D.Black, co-owner of Seattle's Sportn' Life Records and full-time, big-time hiphop MC and producer, took a few minutes out of his increasingly busy life to talk to Seattlest about what he's been up to the past few months. Where you've seen him recently: hosting Grynch's album release on January 27th, or rocking the fog machine and The Life medallion on Day Two of The Program back in December. Catch him this Friday night:

8pm doors, Friday, Feb 1 // D. Black @ Chop Suey // All ages, bar w/ID. $7 in advance

What have you been up to for the past six months or so? Professionally, artistically, personally?

I’ve been working on my new record, Life & Legacy, and preparing for my daughter who’s scheduled to arrive this March. A lot of soul searching has definitely been apart of these changes I face. I feel our company (Sportn’ Life) has grown a lot, inside and out, and we plan on doing more this year. We’ve been working on the Kingzmen and SK records. I’ve been staying really busy.

Who are you excited about in local hiphop these days?

All of it is pretty exciting, I think. I believe it's appropriate to say Blue Scholars have been putting in a lot of work; its been a great experience watching what moves they make. But there’s so much going on this year, a new Grynch album (which is amazing, BTW), the Cancer Rising EP, Tobacco Road (Common Market’s latest), Sharp Skills' new record and plenty more to look forward to. I’m excited for what this year will bring all together.

What compels you about hiphop? What do you love about it?

The freedom of it, the jobs it creates, the social part of it, and even sometimes the politics of it. I personally love the feeling of being on stage in front of people, expressing and interacting. I love the rush of it. It has been my cure many days.

What's your favorite place to get a sandwich in Seattle?

My absolute favorite place to get an sandwich from is the Sub Shop on Rainier and Henderson. I love it better then Subway, although they’re not bad either. I like the Roast Beef and Pepperoni samichez!!! (LOL)

When you're not producing, performing, or listening to music, what are you doing with your life these days?

I love to play Madden... if anybody wants to get at me. But, on the flip side, I try to stay very active in the community. During the summers, I usually work at the Union Gospel Mission’s Youth Reach Out Center as a Youth Ministry Counselor. I love sharing Christ, and just teaching good moral values and healthy relationships to youth. It was done for me when I was younger. I believe it's vital in this day and age that we all play our part in young people's lives.

Any hints for musicians or performers who are just starting out their career? What's your secret for success?

Do you... 100%!!! The real you; don’t be afraid to do it. Examine yourself, strengths and weaknesses. You will find TRUE success when you pursue where your genius appears. A fish swims, a bird flies... What about you?

Personally, Seattlest is really good at typing. Thanks, D.Black! Seattle, don't miss Friday's "Four Star Friday" show at Chop Suey, featuring D.Black, Grayskul, The Physics, Kingzmen, and SK.