Exclusive: Oakland Rapper ALLBLACK Talks Music, Unity, and Hustle on Dilemaradio

In our latest interview, hosted by Smooth from Homeroom with Smooth, we got the chance to sit down with Bay Area’s own ALLBLACK—an artist celebrated for his authenticity, hustle, and strong connection to his roots. In this episode, Smooth and ALLBLACK discuss everything from navigating the music industry to balancing fatherhood and building unity in the community.

AllBLACK: A True Bay Area Native

ALLBLACK, born D’Andre Sams, and hailing from Oakland, California, is a prime example of an artist whose work is deeply influenced by his environment and experiences. Despite his extensive travels—having lived in cities like Atlanta, New York, Houston, and Las Vegas—ALLBLACK’s connection to Oakland remains a cornerstone of his identity.

Family First: The Driving Force Behind His Music

In the interview, ALLBLACK discussed how family is a central motivation for his work. “I wouldn’t be working if it wasn’t for my family,” he said. His commitment to his daughter and the demands of fatherhood play a significant role in shaping his life and career.

Creative Collaborations

During the interview, ALLBLACK touched on his approach to working with producers, revealing why he’s sometimes seen as “biased” in his choices. He explained that once he finds a producer he clicks with, he tends to stick with them for an entire project. This approach has led to collaborations with notable producers like Fizzle, DTB, and LNDN DRGS, all of whom contributed to his latest album, Round 1.

On his Instagram, ALLBLACK shared his album’s back cover and tracklist, captioning it, “THIS A DOG FIGHT…IM COMING FOR ALL THE BELTS.”The 13-track project showcases his hunger, determination, and loyalty to those who have stood by him. The album features collaborations with R3 Da Chilliman on “SIMON SAYS,” 03 Greedo on “LUCIFER,” and Berner on “ROLL UP.” Each track offers something unique, but one track that stands out is “R.I.P Drakeo,” dedicated to his late friend and fellow rapper, Drakeo the Ruler.

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Drakeo the Ruler tragically passed away on December 19, 2021, during a fatal altercation at the Once Upon a Time festival in L.A. For ALLBLACK, this loss was personal—Drakeo wasn’t just a close friend, he was a brother, a partner in the music game. “R.I.P Drakeo” pays tribute to the bond they shared, with ALLBLACK reflecting on the impact Drakeo had on him and the hip-hop community.

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Roman Reigns: A Nod to Wrestling Culture

During the interview, Smooth dove deeper into the creation of the track “Roman Reigns” from the Round 1 album, asking ALLBLACK what mindset he was in while recording the record. ALLBLACK revealed that the inspiration stemmed from his childhood love for wrestling.

Growing up as a huge WWE fan, he was especially drawn to the larger-than-life characters from the Attitude Era. Over time, his interest faded, but he was reintroduced to wrestling through his brother Tweez, who was a dedicated fan of the newer generation.

This reintroduction led ALLBLACK to discover Roman Reigns, a character whose dominant presence and “heel” persona resonated with him. The vibe of someone holding the championship belt and controlling their domain matched how ALLBLACK felt about his own journey in the rap game. He brought that same confident, take-no-prisoners energy into the studio when crafting “Roman Reigns,” resulting in a track that’s both aggressive and reflective of his competitive spirit.

The song encapsulates that “bloodline” mentality—a theme of loyalty, strength, and power that aligns with the wrestling icon’s persona. With a beat that hits hard and lyrics that command attention, the track stands out as one of the defining moments on Round 1.

The Energy Behind AllBlack’s Shows

ALLBLACK’s live performances are known for their explosive energy, drawing from both his college experiences and love for WWE. Smooth touched on the unique chemistry between ALLBLACK and his fans, noting the wild mosh pits and high-energy environment that have become a staple at his shows. ALLBLACK explained that his exposure to college party culture, especially at the University of Oregon, played a huge role in shaping how he approaches his performances today.

“I was always influenced by that raging energy,” ALLBLACK shared. “When I party, I party hard. So, when I transitioned into music, I brought that same vibe with me. I always looked at myself like a WWE Superstar, walking down the ramp with the crowd hyped up. I wanted that same crowd control in my shows.”

He went on to explain that his live shows are deeply inspired by artists like P-Lo and Waka Flocka, whose stage presence and crowd engagement have left a lasting impact on him. The Bay Area’s diverse fanbase, ranging from different cultures and backgrounds, adds even more life to the rager-style atmosphere at his performances. Whether it’s Rolling Loud or local festivals, ALLBLACK is all about creating memorable, high-energy moments that leave his fans wanting more.

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Staying Connected to the Community

Beyond music, ALLBLACK is deeply invested in his community, especially when it comes to youth sports. Having grown up playing Pop Warner football, he’s now actively giving back by supporting local teams like the Oakland Dynamites and San Leandro Crusaders. For him, it’s not just about showing up; it’s about being hands-on and helping to guide the next generation from the ground up. By staying connected to the programs that shaped him, ALLBLACK ensures that the same opportunities are available to kids coming up in the neighborhoods he calls home.

