Hip-Hop Hall of Fame Inductee, The Original Human beatbox, Doug E. Fresh, Is Still Droppin' Knowledge!  

Hip-Hop Hall of Fame inductee Doug E. Fresh, the Legendary Original Human Beatbox and Creator of "The Dougie," Drops Knowledge with Every Beat of His Heart! 

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Doug E. Fresh is not only a rapper, beatboxer, and record producer but also widely recognized as "The World's Greatest Entertainer" by his peers. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, the Lifetime Achievement honor at The Source Awards in 2004, and the Icon award at the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards.   

As the original founding member of The Get Fresh Crew" consisting of Fresh, Slick Rick, Chill Will & DJ Barry B., he has written and recorded many world-renowned hit songs. Amongst his singles are "The Show," "Keep Rising To The Top," and "La-Di-Da-Di," among others. His latest hit single, "This One Is For Chuck Brown," is a tribute to one of his musical heroes, Chuck Brown, who is widely known as the Godfather of Go-Go. In honor of Fresh, many millennial rappers have written songs, including the 2009 chart-topper "Teach Me How to Dougie," which spawned the international "Dougie" dance craze, "inspired by moves Fresh created in the 80s.  

Doug E. Fresh, the Original Human Beatbox and hip-hop icon, has won numerous awards for his mesmerizing beatbox skills, witty rhymes, and trademark dance moves.  

In our conversation, this talented, unique, and kind hip-hop sensation graciously shared his thoughts about his life and career with me. 

Hi Doug E. Fresh, how are you doing? I'm alright. How are you?  

I'm wonderful. Thank you so much. It was a pleasure connecting with you today. Yes, so how's everything? 

Thank you for taking the time to interview with me today. It is an honor, and I appreciate your valuable time. No, I appreciate it. I have a concert, a charity event, and a sound check soon, but I wanted to make sure I got in this with you. 

I want to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to speak with me today. In a world where integrity and honesty are increasingly rare values, it is truly admirable that you hold them to the highest standards. Your commitment to keeping your word is truly heartwarming and inspiring, and it's no wonder that you are loved and respected by so many in this industry around the globe. Again, thank you for your time and for being such an outstanding example of excellence. I genuinely appreciate it. Thank you.  

My pleasure! In contrast to how many people view celebrities, I see them as people with real feelings and a daily life like everyone else. On the other hand, I find it fascinating to learn about a person's humanity. Speaking of which, could you share some insight into the daily routine of Doug E. Fresh?   

First of all, getting solid sleep is a must for me. Therefore, I must do everything I can to get it. Everyone needs sufficient sleep for the hours required to function at their best. That's the key to everything. 

If you're trying to wake up by the clock, that's not good. So, I try to get at least seven hours of sleep because I travel so much. My daily routine involves getting up and taking care of the basics, which includes washing my face and brushing my teeth. My teeth are very important to me, so I maintain a high standard of dental hygiene. In fact, my dental hygiene is exceptional and goes beyond the norm. 

Once I have taken care of the essentials, I run around 5-6 miles. Running opens me up, and gets the electric energy flowing. Once that is done, I can focus on my other daily obligations. My health is my top priority because if I'm not in good health, I can't help anyone else. Usually, after that, I practice the music and rehearse my performance. Once that's done, I move on to the next thing.   

There are also many people I help. Every day, I address problems and assist people in resolving some of their problems. Because some people have many issues, carrying the weight of those problems can suppress their energy, making them feel like the day is terrible.  

Overall, the two main things that make the day great are getting rest and going for a run. When I can't run because of work, I take a 5–9-mile walk. For me, walking opens everything up. 

I agree with you! The benefits of walking daily are numerous, both mentally and physically. Thank you so much for sharing your daily routine with me.   

Out of all the experiences you've had in your life, what would you say is the most valuable lesson you've learned about life? Most of the things I build around me are based on me taking care of myself, so I can take care of somebody else and that means spiritually I must align myself. 

