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Brockington drops his mixtape today. Photo by Mike Chin Productions.

Darien Brockington
“I was a church boy,” singer Darien Brockington says about his childhood. “Me listening to secular music—there was none of that.” Things have changed since then. In 2006, the North Carolina native released his praiseworthy debut Somebody to Love, a collection of heartfelt slow jams and up-tempo joints sprinkled with hip-hop beats. Brockington’s boy-next-door persona and quiet storm music is reminiscent of crooner Carl Thomas.

I first talked with D-Brock around the time he dropped his first album and was collaborating with artists, such as Little Brother. Check out what he’s up to these days.

The Cold Case Files mixtape drops today. What type of music can we expect?
Last album was in 2006. Things didn’t happen the way I wanted them to. [This mixtape] has a wide range of everything. I went through so many changes.

What’s your favorite song on The Cold Case Files?
That is tough brotha. “Fashionista” [because] I was in a better place musically.

Mixtapes have been synonymous with hip-hop. But nowadays, I see R&B artists, such as Trey Songz and Mya, embracing mixtapes. Why?
The game has changed so much. It’s not about selling music anymore. It’s about being in people’s faces. People wanna know about you.

When do you drop your next album?
I’m actually working on it now.

You named this album Affected: The Story of John Doe. Please explain the meaning of the title.
Affected: The word “affected” [pertains to] love. Love is very important. It’s a life altering experience. What God did for us is all out of love.

The Story of John Doe: I’m not just telling my story, I’m telling everybody’s story.

You’re affiliated with the group Foreign Exchange. “Daykeeper,” the group’s song from the classic Leave It All Behind album, received a Grammy nomination. How does it feel?
I feel it’s a privilege and blessing. I understand why [Phonte of Foreign Exchange and Little Brother] is successful. The album is much bigger than people realize. I think it catered to everyone. I’m glad I was part of it.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I’m just trying to stay spiritually centered. I’m not trying to live my life for everyone else.