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Too often do so-called Hip-Hop fans bitch and moan about the Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan’s ruining rap when they have the alternative they’re looking for in Dave East standing right in front of their face.

The 27-year-old Certified Fresh alum and Spanish Harlem native appeared on The Breakfast Club earlier today (October 14) to humbly express why he as next and how he came to be arguably Mass Appeal Records’ flagship artist.

Take a look at the highlights in the gallery below.


Photos: Power 105

First Meeting With God’s Son

Growing up in the projects next to Queensbridge, East had already struck up a friendship with Jungle who passed Nas all his information and music off the strength of what he was hearing in the streets.

Hate Me Now

East’s new mixtape (just released two weeks ago) coincidentally shares the name of one of his Mass Appeal boss’ biggest hits, but he maintains he titled it to silence a lot of the chit-chatter going on behind his back. Download it here.

Class Dismissed

Dave East was easily a top contender for this year’s XXL Freshman list (as was everyone since Kidd Kidd was involved) but he just counts that look as being a “bonus.” He also wasn’t even aware the magazine still came out in stores.

Plan B

East admits to falling in love with rap after “failing a bunch of other stuff” including his first love, basketball. Unlike Daniel “Booby” Gibson, the Harlemnite says he would have rode the NBA train until the wheels came clean off. He also stands 6’5″ tall.

KD35

Kevin Durant and Dave East go way back from their days of playing AAU ball together. Their relationship actually sparked a friendship with KD’s brother Tony, which in turn, led for East to record a mixtape at Durant’s crib using some of the beats he had made.

Hennessy US

It goes without saying that being aligned with Nas has its perks but expect to see him getting a lot more love from Hennessy down the line. Which works because it was already his drink of choice.

Killa!

Dave East admits that it was Mr. Cam’ron Giles who was the heaviest influence of his rap career. You don’t have to be a product of Harlem to see why this is an easy choice.

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