I have always heard that your health is your wealth. Many only realize the importance of a healthy lifestyle once you find yourself in the hospital fighting for your life against a disease that could have been prevented or delayed. No amount of wealth can make up for the inability to enjoy life due to being bedridden.  

Doug E., have you ever experienced a moment in your life that was so extraordinary that it felt like an encounter with an angel? You might have even said, "Wow, this couldn't have happened." Do you have a quick story like that to share with me? Well, around the time when I won a BET Hip Hop award, my mom had recently passed. And when I was on stage, I could actually feel my mother's energy and spirit right there with me at the show. She could not physically be there, but I felt the vibration of my mother so strong that nobody could have ever told me that my mother was not there with me.  

So, it was the best feeling. It was. Despite my desire for my mother to be there physically at that monumental moment, I felt that my mother did not miss it. Nobody could convince me that what happened didn't happen.  

God bless you. I pray that the Lord continues to bring you comfort and peace in your heart. I am sure that your mother was a beautiful, kind, and loving queen. I did not know her personally, but her character is evident through your kindness. The fact that she raised a man of excellence, talent, and intellect speaks volumes. Her gift to us is you, which we are privileged to enjoy. Again, I congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you God's blessings.  Thank you so much. I appreciate that. 

As we talk about the blessings of life, I want to acknowledge that you have six incredible sons. What is the most important thing you want to pass on to them even after you're gone? What do you want them to remember throughout their lives? Oh, that's a great question. I hope they will follow some of the basic things I have taught them, such as: don't make money, your God. Leave God as God and make your money be the thing that you enjoy in your life. Don't sell your soul for money.   

I don't drink, smoke, or eat meat. I haven't consumed meat since around 1980 or so. Therefore, I lead a clean, healthy, and good life.   

Also, I want to emphasize to my sons the importance of exercising and taking good care of themselves. This way, they can live a long and healthy life. I want them to be mindful of how they treat others, including women, children, animals, and nature. I want them to understand how these wise principles can benefit their lives.  

I want to leave something more meaningful to them than just material possessions like a house, car, or bank account. While these things are valuable and can help you along the way, I don’t believe that they make life truly complete. Therefore, I want to leave behind the intangible pieces of myself that will make a lasting impact on their lives. 

I agree. You know, I own a lot of different properties, but I sleep on a twin mattress. You know what I'm saying?   

Yes. I don't even sleep on the big king bed with the unbelievable frame. I could do all those things, but I sleep just as well, if not better, on that mattress when my mind is at peace.    

That's why I tell people, "You're out here living in the world, but you're really living inside of here, so you should try to make a very nice place to live." You know what I mean? 

Absolutely. It's lovely to hear you have such valuable life lessons to pass on to your children. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Whenever someone talks about doing something in the distant future or when they're older, I encourage them to start living their dreams today. Why wait for tomorrow when it's not guaranteed? Doug E., you've achieved so much already, but what else do you still want to accomplish? You know, while watching documentaries about Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, I was deeply moved. Watching those documentaries made me realize that not only did I want to continue doing more of what I had been doing, but I also wanted to make more albums, television shows, and films and create more experiences that bring people joy. 

"I would like to do more major concerts and tours with bigger productions, similar to when I performed at Yankee Stadium with Snoop and Rick. It was a beautiful thing, but I would love to come back and perform for 50,000 people with the right lineup. When I saw Beyoncé's show, I was impressed and thought it would be nice to perform at a show like that, showcasing the level of skills I have acquired over the years." 

Another thing I want to do is become better at the things that I do already, and I want to become better as a person. I believe that life is about continuous improvement and not about settling or staying the same. You're either going up or down, but rarely, if at all, are you staying the same because life is not like that.  

I even practice with new dancers because I want to learn more. I'm always thinking about new things I could do with "the beatbox," I am constantly striving to improve my rhyming, melodies, ear, and playing harmonica. There is always more to learn, do, and enjoy. 

