In this episode of the ‘Thanx4askin’ podcast, Lord Daze shares his story, discussing his upbringing in the Bronx, specifically in the Jackson projects. He reflects on the misguided values in his neighborhood, such as representing blocks they didn’t own. At age 12, Daze started hustling drugs to afford sneakers and clothes, and as a teen, he briefly committed robberies using a BB gun. At 14, he spent eight months in juvenile detention (Spofford) after a robbery, describing it as a harsh environment filled with violence among the youth.
Daze continued selling drugs into his 20s, expanding his operations to different states. He strategized by befriending local women and dealers to navigate new territories safely. However, a dangerous out-of-state drug deal almost led to him being robbed when gasoline was poured under his hotel door. After a traumatic jail experience in Trenton, NJ, where he was stabbed, Daze decided to leave the drug trade at 25. Through connections from his incarcerated father, he met Stevie J and got involved with ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’, which opened doors in the entertainment industry.
While in prison, Daze launched a magazine which he tried to grow after his release. His relationship with Stevie J became complicated—though grateful for the opportunities, Daze felt Stevie didn’t honor business deals and used their partnership as a reality TV storyline. Now, with more understanding of the industry, Daze is open to doing more reality TV but would approach it differently moving forward.
