Tention Free : Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your background, education, music passion etc. ??
I am originally from Port Arthur, Tx where I graduated from Lincoln High school in 1993. I then joined the U.S. Air Force where I served 4 years. Started working in the semiconductor industry as an electronics technician and made a lot of money in the stock market. Moved to Dallas in 1999 and lost most of my money after 9-11-01 attack. After trying to recover working in real estate for a short period, then writing my first book called ÒThe ProductÓ in 2004. It became a local best-seller in Dallas and in 2008 I was indicted behind a mortgage scandal from when I worked in real estate years prior. I spent 5 years going through the motions with the feds and was released from probation in 2013. Since I still had an electronics background, I went back into it for about 5 years which is how I got on the Property Brothers show on HGTV. I was teaching them about this new hydrid/electronic water heater. I also had written a rap jingle which I recorded on their show. I am currently married with 3 children and 1 one the way. I went back to school in 2016 to complete my bachelors degree and I graduate in May.
Tention Free : We been hearing a lot about you, and your Ultimate Motivational Rap Collection, so we notice your starting to gain a lot of attention how does it feel?
It feels great whenever people say things likeÓ IÕve been looking for something like this to listen toÓ. It feels good because for so long people thought that it was a waste of time to make rap music with no cursing that was actually morally uplifting, but still had the swag of a guy who has seen all sides of life;The streets, corporate America, the military, etc. So I speak with confidence because IÕve done so much in my life.
Tention Free : How would you describe your inspirational 7 minute documentary “The History of Motivational Rap?
I think it tells the story of the journey of mine while trying to make this music genre a reality. The thing that makes ÒMotivational Rap Ò special is the fact that it is not gospel rap at all. Many times when people think about Òpositive rapÓ they usually assume that it is gospel. I am trying to show that you can motivate people without the music being offensive to anyoneÕs religious beliefs. I speak the truth in my music and I try to give facts that are real from everyoneÕs perspective. I think
Tention Free : Please tell us more about your musical journey
I recorded over 50 motivational rap songs. Most are available on platforms like Spotify , Tidal, iTunes, Google music, etc. I hope that my unique journey can motivate and inspire people to get past their fears in life and use their talents. My life journey has had so many ups and downs, but IÕm still here and continuing to grow.
Tention Free : What motivates you to do your best work as Creator of Motivational Rap ?
When I started speaking at schools and really talking to teens about life, I realized there was such a need for rap music that told the other side of life. Most rap music just painted pictures of violence, and negativity. I realized that my life was changed for the better because I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time talking to my grandfather when I was young. I understand that a lot of our youth never get a chance to get wisdom poured into them. So I wanted my music to be that talk with a wise person that some people may have never had.
Tention Free : What ’s your advice to an aspiring rap artist ?
Most artists think that you have to be a main-stream artist to make it big. But actually, today you can be just as successful gathering a fan-base independently. As an indie artists, you have no limitations. You can be as successful as you want to be if you are willing to work really hard.
Tention Free : Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I like hanging with my family. I enjoy playing old video games from the Nintendo era. IÕm actually very much so a home body. I like the peace of being alone sometimes.
Tention Free : Are you an author that interacts a great deal with your readers?
So I actually wrote 3 books. ÒThe ProductÓ, ÒThe Final ProductÓ, and a short book called ÒThe secrets to selling your music onlineÓ. I love to interact with new people. I am a certified life coach too, and I think in the future I will do more consulting work for people who are trying to tap into their own talents. IÕm blessed to have been able to become so knowledgeable about so many areas and I love seeing how people just light up when they start to work towards their dreams.
Tention Free : When and where do you write ?
I actually write whenever I feel inspired. IÕm the type of guy who can be sleeping and will wake up when I get an idea, and start writing it down.
Tention Free : Are you active on social media? what’s the best way to follow you ?
You can find me on instagram or twitter @motivationalrap
