Football season might not be in full swing yet, but former Irish tailback Armando Allen and senior safety Jamoris Slaughter have found a way to keep themselves busy in the off season. The two talented football players got together to form the rap group D-Season.
Slaughter and Allen started rapping together in 2008, according to Slaughter.
"At first, we were just making music because we had talent," he said.
Now, D-Season has attracted the attention of big names like Snoop Dogg and some record labels.
The name, originally created by Allen, stands for Dinosaur Season. Slaughter said the name means that it's time to eat, time to make it in the rap business and make money. It is a reflection on their goals as they move forward with their group.
D-Season has a unique sound and style. Slaughter says they have made over 100 songs, though only 25 are released on their website. Inspiration for the songs comes from a variety of places.
"We'll hear a beat," Slaughter said, "and depending on how the beat sounds, [the song] flows from there. We try not to have the words before we find the beat."
The themes of their songs range widely. From the trials of life to football to music, Slaughter and Allen do not restrict themselves to easy or simple topics. They also like to support their fellow Notre Dame athletes. Throwing their support behind Skylar Diggins, they released "Skylar Diggins (Final 4)," which caught the attention of many students.
Slaughter says they have collaborated with other members of the Irish football team to add some depth and flavor to their music, including an appearance by sophomore running back Cierre Wood.
The duo had hoped to get a concert here at Notre Dame, but Slaughter said that plan unfortunately fell through. Right now, they are concentrating on talking to labels and getting hype nationwide.
When Snoop Dogg was in town earlier this semester for his concert at Club Fever, Slaughter and Allen made sure to get him one of their CDs to check out. That move paid off. Snoop really enjoyed their CD. According to Slaughter, he asked for their mix tape and helped connect them with Alwayz Therro magazine. Slaughter hopes to get a spread in the magazine that features upcoming artists.
That spread, along with promotion through a record label, should help push the group onto the national stage. You can check out these rising Notre Dame stars on their website, http://www.reverbnation.com/dseason1, and discover hip hop's next big thing.
