COUNTDOWN TAKEOVER: DURGAVELI

This week Durgaveli takes over Dynasty Radio NY's Countdown!

New York, January 28, 2025, Kim Dynasty

Brooklyn and Queens have always been the breeding ground for voices that don’t ask for permission — they take space. Durgaveli is one of those voices.

Rooted in poetry, raised around DJs, and shaped by real-life experience, Durgaveli represents a blend of classic New York hip hop energy with a fearless, modern independence. Drawing influence from legends like Jay-Z, Biggie, 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, and the waviness of Max B, her sound is expressive, feel-good, and unapologetically personal. Every record feels intentional — like a snapshot of emotion, grief, healing, and confidence all living in the same verse.

In an industry that often tests artists’ boundaries and patience, Durgaveli moves with clarity: contracts over conversation, substance over hype, and authenticity over trends. Coming off a brief sabbatical and stepping fully back outside, she’s not asking for a seat — she’s reclaiming her spot.

This interview dives into her origins, her name, her perspective on today’s hip-hop landscape, and what it really takes to survive—and thrive—as an independent female artist in a predatory industry.

For people just discovering you — where are you from, and how did your environment shape your sound and perspective as an artist? I am from Brooklyn and Queens…Can’t forget Queens. Both Boroughs play a major role in my sound. I like to think of myself as a blend of Jay-Z, Big, and 50. I’m big on music that makes u feel good; expressive music gets you moving.

Your name, Durgaveli, is powerful and striking. How did you come up with it, and what does it represent to you artistically and spiritually? Durga is a Hindu goddess who embodies being invincible. Veli is after the Waviest of them all, Max B. He’s another artist who has a major influence on my music.

What first motivated you to get into hip hop, and do you remember the moment you realized this was more than just a hobby? I was always into poetry, and as I got older, I started pairing it with instrumentals. My father was a DJ and would play house music, freestyle, and hip hop… while he worked on his transitions, I would be close by with my book. I didn’t take it seriously until I got with a team that supported me in getting my sound right, which was in 2018. They really helped shape my sound and taught me a lot.

Who or what inspires you creatively when you’re making music — is it life experiences, other artists, emotions, or something else entirely? Experiences, emotions, and my partner in crime, who always pushes me to keep going. I like to write what I feel. I am a storyteller. That in itself takes my music to another level because it’s like I'm verbally painting a picture.

Hip hop has always been about storytelling. What stories do you feel most compelled to tell through your music right now? Getting through some dark times, releasing things that no longer serve me. I had a lot of pent-up grief, and music has become an outlet for me. I am getting back to having a good time and making people dance.

As an underground independent artist, what has your journey been like navigating the industry without major-label backing? Rough…you bump into a lot of people who take advantage of you. I have realized people will manipulate you and tell you anything to try to get a dollar out of you. Then, when you call them out, they want to play victim. This is why I stick with who I know and make sure any outside dealings are on contract.

How do you stay connected and relevant in an ever-changing music industry that’s constantly driven by new trends and platforms? I am the trend! I stick to being myself and evolving with my music. I don’t want to sound like everyone else…I may jump on a beat and give the people a lil freestyle out of my element, but my releases and projects are ME. Beats I’ve helped create, my sound, my soul.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip hop overall — and how does it compare to the state of hip hop in New York specifically? I can’t listen to too much of the new music out here cuz it lacks substance. New York has made who’s popular famous rather than who’s really talented. I’ll listen to an indie artist before I play anything that’s on the radio at the moment. I am happy that Max is home…It’s giving New York some life again.

Do you feel New York still holds its influence as a cultural leader in hip hop, or has that power shifted elsewhere? Why? I would like to believe so…New York has a different style, sound, and feeling. We set trends. I will say that some of the artists on the indie scene deserve more shine and recognition.

