Houston Legend Mike Jones Gives Stamp of Approval to Rising Star DUBG3.

December 20th, 2023

As a very young man in the industry, how great of an accomplishment has it been working with and getting the support of Houston legend Mike Jones?
DUBG3 – Working with Mike Jones has been crazy! He’s a legend. He’s been in the game for so long, and having him back me up, it’s like a stamp of approval. Having someone like Mike Jones believing in me is super cool.

Has he already ingrained advice to you about the dealings with the music industry?
DUBG3 – Mike has definitely shared some good advice with me. He told me to stay true to myself, never let anyone change who I am or what I stand for. Also, to always keep my head straight, stay focused on my music and football career, and surround myself with good people who have my back.

What inspired you to combine your passion for music with your achievements as a Junior Heisman winner, and how do these different aspects of your life complement each other?
DUBG3 – Football teaches me about teamwork, dedication, and pushing myself to the max. When I’m in the studio, I’m able to express myself but I work hard just like on the field. They both drive me to be my best. Plus, when I’m feeling the pressure from football, music’s my escape, and when I might need some inspiration for my music, football’s got my back. They’re like my secret power-ups, you know? They’re different, but together they make me who I am – a Heisman winner and a rapper.

The “King” music video showcases your charisma and confidence, especially on your school’s football field and locker room so does your school environment influence your creativity, and do you find inspiration in your day-to-day experiences as a student?
DUBG3 – The football field, the locker room, they’re like my second homes. So when we shot the “King” video there, it was all about combining my worlds; football and music. The energy in the locker room before a big game and the hype on the field when we’re scoring touchdowns, it’s all real. I take a lot of that energy and put it into my music. Those moments sneak into my rhymes, my flow and my whole vibe when I’m making music.

Also, in the track you sample Mike Jones’ RIAA-certified Platinum hit, “Back Then.” How did this particular sample come together, and did it play out just as planned or were there other ideas originally?
DUBG3 – My producer and I knew we were going to use the Mike Jones sample on the song because it flowed with the hook, “It takes grindin’ to be a king.” When he played me the beat, I knew it was a hit and that kids my age would love it. On top of that, the hook is inspirational so we thought it would be a great song to introduce me. Once we finished the song, my manager Tony Draper called Mike Jones to be in the video with me and it was so crazy actually seeing him. I didn’t think he was going to really come, but Draper pulled it off.

Your lyrics in the track deliver a message of ambition and self-belief. Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind the song and the specific message you hope your listeners take away from it?
DUBG3 – The song was inspired by everything I’ve accomplished; winning the Junior Heisman, making straight A’s and putting out my first single. All of it took hard work and focus so I just want my listeners to always remember you have to put the work in to achieve your goals. It takes gridin’ to be a king or queen.

How do you navigate balancing your age-appropriate content with the desire to appeal to a broad audience?
DUBG3 – I want to make music to connect with kids my age. A lot of music now is for adults and I just want us kids to talk about stuff we go through, school, friends, and the daily grind to being the best you. I’m leading the age-appropriate movement for kids to be kids. I think people of all ages will vibe with me because I’m true to myself.

Can you give us a glimpse into what may be in the future for you as an artist?
DUBG3 – In 5 to 10 years, I see myself being well known around the world having started the kid appropriate movement. I will be performing shows on tour, hopefully Rolling Loud, living my best life, playing varsity football for my high school team and just being the best I can be.

And just wrapping it up, if you had to create a rap about your favorite school subject, what would the title be, and can you drop a few rhymes about the excitement of algebra or history class?
DUBG3 – If I had to create a rap about my favorite school subject, the title would be “Texas History.”

I was raised on Texas history
It could never be a misery to me
I know what I’m supposed to be
The next line of great Green men in my family
Ask Santa Anna, he know what Texas could be
Sitting in the middle of the US like we supposed to be, running the scene
From presidents to setting the precedence
Ask NASA, who was doing it faster than Houston?
Eric and Earl, you know Dickerson and Campbell
They was Young and Kountry, this is easy
The game needs me
Texas is 30 million and counting
Number two in population
Establishing 1845, how could I not be first?
I come from the dirt, black, gold and coal
This is Texas soil
In the summers, you boil
I love my Texas history