Bio:
December 2005 was a pivotal time in the life of spoken word artist, Daniel "Motown Pride" as he would lose his grandfather to natural causes. Inspired by his life, Motown Pride would change careers and follow his dream. His focus would change to performing and community service. That's when he fell in love with performance poetry, "spoken word". Coming from Detroit, the legendary home of soul music, Motown Pride would use his inner city hiphop roots to forge a unique, conscious style that is redefining the genre. Known as the leader, executive producer of the Justice 4 Jena 6 movement in Tampa that raised over four thousand dollars for its legal defense fund, Motown Pride is growing to be one of the most influential spoken word artists in the industry. His journey has led him to tour the prison system, juvenile and inner city public school system with his message of inner strength and economic freedom. In early 2008, he released his debut album, Joe Strut (dedicated to the memory of his grandfather) to one of the biggest crowds in Tampa's spoken word history. He has shared a stage with Dwele, Chrisette Michele, Little Brother and a decorated list of HBO Def Poets across the country.
Some would argue that the key to enjoying life is finding the humor in it. Got Jokes? is the manifestation of that belief with some Motown Pride sprinkled on top. The premise was simple. Gather together the most diverse, talented cast of artists the Tampa Bay Area has to offer and provide the audience with an interactive experience that will keep them captivated from the moment they walk into the door. In 2008, Motown Pride asked the public if his group “Got Jokes?” and the response has been a resounding, YES! In the process, he has cultivated a family that will be connected through art and triumph for years to come.
Early 2009 signifies a new journey for Motown Pride as he co-hosts his most ambitious project to date, Drum Lines, a show that serves to bridge the gap between emcee and poet with drums as the backdrop. Stay tuned. Got Jokes? and Drum Lines is coming to a city near you!
Deeper...
I call Detroit my home. Born and raised in Motown, a proud survivor of its challenging environment and a poster child for what is possible if one has a strong spiritual backbone and a will to fight life's obstacles. My childhood was set to the backdrop of poverty, violence and discrimination, but for me it only makes my story a more exciting one. Rising above adversity defines character. So I "Joe Strut" proudly accomplishing goals with my Kangol cocked slightly to the left hearing the voice of my grandfather, a Ford Motor Company Retiree, telling me that quitting is not an option. Filled with the soulful music of my urban ancestry, I will tell you straight to ya face...I'm from Detroit and damn proud of it.
This is Daniel, the Spoken Word Artist, the person. One of the same.
I think every artist needs to be honest with themselves and answer the question, why do you make music? For me it's simple. Therapy and Outreach. Spoken Word for me is a remedy for an overworked analytical mind. Its how I find answers or more importantly deal with the issues that do not have clear cut solutions. Whenever I step to a spoken word mic, I have one goal. Sincerity. The rest I believe falls in place. If you can relate to being a parent, struggling through relationships, political unrest, pushing the envelope on revolutionary thought, living an imperfect life where you continuously search for answers...my poetry was written with you in mind. I believe that one of my spiritual gifts is my ability to communicate with others without judgment. By ministering a message of hope, I heal myself through the healing of others. Thank you for allowing me to walk this journey with you.
Peace and Blessings.
- Daniel
Projects:
Joe Strut
Dedicated to my grandfather's memory and serving as that fusion of Hip Hop, Neo-Soul and Spoken Word that most critics doubted was possible, the album is finally avaliable for purchase! With a group of producers spanning the globe and quality collabs featuring emerging and reknown Hip Hop, R&B and Spoken Word artists across the country, this promises to be a unique and satisfying journey through vocal expression. Every track is set to music with the goal of making every offering high on production and content. A lifelong dream captured in 14 tracks.
..including a track produced by my brother, the legendary Ambassador of Detroit Hip Hop, DJ Houseshoes!
PURCHASE IT HERE!
Join the MOTOWN PRIDE street team today!
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Myspace Profile, Bulletins and Comments:
Next Big Show!
Come see me open for one of the hottest Hip Hop groups in the country, Little Brother, on June 6th at the Crowbar in Ybor City, FL!
Got Jokes? Improv Comedy Troupe
Got Jokes? That is the question we pose to the Tampa Bay community as we introduce a fresh, hip and innovative approach to improv comedy. Performing sketches/games where the audience plays an interactive role in the outcome, Got Jokes? promises to deliver a unique experience to the Tampa Bay area that people across the country will talk about for years to come.
Do you miss the classic days of Saturday Night Live?
In Living Color?
Whose Line is That Anyway?
Well, I've worked diligently to assemble a diverse cast of actors, actresses and comedians that are committed to making you laugh hysterically until you lose control of your bodily fluids. Got Jokes? is a weekly event that performs at different venues in the Tampa Bay area building up to a big show at the end of the month where celebrity guests join the mayhem. The laughs don't stop there though. As Got Jokes? grows in popularity, our audience favorites will tour the United States bringing our brand of funny nationwide.
Visit our website, www.gotjokesimprov.com for more event information
and
make us one of your myspace friends, www.myspace.com/we_got_jokes
Jena Six Project
THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER!
Sept. 20th was a great day in history for people of color and people who support equal justice throughout the world. However, we should be careful not to let a day meant to inspire revolution and change defuse our intensity. There is still much work to be done. The Jena Six are still not cleared of the charges and the double standard in the judicial system for those economically challenged and people of color is still prevalent in this country. If we settle for just a march and television exposure, we've missed the point. Tampa Bay Artists United and Friends bring you the Justice 4 The Jena Six CD. The project is a compilation of works from prominent Spoken Word and underground Hip Hop talent from the local Tampa Bay area along with artists/producers from across the globe including T-Storm, Bluz, Laws, 3rd Brillyance, Deto22 of the Phenetiks, Cuban, Christian Hermanns, Kas, Asia Rainey, DREDI the Beat Broker and NYOIL. It could quite possibly be the greatest compilation of Spoken Word and Hip Hop ever merged on a CD. The beauty is that all proceeds go to charity.
If you would like to be an active part of the movement to bring about positive change in this country, we've provided a way for you to help. The nation was asked to wear all black as a sign of solidarity. Now, I am asking you to keep that same spirit internally and be more proactive in making a difference.
Follow the link below to get information on the Jena 6 and the html code required to promote the Jena 6 CD on your page. Stand up for justice!
Jena 6 Facts and Promotion Info!
SATISFY MY BOX FETISH AND SIGN MY GUESTBOOK! :)
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