Social media has drastically changed the way artists promote themselves, but not everyone can have as much fun as upcoming Bronx rapper Doley Bernays does on Instagram.
“I don’t love Instagram, but I like it! I’ll be on there and I’ll post one picture, and I’ll get four or five different text messages from girls I haven’t talked to but they’ve seen the picture, they like the picture and now they want to do the nasty. Instagram my nigga!”
All jokes aside, Doley is the type of MC that relates to people in a raw and natural sense. Doley’s focus has always been to be himself no matter the situation or environment and he takes notice of other artists who try to create a perception for fans to buy into. Known to his friends and family in his neighborhood as Dolo, he was firmly against changing his name. With additional inspiration from Edward Bernays (Austrian-American pioneer of public relations), Doley thought it only right to run with the new moniker of Doley Bernays.
“Edward Bernays wasn’t someone who talked to people one on one, but by the millions he could move you. With the music that’s basically what I’m here to do, I’m here to move millions with a song.”
Hailing from the North Bronx or better known to him as the “Dark Side” Doley’s initial push into music came from his friends and family providing him with the confidence to pursue his passion. Relying on their honesty and respect for his craft he decided that if his closest associates believed in him he had a chance to reach the next step.
Having a team today is key for any artist and from early on Doley understood the value of a crew. During his early days as a rapper in grade school, a childhood friend linked Doley with fellow Bronx rapper Euro League. Euro was impressed with Doley’s lyrical ability and brought him to his producer “MP” Williams. The three had a mutual respect for one another and decided to form Reelife.
“When I met MP, he was making real music and I was like yo I gotta get down with this. I’m trying to get on these beats. At first he (MP) was hesitant because he’s a perfectionist, but over time he was like,” Yeah you got what it takes to get on these (beats).””
Doley has been working hard the past few years and has begun to see the benefits of his grind. With recent support from popular online outlets like Spin Magazine, XXL and many others, Doley is beginning to understand his direction, fan base, and market.
“My lane and who I’m making music for I feel could be two separate things. Who I’m making music for … on the real, are (the) people in my hood who told me I was hot. I was rapping in my hood before anything and they told me you got bars! They were hyping me and they built that ego. I can go out and spit anywhere and know I’ll be good. Ain’t no stopping me. I’m hungry and I won’t be boxed in!”
Keep an ear out for his upcoming EP, Just In Case which will be dropping this June.