Portland-raised, LA-based newcomer [Daniyel](https://www.instagram.com/daniyel/?hl=en) signed to CORTAN Records/EMPIRE debuts his new single and visual for [“DON’T JUDGE,”](https://music.empi.re/dontjudge) premiered today exclusively on _Flaunt_.
Daniyel states, "My inspiration for the song came from me being on social media too much and thinking how we put ourselves out there to be judged by the world daily. Now you can say the worst shit to someone without seeing the effect. The song’s about not judging someone before knowing who they are.”
Pairing it with an equally powerful visual, Daniel tells the story of a kid who was an outcast in a new town and got into a fight with a couple of kids. The kids become friends and help him find his homie Twixx in the forest. He explains, “It's about not judging before knowing someone."
Earlier this month, Daniyel dropped his single/visual for “IT’S OK,” an infectiously uplifting song that points out, in the end, we will all be ok. Both singles are off his upcoming project set to drop later this spring. _Flaunt_ catches up with Daniyel about his new single and moving to LA.
**Tell us about your process for songwriting.**
When I get to the studio, I hear a beat and hop in the booth and freestyle the song. I’ll stay in the booth for 10 to 15 minutes, usually getting all the parts until it’s done.
**You grew up in Portland and now live in LA. Tell us more about living in Portland and making a move to LA.**
Making a move from Portland to LA was a big change for me. Two different worlds, different mindsets. But change is good, ya know? \[laughs\] Living in Portland is slow, everyone’s living without the chase. LA is for the chase.
**What can we expect from your upcoming project titled _82_, out later this year?**
_82_ project is based off 82nd street in Portland, the neighborhood I grew up in. I miss home and wanted to make something with that feeling it gave me.
**Biggest musical inspirations?**
Childish Gambino, Kanye West, Tyler The Creator, Twixx, and Kid Cudi.
**Who would be your top 5 people, dead or alive to invite to a dinner party?**
Donald Glover, Kid Cudi, Pete Davidson, my uncle and aunty, and Beethoven. Donald because he’s a legend, and I relate to everything he says out his mouth. Kid Cudi because he helped me through so much with my mental health. Pete Davidson because he helps to this day feel like everything will be okay, and that’s it okay not to be okay. My uncle and aunty because I miss them and want to have one last conversation with them now that I’m older. Finally, Beethoven because he’s black so he’s invited to the all cookouts.
**Tell us more about your kosher boy nickname and what your Jewish heritage means to you.**
Kosher is my brand I’ve had since I was 12. I’m Jewish and black. The word kosher to me means genuine and pure. I only want to put out genuine and pure shit and surround myself with genuine and pure people. If that’s what you are, then you’re kosher. Period.
**What’s next for you?**
I have an album I’m working on and a screenplay. Stay tuned for that!
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