Meet Sir L.a. & Dahlia The Poet | Hip Hop Artists | Podcasters | Entrepreneurs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sir L.a. & Dahlia The Poet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sir L.A. & Dahlia The Poet, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Sir LA: I’ve always envisioned having a podcast or something similar. I often talked to my friends about recording our discussions. When my wife and I were dating, we discussed the goals we wanted to achieve. I mentioned my desire to start a podcast, and she asked what we would call it. That’s when “Tha People of Detroit Podcast” was born. From that moment on, the name stuck, and we never looked back. As for music, I’ve always been passionate about hip-hop and its culture. I’ve been rapping and memorizing lyrics for as long as I can remember.

Dahlia: Our journey was quite organic, almost like it was meant to be. We were both artists who thrived on deep conversations about everything, ranging from hip hop to outer space to social issues. We decided to take a break from music and performing to focus on navigating everyday life. When the time was right, we hit the ground running

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sir L.A.: I study hip-hop music deeply, focusing on everything from the clarity of the bars to the legends who paved the way for me. I have a profound appreciation for the art form, and I feel every word I say. I’m genuinely me, and that’s what I’ll always bring to the table. I’m incredibly proud of my podcast, ThaPod313, and I’m excited to be wrapping up my first solo project, “Peace Be Still.” It’s been a long time coming, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.

The journey required a lot of work and determination to overcome numerous challenges. I lost many close loved ones in a short period, including my father, two uncles, grandmother, and best friend Tommy. During this time, I also dealt with a parenting battle when my daughter was relocated to Texas without my consent. It was tough, but through the grace of God, my wife, the podcast, and music, I found strength to persevere. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the blessings in the gift God gave me—my talent and tenacity in music and media. I learned that no matter how hard things get, as long as I’m breathing, I can handle it. I want the world to know that Tha People of Detroit Podcast is for them—it’s an inside look into our city’s greats, legends, and resources. This happened organically because it was meant to be. Despite the negativity and Detroit’s bad reputation over the decades, our city is thriving, alive, and well. We’re at the pulse, highlighting positive content, releasing fun music, and supporting Detroit’s hip-hop community.

Dahlia: I grew up in a home filled with music and gadgets. My dad loved tech, we had a computer growing up and video cameras. My father plays multiple instruments in a band, and we had an in-home studio, which eventually expanded into a commercial studio. He had a label with big dreams and accomplished many goals. Watching him work his passion inspired me to shoot for the stars. My love for media, spoken word and hip hop roots create a unique vibe, influencing everything from how I put bars together to the inflections in my voice. My voice is an instrument and key to the harmony we have, both musically and in podcasting.

Another fun fact as a child I wanted to be a radio personality or news reporter at one point even a lawyer. I was all over the place! Media and entertainment have always been significant interests in my life. I remember attending countless open mics weekly, just hoping for a chance to perform. It was a grind, but I truly appreciate those times. Breaking into the Detroit hip-hop scene as a woman was tough, but persistence was key. I was surrounded by legends and learned from each one of them. As I gained traction, I went through a phase of slight arrogance, which many newer artists experience. The biggest lesson I learned is that as an artist, “it’s not always about you.” Remembering that I was a lover of art first and an artist second humbled me and allowed me to enjoy and be inspire by others, challenging my way of thinking.

In independent media, the biggest challenges are budget constraints, balancing the business, scheduling, and pivoting between many moving parts during events. The best you can do is plan your work and work your plan! My favorite part about being in music and media is that they are interchangeable; sometimes the music gets the podcast in rooms, and sometimes the podcast gets our music in rooms. It’s beautiful to have multiple talents. Never give up—there is an audience out there for you. Change your surroundings and find your tribe of supporters. Never silence your voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dahlia – We ar artsy so we would definitely take them to SoundOffSundays for some underground entertainment, the DIA or Charles H. Wright, Going on a foodie tour!

Sir L.A. – Definitely Coney Island is on the list, Conant Grille, The Waffle Cafe, On The Roll Eggrolls all good to grab a bite to eat.

Dahlia- depending on the season, we would have to go Belle Isle and hang out at a few lounges. We club from time to time but chill spots are our favorite. Just good energy and a time. Other than that if we aren’t at an event we are usually watching reruns of the Parkers. We have 90s kickbacks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, we give all glory to the Creator! GOD has been our unwavering foundation as we’ve journeyed through healing and growth, supported by an incredible circle of family and friends. Key individuals who’ve significantly impacted our artistry, media/podcast, and entrepreneurial paths include Anrico Andre of Reflections of our Future Multimedia, The Original DJ Los, Derrick Kearney and Rica Worthy of 2Dproductions, Black Byrd (author, entrepreneur, and mentor), and Uncle P of DetroitRap.com and Anderson & Denham Entertainment. Special thanks to 1st Born, K-Deezy, C-Robe, The Artist Village, G-Smoove of Club N.E.P., Native Child, Woodrow The Entertainer, NETTEworks Artistry Entertainment, Black Lion Society, Latricesa Myonne, A-dot, Ken Brass, and Randi Rossario, who has shown us genuine love and support.

We also want to express our gratitude to Twisted Reality and 1213PK Promotions, Jacote Films, Ant Live, Adante Valentine, Black Maria, Venti Valdez, Cindy Spires, Caesar Torreano, Motor City Mynt, Keith “Flyy” Williams of Courageous Radio Inc., and Cameron Uzoka. To all our podcast guests and everyone who has booked us for features or to cover their events, your support means the world to us. And, of course, the biggest shout-out goes to “Tha People of Detroit”! Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping us shine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thapod313

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thapod313/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thapodakathapeopleofdetroit?si=20fcQ9SQwIcHyXKq

Other: Digital Business card https://popl.co/card/649n2kus/1/dash

Image Credits
@studentofphotography313, album cover edit @therealwoodrow