I'm not satisfied with what I've done. What I mean by that is I enjoyed and appreciate it, but I know there's so much more to come. "AI" (Artificial intelligence) is coming, so I might have to do a record with AI. We may have to do something together. (laughs)   

Yes. You can't get crusty in this business, that's for sure. (Laughs) You know what I mean? So, I embrace technology and change. I don't run away from it and am not afraid of it. 

Speaking of courageous moves, what's the bravest thing you've ever done? Wow, what is the most courageous thing I've ever done? Well, to make music, open your spirit, tell the truth, sing songs, and talk about your experiences that's courageous. When someone puts their honesty on the line, it can be a powerful moment that leaves a lasting impression on others.  

"I remember when I was 14 years old, I went to a place called 'Harlem World.' I got on stage, and I was the youngest one there. I wasn't afraid; I just knew that the only way to make it happen was to have heart and believe in myself. This memory made me realize I wasn't afraid to pursue my dreams. I always went for what I envisioned and made it a reality. That's the main thing for me."  

Yes, I firmly believe in being fearless when pursuing your dreams. Absolutely! "As a deep analytical thinker, I am constantly analyzing things such as myself, things I don't understand about the world, and certain people within the world. I am always in deep thought. Through my observations, I have realized that many creative people are also deep thinkers. Therefore, I think this question is especially appropriate for you.  

Sometimes, I feel heartbroken when I think about how some people fail to appreciate the life, gifts, and opportunities God has given them to bless others. It's disheartening to see them remain stagnant and not use their potential. Additionally, it burdens me when people don't show love and kindness to one another. So, Doug E., what weighs heavy on your heart? I'm burdened by the fact that we're living in 2024, and there are so many wars going on around the world. I think it's terrible. This is something I never thought I would see in my lifetime. With the advancement of technology, I thought we as a people would have improved too.   

Despite that, I understand why, and it's because I believe that many people have mental illnesses, whether they are in powerful positions or just living on the street.  

When we kill and hurt each other with Black-on-Black crime, or Black-on-Black murder and stuff like that, I think that is a terrible thing to watch, us hurting each other and stuff like that.   

Seeing people murder innocent people or burn down churches saddens me even more. Even the whole George Floyd thing. Those things bother me because I know we're better than that. I don't look at black and white; I look at wrong and right.   

That's right. Some people get caught up in black and white, but I don't. I look at ways I can make the world a better place, and I can do that by making myself a better person. And you can't make the world better without making yourself a better person. This is why I advocate getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising, and treating people how you want to be treated.   

It's a process because you might be having a bad day, and you might feel like you don't want to treat them well because you're angry and you want to curse them out, but that's not going to be the best thing for you, because if you do that, you're destroying yourself in a way.   

Although you think that white man, Asian man, or Latino man is not you, that's you! Just like you, they have children, families, and feelings.   

Therefore, we need to learn how to resolve issues without getting angry. Anger is an interesting word because if you put a "D" in front of it, you get danger. And most people who act in anger regret it later. So, those kinds of things bother me more.  

Now, I do feel that sometimes people try to use people, and that can be annoying, but it doesn't bother my spirit as much when it's a situation like, "C'mon, man, stop trying to get me to do all your work." (laughs) You know, stop trying to play me. (laughs)  

"I find it hilarious how people can sometimes behave. Doug E., I know you are passionate about your vegetarian diet, which is excellent. I follow a vegan diet and even make my vegan cheese and butter. I would love to know what your favorite meal is so that I can give it a try as well. I don't know if you know this about my family, but we're from Trinidad and Barbados.   

No, I was not aware of that. Many members of the church I attend are also from Trinidad and Barbados. Well, there's a dish in Trinidad called doubles. It's made with soft roti bread and chickpeas cooked in curry. If made correctly, it can be quite shocking how good it tastes. It's absolutely delicious, especially when paired with the right kind of pepper sauce!  

