18-year-old Roxbury rapper DayDaDon joined the crew on Bad for the Community podcast to discuss his new debut album, “Letting Go of Yesterday,” his alter-ego Damon Dynamo, and what it takes to break out of Boston’s music scene. The episode covers his concept-driven project, competitive spirit, and observations on the local hip-hop community.
“Letting Go of Yesterday” is a conceptual project centered on Damon Dynamo, a fictional character reflecting DayDaDon’s own journey as a young artist navigating the city’s music landscape. The album channels ’80s-inspired aesthetics, including flare pants, polo tees, and a letterman jacket with a “D” logo. Collaborating with producer Gib Dj and creative director BTO, DayDaDon experimented with new approaches, including singing for the first time, demonstrating his evolving artistry beyond traditional rap.
During the podcast episode, DayDaDon discussed a recent diss track he released on Thanksgiving, which called out Boston rappers Jo Saza, Novian Wright, Clark D, Nay Speaks, and SeeFour. He described the track as a form of friendly competition, encouraging responses from fellow artists. Several responses followed immediately, reflecting the competitive energy in the city’s scene and DayDaDon’s approach to testing his skills against peers.
DayDaDon also addressed the unique challenges facing Boston artists, emphasizing that proximity to established acts and co-signs often matter as much as talent. He discussed the city’s support network, differentiating between genuine community and performative engagement, and outlined how consistent effort and strategic releases can create momentum. His own path involved performing at small open mics, testing material in front of limited audiences, and learning from early missteps.
The podcast highlighted DayDaDon’s approach to building his career: balancing relentless work ethic with strategic planning, experimenting creatively, and staying consistent in releases. He believes Boston’s hip-hop scene is approaching a breakthrough nationally, citing rising artists like Clark and Nay, as well as local organizations and initiatives such as BTO, Peak, and The Chamber that support emerging talent.
Letting Go of Yesterday is available on all major streaming platforms.