For ALLBLACK, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach before getting involved in any community initiative. “I like to study before I put my hands on something,” he said. “I believe in making a real impact. A lot of the work I do is off-camera because I’m more focused on getting in there and making things happen rather than putting on a show.”

While he recognizes the value of documenting these efforts, he prefers to let his actions speak for themselves. Collaborating with brands like Puma and Reebok, he’s been able to organize shoe giveaways and other charitable activities, particularly during times when the community needs it most. Drawing inspiration from Bay Area figures like Mistah F.A.B., ALLBLACK remains dedicated to lifting up his city in ways that go beyond just music.

Building Unity and Staying Grounded

ALLBLACK’s connection with his community and peers goes beyond his music. Reflecting on his interactions within the industry, he shared insights on how to navigate the challenges of the music business. For new artists, his advice is straightforward: “Get yourself a strong plan and a reliable team. Never be too proud to ask for help. Always have fun with it. The moment it feels like just a job, you’ve lost the spark that got you started.”

He also expressed his view on the evolving dynamics within the Bay Area and the larger music scene. ALLBLACK feels optimistic about the increased unity among West Coast artists. “I see a lot more collaboration and support now. The Bay Area, Northern California, and even Southern California are coming together,” he notes. “I’ve seen the ups and downs in my career, but right now, the sense of community is stronger than ever.”

Supporting fellow artists is a priority for ALLBLACK, as evidenced by his presence at events like Larry June’s show. “Larry June is a major force. His work ethic and creativity are impressive,” he says. “We support our own and celebrate each other’s success. It’s all about coming together and pushing the scene forward.”

New Music and Creative Process

ALLBLACK is gearing up for new releases, including a single that’s set to be a hit in clubs and on TikTok. “I’ve got a new single coming out this month, and it’s a club banger,” he reveals. “Since releasing ‘Round 1,’ I’ve been busy with three new projects. Each one has its own flavor, from club tracks to deep storytelling.”

His approach to creating music involves working with different producers, each bringing something unique to his sound. “I work with different producers on separate projects, mixing things up to keep the music fresh,” he explains. “I’ll spend time with one producer in the morning and switch to another in the evening. It’s all about combining diverse elements to create something new.”

Reflecting on Community and Unity

The conversation turned to a broader discussion about unity and collaboration within the Black community. ALLBLACK addressed recent comments from Michael Rubin about Black-on-Black hate, acknowledging the complex nature of such issues. Although unfamiliar with Rubin’s specific remarks, ALLBLACK shared his perspective on community dynamics.

“I’m not too deep into the politics or debates, but I do believe in focusing on what we can control,” ALLBLACK said. “I just want to see everyone get some money and succeed. If we can’t get along personally, let’s at least work together to make some bread. There’s enough opportunity for everyone if we unite and support each other.”

He expressed that personal differences shouldn’t overshadow the potential for collective success. “It’s foolish to let beefs stop us from achieving more. If we can make more money together, why wouldn’t we?” he questioned.

ALLBLACK’s vision is one of unity and shared growth. “I can’t wait for the day when we all come together and focus on winning,” he said. “Let’s put aside the petty conflicts and just get this money. It’s all about making a positive impact and building something bigger than ourselves.”

Bay Area Influence

They shifted to discussing their shared appreciation for the Bay Area. ALLBLACK proudly spoke about the region’s musical heritage. “That Bay Area wisdom, man, we come from a land of game. We’ve got legends like E-40. It’s all about that knowledge.”

“Earl is the Bible,” ALLBLACK said, showing his deep respect for E-40. He continued, “Tell you, get around him. He’s so 100.” ALLBLACK’s praise highlights E-40’s role as a mentor and a source of inspiration, noting his genuine and influential presence in the music industry.

The discussion took a personal turn as ALLBLACK encouraged Smooth to meet E-40, stressing the value of such an experience. “Put that on your to-do list, man,” he said, “That is a great guy.” This recommendation speaks to ALLBLACK’s belief in the importance of connecting with the legends who have shaped the culture and left a lasting impact.

ALLBLACK’s admiration for E-40 is deeply rooted in the cultural significance of the Bay Area. He described the region as “the land of the game,” with E-40 representing a key figure in that tradition. ALLBLACK’s acknowledgment of E40’s influence points out a broader appreciation for the artists who have paved the way for new generations.

Through his comments, ALLBLACK not only praises E40’s impact but also shows how important it is to respect and learn from the artists who helped build the music scene.

Connect with ALLBLACK

For those wanting to connect with ALLBLACK, he’s accessible across various platforms. You can catch him on Instagram under the handle @whoisallblack. For music, he’s on Spotify as “ALLBLACK” (all caps, one word). If you’re into gaming, find him on Madden 25—he’s ready to match up and show off his skills.

On behalf of the Dilemaradio team, a big shout-out to ALLBLACK—having him with us was an honor! We’re excited to keep playing his music on Dilemaradio and can’t wait to see what he does next. Stay tuned for more from this incredible artist!