They also serve corn soup with it, which is delicious! 

One of my favorite foods that aligns with my diet is Indian food. I love dishes like Parata and Chana Masala. I often cook Caribbean or vegetarian food myself since I am really good at cooking; I can really get down! However, my best foods are Indian foods, Trinidadian vegetable rotis, and Jamaican I-tal food. 

Doug E., what's Jamaican I-tal food? Jamaican I-tal food is a vegan cuisine prepared by Rastafarians. They make it in a healthy yet flavorful way, and it's simply explosive! And if you're in the UK, you can get your hands on it. 

That sounds great! I love Indian cuisine. I'll definitely try your suggestions. They sound delicious. Thank you for sharing your favorite dishes with me. Whenever I go out to eat, which is not very often, I prefer Thai or Indian cuisine. I have observed that the traditional food in the UK is often quite oily and heavy for my stomach. Therefore, I try to avoid it, especially fish and chips, because the fried floury and greasy coating is unhealthy. Even though they taste good, I do not want to compromise my health by eating them as a regular part of my diet. The occasional fish and chip meal may be ok, but for the most part, I prefer to cook at home. By doing this, I can be sure of what I'm eating. Yeah, because that's not the best, you know. 

Exactly, but I do enjoy Indian food. It's great, I love it! That's my favorite, but lately, I've been trying to limit my intake of starches because starches can be very addictive.   

When we consume starches, they turn into sugar, and the sugar turns to fat. So, if you eat too many starches, you can develop diabetes. And, if a person drinks alcohol, it can turn into fat too, which then turns into diabetes. Because of this, I stay away from starch as much as possible. More than 100 million people worldwide have it, especially in America. It is unbelievable how many people have diabetes. 

Absolutely! These are wise things you're sharing. Thank you so kindly. I firmly believe that a healthy diet can boost the body's natural healing process, especially after age 50, when most health issues arise. 

"I also believe that changing your diet can help you address a variety of issues, including autoimmune conditions. So, I agree with that. Can you tell me more about the events that led you to invent beatboxing? Also, I wanted to ask if your mother supported your decision to pursue beatboxing? My mother was the coolest in the world. She let me discover myself. The beatbox is an interesting thing because I used to play the trumpet in school, and then they cut the music programs; I had to give back the trumpet. So, in all of the exercises I practiced with the trumpet, I learned how to make these different beats.   

I used to walk up and down my neighborhood, and they would have music playing outside of the record stores, so I would mimic the music until I got it down pat. And then I would go to my friend's house, "Barry B," and when I would go there, I would practice.    

"So, one day, his mother came in and said, "Wow, that was a nice beat." He replied, "Mom, that wasn't a beat; that was him." She said, "Really? Wow, well, that was good!" Then Barry suggested I do the same thing in our next show outside, but I said, "No, I'm not doing that."  

"He said, 'I should do it and call it the human beatbox.' I said, 'You think so?' So, I went outside and did it, and that's when the beatbox was born. I created it in '81, but I formally introduced it to the world in '82, and it became the fifth element of hip-hop. There are five elements to hip-hop: the DJ, the MC, the graffiti artist, breakdancing, and beatboxing is the fifth element. 

"I am amazed by your story about how you invented the human beatbox. It's incredible to learn about how you started this phenomenon that is now enjoyed by people all over the world. As a member of the high school graduating class of 1990, it's exciting to have witnessed the introduction of this art form. What an accomplishment!" A lot of people are doing it, but some are not doing it right. Some people are doing what's called "The spitbox" when they should be doing the "beatbox." Beatboxing is like playing the trumpet. When you play the trumpet, you're using more air and percussion. It's in and out, so you have the ability to control the air. Some people spit when they do it, but that's not the beatbox. The real beatbox produces a different sound where the air is controlled. There is a big difference between the two.   

