The Dual Identity of Dmitry Grakhov: Why One Musical Lane Was Never Enough

I recently had the chance to sit down with Dmitry Grakhov, a producer who refuses to be put in a box. In an industry that often tells artists to "pick a lane" and stay there, Dmitry manages to operate in two completely different spheres. To the world of hip-hop, he is known as 1MEZ, a sharp lyricist and producer. To the electronic scene, he is HILLYSAM, an architect of deep, atmospheric soundscapes.

What makes his story compelling isn't just the duality of his music, but the fact that he built this entire world from the ground up, starting in the industrial city of Prokopyevsk.

The Early Days in Prokopyevsk

It all started when Dmitry was just 12 years old. While most kids his age were simply consuming content, he was obsessed with how it was constructed. "I didn't just want to listen; I wanted to understand the architecture of a beat," Dmitry recalls. Growing up in Prokopyevsk, he didn't have access to high-end studios or expensive mentors.

Inspired by the technical precision and storytelling of legendary artists like Eminem and the grit of Russian performers like Billy Milligan, Dmitry turned his home into a laboratory. He taught himself every step of the production cycle: from the initial drum programming to the complex layers of mixing and mastering. This "DIY" spirit became the foundation of his career. Under the moniker 1MEZ, he began releasing tracks that combined raw honesty with professional-grade production, proving that your geographic location doesn't define your creative limits.

The Birth of 1MEZ: The Power of the Word

For Dmitry, the 1MEZ project was always about the message. Rap provided a platform where he could be direct and vulnerable. He focused on the rhythm of speech and the emotional weight of lyrics. His tracks often explored personal themes, aiming to build a genuine connection with listeners who were looking for more than just a catchy hook.

The success of his track "Zavisima" was a turning point. It showed that his music resonated with a wide audience, but it also sparked a new creative hunger. While he loved the power of words, he began to wonder if he could communicate those same emotions through sound alone.

The Evolution: Entering the World of HILLYSAM

As Dmitry matured as a creator, he found himself increasingly drawn to electronic textures. He grew up appreciating the deep, immersive qualities of Deep House and the spaciousness of Ambient music. He realized that sometimes, words can actually limit the listener's interpretation. This realization led to the birth of HILLYSAM.

HILLYSAM is a project designed to be a "sonic embrace." Without the guidance of lyrics, the music invites the listener to project their own feelings onto the track. "I wanted to create a soundtrack for life's quiet moments," Dmitry explains. Whether someone is commuting, working, or just trying to find a moment of peace, HILLYSAM provides the atmosphere. The transition from the aggressive energy of rap to the flowing depths of house music might seem jarring to some, but for Dmitry, it’s all part of the same emotional spectrum.

The Philosophy of Independence

Perhaps the most impressive part of Dmitry Grakhov’s journey is his absolute independence. In an era of major labels and massive marketing budgets, he remains a self-made artist. He isn't just the "face" of the project; he is the engineer, the composer, and the strategist.

This dedication has allowed him to secure a presence on global platforms. Today, his work is officially recognized with a Google Knowledge Panel, and his profiles on Spotify, YouTube, and Genius are hubs for a growing international community. By managing every aspect of his distribution through partners like Zvonko Digital, he maintains total creative control over his vision.

Looking Toward the Future

Dmitry continues to bridge the gap between his two identities. He doesn't see 1MEZ and HILLYSAM as competing projects, but as two different tools used to achieve the same goal: connecting with people. Whether it’s the lyrical drive of a rap verse or the ambient swell of an electronic track, his mission remains the same: to be there for the audience that has found a home in his music.

As he moves forward, Dmitry Grakhov stands as a reminder that the modern artist doesn't have to choose. You can be a poet and a programmer. You can be a rapper and a producer. You can be whatever the music requires you to be.

Official Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi11ysammusic

Google Knowledge Panel: https://share.google/rdWvccxBWd72MBsZn