Streaming dominates the industry now. How do you personally feel about streaming versus direct-to-consumer models where artists own their audience? Streaming is more convenient. I just wish we artists got paid more per stream; that’ll be helpful. As far as direct-to-consumer, I feel like you gotta have an actual fan base to be successful. That is the way to go if you want to make a profit at this point in the game.

There’s been a major wave of female artists in hip hop over the past few years. How do you feel about this moment, and where do you see yourself within it? I love it…I need in. I’m just coming off a lil sabbatical, IM COMING FOR MY SPOT!

Do you think female artists are finally getting more opportunities, or just more visibility with the same old barriers behind the scenes? I’ve been seeing many female artists getting more opportunities, but I know they are out there working!!! You gotta be outside, you gotta be in those rooms…You have to stand out. There are barriers in everything, but as an artist, you just have to push yourself, make yourself visible, loved, etc.

In the past, we’ve talked about artist showcases and the “pay-to-perform” culture. What’s your current take on showcases and performance opportunities today? I personally don’t pay to perform unless there is a major opportunity involved. I’m not paying to perform in front of a bunch of other artists who are striving just like me. As an artist, you gotta know your worth.

Scams and shady promoters remain a major issue. What advice would you give artists — especially women — to protect themselves from being taken advantage of? Do your research on these promoters. Some of them are just collecting your money and not following through on their promises. Ask around…word gets around quick.

The music industry can be predatory toward women. How do you personally handle inappropriate expectations or uncomfortable situations when they arise? I don’t lol….I run it by my team before I make a move. If it’s an uncomfortable situation, I see my way out. I don’t have time to waste, and I’m not arguing with people. Have a nice day and keep it moving…Karma will catch up to them.

What boundaries do you think female artists must be especially firm about in this industry, even when opportunities are on the line? DONT LET ANYBODY TRICK YOU OUT OF YOUR SPOT!!! STAND 10 TOES ON YOUR BELIEFS AND DONT NEGOTIATE WITH PEOPLE WHO TALK FAST.

Who are the artists — past or present — that have influenced your sound, mindset, or approach to hip hop the most? Jay-Z, BIG, 50, Max-B, Kim, Foxy Brown.

How do you balance staying authentic to yourself while still trying to grow, market, and monetize your music? I Don’t…I’m still learning and taking my time with it. Perfection comes from trial and error. It’s not easy.

What has been the most important lesson hip hop has taught you so far — about music, business, or yourself? GET THAT SHIT IN WRITING. Make sure you own your publishing, your beats, your masters, Etc. Get your BMI and ASCAP in place, register your music, and get your copyright. Don't give someone an opportunity to take ownership of your craft.

What can we expect to see from Durgaveli in 2026, and how can people find and support you on social media? New Project coming soon. I just dropped the first single, Security. Song and video out now, please go run that up. I’m back to performing, working on live shows, and I’m back outside, AGAIN! You can find me on all streaming platforms and social media under Durgaveli.

Durgaveli’s journey reflects the reality of today’s independent hip hop artist — especially women navigating a space that too often prioritizes access over talent and optics over substance. Her perspective is sharp because it’s lived. From insisting on contracts and ownership to walking away from situations that don’t align with her values, she moves with intention and self-respect in an industry that frequently tests both.

What stands out most is her commitment to truth in her music. Whether she’s unpacking grief, releasing emotional weight, or creating records designed to make people move and feel good again, Durgaveli approaches hip hop as both therapy and celebration. She isn’t chasing trends or radio validation — she’s building a sound rooted in soul, experience, and New York grit.

As she steps fully back into the spotlight, Durgaveli represents a generation of artists redefining success on their own terms. With her latest single “Security” already setting the tone and a new project on the way, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of momentum, presence, and purpose. Live performances are back, the pen is sharper, and the vision is clearer than ever.

This next chapter isn’t about proving anything — it’s about standing firm, being seen, and owning every part of the craft.

Stay locked in.

Follow Durgaveli on all streaming platforms and social media — because this is only the beginning of what’s coming next.