Yes, I agree, and the results are different. The skill and unique sound of the beatbox incites listeners to draw near to hear it, whereas a “The Spitbox” puts people at a distance for fear of getting spat on. Two distinctly different sounds and methods. (laughs) As a germophobe, I'll run for my life if I see “The Spitbox” guy coming my way! (laugh) On another note, I would like to know how the "Get Fresh Crew" came about. Well, I used to practice at Barry's House, and Will and I went to school together. Then, a friend of mine told me about Barry. So, I got Will to come with me to Barry's house, and then we would practice all the time.   

At first, Barry was a part of another group, but his group members went to college and left him behind because he didn't go to college. However, he and I were already practicing together every day at his house, so I felt like he was already a part of my group.  

When things started taking off, I suggested we form a crew, and that's when Barry came up with the name "The Get Fresh Crew." We then got together and performed. Our crew was unique because we had two DJs, which was uncommon then. People thought we were crazy when I insisted on having two DJ sets, but I refused to perform with just one. And that's how it all began.   

Then, I introduced "Slick Rick" to The Get Fresh Crew because we used to take MC contests around the city. Rick was the guy who was always trying to rap, but nobody would give him a real shot. So, I took the time and listened to him, and after hearing his style, I thought it was brilliant.    

Then I grabbed him, and we started practicing. That's when we made up the song "La-Di-Da-Di." We were going around doing rap shows and making money with "La-Di-Da-Di."   

After that, we began to produce some records. I used the earnings from my shows to finance the production of more records. Later, I brought in Slick Rick, Barry B., and Chill Will; our collaboration caused a massive explosion in the industry, and that's how everything started. 

What a wonderful story about how everything started for you! My husband used to be a promoter and remembers meeting you back in the day. He told me that, besides your amazing talent, what really impressed him about you was your kind nature. You were approachable, friendly, and kind. 

He's also a veteran DJ who spins vinyl and still plays your music on his radio shows for the old-school hip-hop hour. He loves your music. So, even in the UK, people are amazed by your talent and great character." Man, I love it over there. In fact, I was just overseas not too long ago, I was in Piccadilly. 

Piccadilly is a lively and entertaining place to spend time. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, and many talented individuals perform on the streets there as well. I love the creative atmosphere of the area. A lot of people get discovered there and go on to achieve great success simply by showcasing their talents on the streets. Speaking of success, may I ask what your first label was? I have been signed to 9 different record labels throughout my career. These include Enjoy Records, Street Wise Records, Vintertainment Records, Atlantic, G Street, Reality Records, later changed to Danya Records, and Motown Records. I believe not many artists have been signed to as many labels as I have.   

What matters the most is having a successful career and completing the job successfully." Sometimes, it takes trying a few things before achieving success. Many people settle for less, even if they feel uncomfortable and discontented. They stay in stressful and toxic situations and suffer as a result. I have never been one to stay in any situation that is not beneficial to my growth and mental health. If a situation is not suitable for you, there is nothing wrong with moving on. I believe courageous people are bold enough not to settle and take action to balance their lives. So, kudos to you! 

Doug E., your career has taken you to many amazing places and allowed you to work with some great people. One of them was Prince. Can you share something that you learned from him creatively that truly touched you? I was deeply moved by Prince's immense passion and unwavering dedication towards his music, stage performance, and overall experience. From what I observed, he lived and breathed his craft, with music being the only thing that consumed his life. I admired this quality in him, as I can relate to it personally because I'm the same way.   

I have never had a traditional job, and I have never worked for anyone else. To become an expert in your field, you must devote your life and energy to your craft. You cannot expect things to happen overnight; you must be willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed. So, I witnessed him dedicate his time and complete attention to his passion.    

One of the qualities I admired about Prince was his incredible sense of humor. We always loved to laugh together as we talked about God, our relationship with Him, and our purposes in life. It was interesting to see how we connected and became close so quickly. We enjoyed creating experiences for people to remember and cherish. 

