like, people from, like my day job to hear me say, yo, yo, yo, what’s going on? Good people. So it’s just like, yeah, just things that resonate within me and then kind of find a way to like, merch that out. But, uh, yeah, just trying to make sure, like, the content, like, doesn’t be like, oh, hey, Chris is doing a backflip off the train. Yeah. No, I don’t even know how to do a backflip. That’s it. I’m like, you’re just.

Sharon Cline: You’re a musician.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like it’s just like trying to make sure the things that I put out there, like, relate to the content. And then, uh, also kind of just find different ways to show people. Me. I think that’s the way I kind of go about marketing was just like, hey, I want to show people, like, not necessarily, oh, hey, here’s my address. You know, uh, one, two, three.

Sharon Cline: Main.

Dope Chris Taylor: Street. Yeah. Um, yeah. It’s not nothing like that. It’s just like, uh. All right. Cool. Let me just show you the. Hey, here’s the artist. Here’s the person. There are some things that obviously I want to keep private just because, uh, I realized that, hey, my life or the people in my life may not want as much attention, which is, you know, very understandable, because I get it.

Sharon Cline: Well, these days, there’s really no limit to what people can find. And it can be bullied online 24 over seven.

Dope Chris Taylor: That’s and that’s what’s kind of crazy. And that’s one of the things where the older I get, the more I kind of get conscious about as far as just like, all right, cool. Like, hey, and am I putting somebody’s even? Let’s just say for the sake of argument, like, if I’m writing a song to somebody, am I putting enough information out there for somebody can get like bullied or harassed or stuff like that? Even if I got like, I don’t have no bad blood with nobody, but, uh, let’s just say for the sake of argument, like I have like a girl. So somebody I’m not going to just be like, oh, yeah. Uh, this person, Jane Doe at one, two, three. Uh, Main Street is a horrible person. And then. No. First of all, that’s a lawsuit. Second of all, it’s just like, no. Because people sometimes, sometimes online can be like a blessing to be like, hey, can be uplifting, but sometimes it can be like a horrible place where people just kind of like, for lack of better words, want to see you fall, to be like, oh, hey, it’s my job to humble you. Is it really your job? I thought your job was a XYZ.

Sharon Cline: So, you know, it’s hard because I think, I mean to say it’s hard. It’s like too simplistic. But to try to strike a balance between being out there in a public way, but also to to not put yourself in a position to be targeted. But you also want to succeed and believe in yourself, which is very triggering for a lot of people who don’t, you know, in themselves. And they there’s a lot of jealousy, obviously, about and envy about people who are successful. I haven’t had to deal with that quite yet because it’s, you know, it’s just a small little radio show here in Woodstock, Georgia. But who knows what’ll come. I’m just saying, I don’t I don’t know how I would be able to manage trying to grow and not and also have a thick skin for that kind of thing and feel protective of my family.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah.

Sharon Cline: Um, that would be very difficult. I think for me, it’s hard. It’s it’s hard to know how how far and wide things go because they go viral and you don’t know, you could be on TikTok just saying one little thing, and the next thing you know, that’s what’s going around for 48 hours.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh for sure. Like, it’s it’s crazy because like you said, just like, yo, I want to make sure, like, you know, the people that I care about are, like, safe as most like, as much as I can protect them. Uh, it’s weird because I had to. And granted, I know it’s definitely sensitive soul, but I had to train myself from a creative standpoint where when I do get feedback from, like, my loved ones or the people I trust to give me musical feedback, I’m like, hey, they’re coming from a place of love. They’re not coming from a hey, I’m trying to make sure you don’t get too big for your britches. But, uh, once, once I kind of go through the ringer with some of that stuff. I’ll be all right. Cool. Hey, I’ll throw it out there, and then whatever happens, happens. Like, someone might be like, oh, Chris, you talk with a mumble. Hey, you don’t enunciate all your words. All right. Cool. You’re right. And then, like, that’s it. Like it’s at the end of the day, it’s just like, hey, there’s some comments. That was like wild. Like, I remember, uh, I can’t remember the video, but there was like, somebody was just like, you don’t sound like, you know, you hit the education system or the. I was just like, dawg, I got like a college degree, like, what are we talking right now? Like. But I mean, at the same time, it’s like, I get it. I charge it to the game like it’s it’s one of those things where I try to double down on either I’m extremely invested or hey, or whatever happens that happens. And what I mean by that is like, hey, I really care about the people opinion, who I really care about. If it’s not somebody within that circle, then hey, I’m not going to let that opinion just, like, bother me because, hey, somebody’s just trying to make somebody else feel bad. And I get it like negative energy, like negative energy and misery loves company.

Sharon Cline: And we’re not doing that.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, I like to be by myself being happy. We talking about like, oh, hey. So now I’m just trying to make sure that, hey, I got my circle around me. Uh, make sure to have the accountability there. Make sure I have the uplift in there. Go back to being mindful. The tongue. And then. Plus, I ain’t even trying to sound like cocky or confident. It’s just like dog. If you hear my, like, subject matter and you’re hating on me, I’m just like, dawg, like, what are we hating on? Like, I’m not, I’m not talking about, you know, embarrassing you. It’s just, hey, I’m just somebody that’s trying to have fun and at the same time, give some lessons out to people who can do it bigger and better than me.

