What happened to “My American Dream”? That’s the question Los Angeles based artist DON PREACH is asking our Nation. In today’s world, everyone is concerned with their own economic status and well being. From the White House to the crack house, all of us are feeling the effects of our past decisions in life. In his debut album “My American Dream”, Don Preach has masterfully created music that speaks of everyday life and the struggles that people are presently facing. This is a patriotic record also supporting the troops in IRAQ and speaking out for our young children. It’s about us all bringing a much needed awareness to the circumstances of our actions, and us all taking the responsibility to re-shape our great Nation.
Born in New Jersey, the son and grand-son of a preacher, DON PREACH (born Donald Rudolph), was instilled with the belief that positive thought and action can shape the world around you, though not a belief easily learned. By the age of 16, Don Preach seemed to have found himself on a path to a New Jersey State penitentiary. The deaths of a beloved sister and his best friend left him grief stricken and suicidal. Feeling self-condemned with only drugs and rap music to comfort him, he struggled from rock bottom to survive those darker days. DON PREACH is on a mission now to reinvent himself through his faith in God, and the music he creates with such a passion. “My American Dream” is the symbol of this movement, and one that recognizes the good deeds and character of everyday people. “If I can create a wave of positive music that challenges people to do the right thing and put their faith in God, then I will full-filled my purpose through God and the gift of music, He has given to me.”
Early in his life, DON PREACH was introduced to many different musical styles. Drumming in his family church at age 8 and later singing in the choir gave him a sense of his spirit and soul through music. Awarded with a dance scholarship, he attended the University of Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Choreographer credits include world tours, infomercials and national videos for PRINCE AKEEM (Public Enemy), JOSE EBER & WARNER BROS to name a few) Soon thereafter old demons would re-appear and eventually Don Preach found himself again turning to drugs and ending up in prison. One night alone in his cell he had an epiphany. "That night changed my life. I decided I really wanted to live. I cried out to God for guidance. My prayers were answered with the realization that I had a special purpose in life. I felt the gift within me and a mission was about to unfold. God gave me a talent I could use to make the world a better place - one person at a time.
Honing his talent for the past 10 years as an artist and producer, DON PREACH started STEALTH MODE ENTERTAINMENT, and has collaborated with national and local artists and producers, including Grammy Award winning SHANNON SANDERS (credits include India Arie), GHOST KASEN (production credits include JA RULE, ASHANTI, IRV GOTTI, JENNIFER LOPEZ, MARIAH CAREY, MARY J. BLIGE, and JANET JACKSON)
Inspired by the thoughts and emotions of a very pivotal moment "My American" was recorded completely unwritten. A rarely seen style used only by some of music’s most influential artists including "The Notorious B.I.G., Ja Rule and Jay Z". DON PREACH never hesitates to use his life experiences to make an example of himself in allowing us to realize what to do and what not to do in life.
"I have been to hell and back. Not only did I survive, but I thrived by using the gift that God has gave me, and my sincere belief for doing the right thing. If nothing else my music will tell people they are not alone, there is light even in the darkest of storms, and to never forget to strive ahead and most importantly, to rely on God.
The music of “My American Dream" is fueled on the emotion and energy that is opening new doors in pop culture and commands the attention of music fans of all ages without explicit lyrics. Music's current climate applauds and rewards artists whose major themes speak about how much bling they have, degradation of women and which promotes violence. The major themes of "My American Dream" include “doing the right thing even when it’s un-cool, seek the light as opposed to the darkness, to seek awareness to the state of our country and our beliefs as a culture, just being happy with who you are and learning from your mistakes, all the while constantly challenging yourself to continue striving towards your “American Dream".