That's one of the greatest things I learned from him - the importance of being a true artist and enjoying the experience. But it's not just about creating art for art's sake. It's about using your art to make the world a better place. As he grew older, he became more aware of the power of his art and the impact it could have on others. 

I have always believed that with great power comes great responsibility. As I grow older, I realize the importance of being more responsible with the gifts and talents that I have been given. It's not just about saying and doing whatever comes to mind, but rather taking a thoughtful and considerate approach to everything I say and do." Making the right choices with your gifts is so important.   

So, he has given me some invaluable gifts that I am putting to good use, which is why I want to pursue more music, concerts, and everything else. I want to do more.   

He always wanted to create and play more music, plan parties, and ensure people had a good time. So, we aligned perfectly. 

Your latest album is simply outstanding! While listening to some tracks, they were brilliant. I would love to see you collaborate with Rachelle Ferrell and Bobby McFerrin. It would be a mind-blowing experience! That would be a monumental thing. I'd like to see what three creative geniuses can come up with. Although they are mainly jazz artists, and you are a hip-hop artist, what you can accomplish by bringing these elements together will be powerful.  

You know what? I'm upset right now because that hasn't happened yet! (laughs) I mean, seriously! You have to make that happen, Doug E. Fresh! This collaboration is now written in stone, so you will be reminded to do it every time you read this interview. (laughs) I need to hear that collaboration before I leave planet Earth! (laughs) You know what? I might just do that. I think I need to do that. 

Yes, you do. It would be a jazzy hip-hop type of song. Then, to make it even more explosive, you can include Savion Glover in the music video so he can tap dance to the rhythm. I can see it, Doug E.! Do you see it? Explosive! Yeah, I might have to use that one.   

Yes, indeed. Now, Doug E. Fresh, do you have any words of wisdom for independent artists trying to make it big and navigate the industry? What advice would you like to give them? I would have to say to the artists coming up, really study your craft and do your best to become aligned and on point with your craft, your goals, and your purposes.  

Be honest with your craft and dedicate ample time to it. Don't take it for granted. When creating, have fun with it. It doesn't have to be perfect but remember how you want it to be received and the message you want to convey.  

Consider how you want the world to perceive your energy and what kind of energy you want to put out there. Also, think about what you want to be remembered for. A conscious artist is one of the most powerful people on the planet. 

As an artist, if you are genuinely passionate about your craft and channel your energy effectively, it can have a positive impact on the world. Therefore, it is crucial for artists to surround themselves with the right people to protect their interests, such as good lawyers, accountants, and managers. 

Although your parents may be supportive, they may not have the expertise in the business to provide you with the necessary guidance. It is similar to getting your car fixed by a mechanic versus asking a doctor to fix it. Therefore, seeking individuals with the proper training and knowledge to help you in that situation is extremely important.  

Having a skilled, robust, and knowledgeable support structure can significantly increase your chances of success. So, stay true to your art, and you got a shot! 

Thanks for allowing me the honor of interviewing you, Mr. Doug E. Fresh. You’re a legend! You are not only incredibly talented but also so kind and gracious. Your beauty extends from the inside out. Thank you. I appreciate that.  

It's my pleasure. I pray that God will bless you and the works of your hands, be it done according to His will for your life. I pray that The Lord may keep you and your beautiful, amazing family safe and protected during these sometimes-challenging times. During your travels by air, train, bus, car, bike, or on foot, I pray that He will keep you safe and bless you with an even more creative mind than you have today.  

I pray that God will send you good people who genuinely love and support you. Furthermore, I pray that God will surround you with people who are integral and are concerned about your well-being. I pray that everything God called you to fulfill while you're on this earth will be fulfilled in this lifetime. It's through Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.  

Last, I want you to know that I'm incredibly proud of all your accomplishments. Keep up the great work! Thank you. I appreciate that. Enjoy your day, and I thank you and your husband for the love. I appreciate y'all. And I'll see you soon.  

Thank you. Now go forth and continue to be excellent! God bless you! 

END OF INTERVIEW