Sharon Cline: What’s your big dream?

Dope Chris Taylor: Ooh. Good question. My big dream. Hmm. So, my big dream. I want to be the example, like, you know, like if you when you tell your kids you can be anything you want. I want to be an example for them. I don’t want them to be like, oh, hey, you can be anything you want. And they’d be like, but daddy, you’re not what you want. I’ll be like, ooh, life got real for me. But like, now, like I want to like, show my kids. Like, hey, like you can make. You can really do whatever you want. And let me be the example of that. So like, hey, I will show like the good, the bad and the ugly to them. Not from a standpoint of just like, oh yeah, you know, you got to grind it out. Just like, hey, there’s a lot of work that comes to this lifestyle that not even just music, but that creative lifestyle. But it can be so rewarding. Like it’s just like, oh, watching my, like, family come see me perform. Or like, I remember, uh, being at Cass Cafe and, like, seeing, like, a wave of people like, have like Chris dope Chris Taylor shirts on. Like, it was very nerve wracking. But at the same time it’s just like, yo, all these sacrifices were worth it. Like, So that’s my big dream. Like, I want to inspire people to chase their dreams and be willing to put in the work and trust the process as well as just like, aspire my own kids. Like, if I do that, I’m good. I’m good to leave this earth.

Sharon Cline: I heard like I wanted to, I don’t know, I was expecting you to say something like, well, you know, I really want to win a Grammy and blah, blah, blah, but that’s not at all what you said. You really want to be an inspiring person. You want to help other people feel they can do their own music. Which is why I think you’re such a great fit for Fearless Formula, because that is kind of the whole the whole goal of that is to, of the show is to have people kind of see someone else’s journey and maybe take courage and inspiration for their own. But yeah, I somehow thought, you know, you’re going to have this big story about, yeah, you know, I want to be play at with State Farm Arena, whatever. But you’re really like looking at it more from a spirit side.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like it’s because I think I always go back to, like, what music did for me as a child, I always remember, like having, like certain songs on Pete and like, and I still say I’m weird for this, but like, I would listen to like one song, especially if, like, resonates with me, like for a whole day on repeat and like just nerd out about it. So like, I think about, like, all right, cool. Hey, I’m grateful for the artist, and especially if I have a chance to, like, see those artists in person. Yeah. Thank them. Even my friends that do music. Yeah. Like, I’ll listen to them on repeat just because it’s just like, yo, hey, they got something that’s touching. So yeah. Now, like, as dope as it now I want to make sure I’m on the record. Yeah. Hey, I want a Grammy state for all that. That’d be cool. I’m not gonna be like. No, like, no, like I.

Sharon Cline: Don’t get that big.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. No. Yeah. No, I don’t want the million dollar checks or the yacht or the big houses. Oh, no, I’m not gonna say that. But yeah, like, if that comes with. That’s awesome. That’s great. But, uh, no. Like from a, like, truly, truly good point. Like, I just want to make music that, like, like feel good, like. I’m fortunate. Like, I got I got a great day job. They don’t hate me. Uh. They are. Yeah. They haven’t fired me yet. Like, they don’t hate me. They haven’t fired me. Uh, they’re super supportive of the music. Uh, they listen to me talk cash crazy. Uh, there was a funny story. Uh, I was at a conference out in Switzerland, and, uh, they found out, you know, I was a rapper, and I was like, yeah, you know, rap. And I ended up doing, like, an impromptu rap, like at the, uh, at our strategy meeting, which was super dope. And, uh, I remember we were going back to the, uh, restaurant and, you know, everybody was talking, you know, you got background music, and I’m just like, wait a minute. I realized somebody went to, like, the restaurant owner and said, hey, can you change it to this person’s music?

Sharon Cline: That was your music?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like they started playing. I remember, like, first of all, I remember, uh, I was like, oh, this is cool. And then there’s one song I was just like, hey guys, I value my job. Can you skip this? You can listen to anything else, but I value my job enough to know, like, hey, ego is not getting in the way of this. I value my consistent paycheck. Like, it’s cool to pay some bills, but yeah, no, for the greater good, guys. Let’s, uh, let’s skip this, but. Yeah.

Sharon Cline: Oh, but how funny. And how what what was that like to be like in that restaurant environment and then, like, hear your own voice?

Dope Chris Taylor: It was so real because it was just like, uh, like it wasn’t like a. Oh, somebody told me like, oh, Chris, you’re on. It was just like, I’m, you know, you’re just having regular conversation. You’re just like, wow, this song sounded really familiar. And then like, when you actually, like, get through, like the noise, you’re like, oh, this is me. Like, this is like.

Sharon Cline: My.

