DOPE AS USUAL Podcast Episode Summary: "How to Go Viral w/ Concrete"
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Host/Authors: Thomas and Marty O'Neal
Guest: Concrete Duno
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the DOPE AS USUAL Podcast, hosts Thomas and Marty O'Neal sit down with Concrete Duno, a multifaceted entertainer known for his contributions to music, filmmaking, and now, comedy. With a background spanning over a decade in various facets of the entertainment industry, Concrete shares his journey of evolving from a rapper and music video director to becoming a viral sketch comedian.
Early Career in Music and Filmmaking
Concrete's foray into the entertainment world began early. Initially passionate about rapping, he soon transitioned into filmmaking, spending 12 years shooting and directing music videos, documentaries, and films. Reflecting on his early days, Concrete mentions:
“I went from rapping early on, and then I started shooting, directing music videos, documentaries, films.” [01:35]
His dedication led him to work with various artists, helping them realize their creative visions. Concrete recalls his first taste of DJing at the age of 12, working diligently to support himself and his passion:
“It ended up being like a baptism, dude. And there was like 200 people… and I get there and the dad's like, where's the DJ? And I start playing and people are jamming.” [05:00]
Challenges and Industry Struggles
Concrete's journey wasn't without its hurdles. In 2008, the tragic loss of his best friend and manager to an overdose profoundly impacted him, leading him to question his path in the rap industry:
“And when he passed away, I was kind of like, all this rap, I don't want to do it no more. It just seemed like boring to me.” [14:59]
Additionally, navigating the rap scene exposed him to negativity and the superficiality of relationships within the industry:
“People were like, well, he's not doing rap no more… You started seeing the facade of what happens when life is going good for you in entertainment.” [15:58]
Transition to Filmmaking and Comedy
Determined to reinvent himself, Concrete shifted his focus back to filmmaking, leveraging his extensive experience to create compelling content. In 2010, he began producing music videos for artists like Peso Pluma, witnessing their meteoric rise and feeling a sense of accomplishment:
“Peso Pluma's videos weren't big because they didn't have a big budget... I have a fingerprint on his career.” [32:00]
This phase of his career not only honed his technical skills but also solidified his desire to entertain audiences through visual storytelling.
Developing Comedy and Going Viral
The turning point in Concrete's career came when he experimented with social media content creation. Facing setbacks like equipment theft, he turned to Instagram to share reaction videos and skits, which quickly garnered attention:
“I posted a video on Instagram… it was like 200 comments, 5,000 likes. And that was like, I caught the bug.” [39:02]
Embracing his passion for comedy, Concrete began crafting humorous skits, focusing on authenticity and laughter rather than mere monetization:
“The funny comes first, bro. Not the money.” [42:02]
His approach resonated with audiences, allowing his follower count to soar as he continued to produce relatable and entertaining content.
Personal Stories and Anecdotes
Concrete shares heartfelt anecdotes that humanize his journey. One such story involves meeting his in-laws under humorous circumstances:
“She was like, we're going to pray for you right now. And I got prayed on for like, the high out of me.” [62:44]
These personal experiences highlight the blend of challenges and serendipitous moments that have shaped his resilience and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Final Thoughts and Advice
Concrete emphasizes the importance of passion, hard work, and perseverance in achieving success. He credits his diverse experiences for equipping him to handle multiple roles in content creation and comedy:
“Everything that I've done before all this comedy helped me to what I'm doing now.” [02:32]
He advises aspiring entertainers to focus on their craft and remain true to their creative visions:
“If you put the work in, bro, you can accomplish some pretty cool… it's up to you to get it done, you know?” [17:11]
Conclusion
Concrete Duno's journey from a young rapper and DJ to a viral sketch comedian is a testament to his versatility and unwavering dedication to entertainment. By leveraging his extensive background in music and filmmaking, he has successfully transitioned into comedy, inspiring others to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
Follow Concrete Duno:
- Instagram: @ConcreteLive
- YouTube: Concrete Comedy
- Merchandise: Concrete Merch
Join Concrete as he continues to entertain audiences worldwide, sharing laughs and creative content through his multifaceted talents.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been excluded to focus on the core discussion and insights shared by Concrete Duno.