Interview with Q THA HERO on New Music, Underground Rap, and Tyler The Creator

Interview by Yaw Appiah

Long Beach rapper Q THA HERO is exactly what makes underground rap superior to the mainstream.

Q Dossman, also known as Q THA HERO, possesses a similar style to MIKE and Mavi—kings of underground rap. He draws on an array of soulful samples and sharp lyricism on every song, and his topical range is similar to that of the aforementioned artists. His work is introspective, but he isn’t afraid to exude warranted cockiness, a skill gained by studying poetic rappers like MF DOOM and Earl Sweatshirt. “I’m taking in all the inspiration and just trying to be crafty and witty, and I think that’s the coolest part,” Dossman says

A co-sign from Tyler, The Creator allowed hip-hop enthusiasts to appreciate his art as he continues to build on his discography. During an interview with Zane Lowe, Tyler The Creator praised Dossman’s artistry and even played his single, “PINE FORGE.”

Before his album dropped, Dossman and I spoke about navigating his work, the Tyler co-sign, and his lyrics.

What are your opinions on the rap community saying mainstream rap is dead? 

People say rap is dead, but I don’t think they’re looking in the right places. I feel like my homies and I are here, and we’re making great stuff. There’s a lot of people, like Liim, who are new and fresh and doing their own thing. A lot of people are not giving newer stuff a chance, and that’s on them. Shout out to the underground.

Some critics place introspective, jazz rappers in a box and are disappointed when they stray from it. How do you approach the dichotomy of being a more emotional rapper and taking time to be arrogant? 

It’s about being ‘a man.’ There are a lot of rappers out there that talk about ‘man’ stuff: guns, girls, the ‘we ain’t trippin’” mentality. The music I make, or the music MIKE, Earl, Mavi, AKAI SOLO, Quelle Chris, or Cavalier makes, is all about being a man and experiencing these emotions. 

But you also need to be confident in yourself. And you need to appreciate music, know and respect its history, and give it a little twist. I love talking my s***, but I also love being self-critical.

Maybe it’s just been human. The lives presented through mainstream rap are false. You listen to any MIKE, you listen to any Mavi, you listen to any me, that’s that real s***. It’s relatable. When I write, it’s like I’m writing in a journal. 

I haven’t had a journal since I was little, but writing has become my outlet for expressing my feelings. I could be in a bad mood, but how can I let lame fellas dictate how I feel? So that’s where the confidence comes from. I look back at my feelings and what is making me feel this way. 

What emotions are you trying to convey in your songs? 

It’s just me and whatever I feel at the moment. I know people are listening who need to hear these experiences from somebody else, because I know that helps in times of need. Finding balance and navigating anxiousness and uncertainty is a common topic in my music.

“Hero 4 hire!” is a great song if we’re talking about uncertainty or feeling alone. I wrote that song before leaving Huntsville, Alabama, for a new school in Washington, DC. Out-of-state schools are always big leaps, no matter where you go. It was the idea of leaving my comfort zone for the hopes of more. I’ve had some tough times, so when I hear people say that they see themselves in my songs, like this is what we do it for. This is what art is. Creating something that evokes emotion, I think that’s tight.

Like many, I found your music from Tyler The Creator. Can you talk about what that co-sign means for you? 

Tyler The Creator is THE artist. He’s my favorite artist, and it’s been that way since I started listening to the music that I liked and not whatever my parents used to play. I heard Flower Boy, and that changed everything for me. 

So the day that he shouted me out, I was geeking. He talked about how he messes with the music, but he also gave me some valuable advice. I want to see him in real life and get my dap, for sure. All I needed was that validation to give me an extra boost, because I already believe in myself.

What are some artists/albums that have influenced your lyricism?  

There are a lot of artists who have influenced me. Lots of Earl [Sweatshirt], listening to his stuff and dissecting his lyrics. MF DOOM is another artist; Madvillany is amazing for its lyrics. I just listen to these great lyricists and try to learn the language myself. I’m taking in all the inspiration and just trying to be crafty and witty, and I think that’s the coolest part.

I want to dive deeper into some of your specific songs and lyrics. What was your initial reaction to hearing the beat on “Turtle Island”? How did you approach writing your lyrics for that? 

NDIGO SLIM, that’s the homie, and she made the beat. I was initially confused because I didn’t know what I was going to write about, because it’s a beat with short segments. It was just me talking about how I was feeling at the time. I was in DC, the National Guard is there, and everything is locked down. We’re also in a world in 2026, and it’s super duper crazy stuff happening at all times. 

On “Vandal Savage” you mention your desire to pursue filmmaking full-time.  What are your aspirations in film?

I’m going to school for TV & Film Production at Howard University. Mentally, right now, I’m very torn between giving my all to school or giving my all to music. I have screenplays currently, and I write all the time. I would love to learn more about the medium, but I’m getting opportunities right now in music. 

For example, I went to New York twice in the last three months, and I had my show the same day I had a final, so I had to choose. And especially with my mom, she’s always telling me to have a plan. But I don’t know, six seven. (Yes, Q said this)

Tell me about your mindset toward rap and making music. 

My mindset right now is I want to drop this new album. It’s been done since May [2025], but since then a lot has happened. I’m hard on myself for sure, and I don’t think you can make it if you’re not your own biggest critic. But I also understand that I’m 18, and I can also chill. But I don’t want to chill. I want to go after it as hard as I can and get there fast. I don’t want to wait any longer.

What’s next for Q THA HERO? 

I’m dropping my album next. And there’s a lot behind the scenes that I’m excited for. It’s going to be a great album, and people are going to realize that I can really rap, so I’m excited for that the most. 

Excelsior!, Q THA HERO’s debut album is available now. Find out more info on Q THA HERO here.