Dope Chris Taylor: Song. Yeah. Like it’s not like, oh, I told the DJ, hey, man, can you put some like, somebody went out to request me cuz it’s not like, oh hey, I’m getting played on like VH1 on three or hot 1 or 7.9. It’s just like, oh, this is Also, I’m not in America right now. I’m in Europe. So it’s just like that’s.

Sharon Cline: What played in Europe.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Like so it’s just like, yo, it’s it was like a super surreal moment and, uh.

Sharon Cline: It’s a magical moment.

Dope Chris Taylor: Oh, yeah. No, I’m not gonna lie to you. That was hard to go to sleep that night because as much I was like, oh, you know, skip this one song in the back of my mind, I was like, yes, I’m just like, I’m doing everything because it was just like, yo. Like it’s almost just like, uh, there’s this book I love called The Alchemist and, uh, yeah, one of my favorite books, and it’s just like, hey, it’s almost like a to me. It was like, hey, this is a sign that you want to right track. It’s like there’s like little things that keep reminding me. Hey, just keep going. Hey, just keep going. Hey, there might be some times where you might feel like, hey, this is not it. Just keep going. Like, here’s your one little breadcrumb. I haven’t run out of breadcrumbs yet, so I’m just gonna keep going.

Sharon Cline: So that’s amazing.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. So that was. Yeah, that was one of those like that was actually like a whole loaf of bread when that happened. I ain’t gonna lie to you. I was just I was eating good. I was eating good.

Sharon Cline: So what advice would you give someone who’s interested in in pursuing music?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Uh, the advice I would give like, hey, first of all, let the creative side be free. Let it be fun. Don’t move in with expectations. Like, I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but it’s okay to suck like it’s okay to suck. It’s okay to not be where you want. Matter of fact, I think that’s a good thing. Because if you’re not where you want from a oh, the execution standpoint, you can always improve the execution. Just keep putting up shots, keep showing up. And then when it comes to the business side, yeah, just, uh, be a student. I’m not saying you have to be like, oh, touching all bases, but yeah, like, understand the business, understand that, uh, networking horizontally is great and fantastic. Like, some of my friends that are in better positions than me are helping me grow and vice versa. Like, hey, there’s some people that are newer than me that I’m trying to give advice to as well. Like just be a student. If you’re a student forever. You’re never going to fail like so. I would just tell people, yeah, just enjoy the process. Enjoy the journey.

Sharon Cline: If there’s a way for people to get in touch with you, if they have any questions, what would be the best way?

Dope Chris Taylor: Best way would probably be my social media. I’m a dope. Chris Taylor all social media platforms. That’s Twitter or X formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, uh, all of them. Uh.

Sharon Cline: You also have a Spotify, right?

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. Spotify, Apple Music, uh, all that good fun. I got a website. Dope. Chris taylor.com. Uh, yeah. I mean.

Sharon Cline: You’re doing all the things.

Dope Chris Taylor: All of the things. Like, if you really want to talk to me, there’s you can find me, like, just be like, oh, yeah. Hey. What’s up? And I’ll probably be like, oh, hey, what’s going on? And then, hey, let’s start a convo.

Sharon Cline: I can’t thank you enough for coming to the studio because we rescheduled and I normally don’t do that, but you were so kind to me about it, so thank you for that. But also being willing to talk about the music industry, not in terms of I want to conquer the world. It’s really more I want to enjoy what I’m experiencing. And that’s definitely a different take than what I’ve heard before.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. No thank you. Like thank you for having me up here. Like it’s crazy because, uh, in my mindset, I know this is not the popular, like, road to take with music just to, hey, let’s make music that we enjoy. But that’s to me, that’s like the music that people love and remember. Like, you know, everybody likes to talk about the deep cuts. Then, hey, let me just make a deep cut, Chris. And yeah, here we are.

Sharon Cline: Well, what you’re saying is, in my mind, it feels like the journey is is what is considered or enjoying the journey is what is considered success.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah, yeah.

Sharon Cline: Because people define it differently. But like, yeah, yeah.

Dope Chris Taylor: Because at the end of the day, like, hey to me, you woke up, you chose to pursue what you want to do. That’s a win regardless of the results. Like my motto for 2025 and hopefully for the rest of my life is hey, we don’t celebrate the results, we celebrate the effort. So yeah.

Sharon Cline: I love it. There’s so many good quotes.

Dope Chris Taylor: Well, hey, the music artist popping.

Sharon Cline: Up there, it was. Well, I can’t thank you enough for coming. I’ve just so enjoyed chit chatting with you, and I’d love to kind of follow along where your journey takes you, because it’s kind of to me, it seems pretty unique. So please come back sometime and share more about what you’ve learned along the way. And um, and yeah, thank you. Thank you for being a really cool human.

Dope Chris Taylor: Yeah. No. Thank you. And hey, until next time.

Sharon Cline: Until next time. And thank you all for listening to Fearless Formula on Business RadioX. And again, this is Sharon Cline reminding you with knowledge and understanding we can all have our own fearless formula. Have a great day.