BIO

DA NEW KID

When pressure and force is applied, the hidden essence behind the motive is revealed. However, for the German born and Austin, Texas raised rapper named Da New Kid, it wasn’t until his uncle forced him to bust a freestyle that his intellectual energy kicked in, preparing him for a burgeoning rap career.

“My Uncle had me start freestyling when I was eight years old. I didn’t really wanted to do it at first but I started getting good at it,” he recalls. “My other uncle was into music production and he bought me my first guitar and programs to make beats,” he explains.

Adhering to his influential uncles’ advice was a good thing for the lyrically ferocious rapper who diligently honed his craft by competing in local showcases. In 2006, he took home the championship at the Powers of Music Showcase & Seminar in Austin – a conference that brings out the who’s who in music. Da New Kid is far from a rookie when it comes to performing. He’s hit the stage with Yung Joc, Paul Wall, Lil Flip, Trae, Z-Ro, Chingo Bling, Tum Tum, Kiotti and several others.

Possessing a unique sound – often referred to as “backpack gangsta”, the keen lyrics of Kanye West and top-notch production of beatsmith Dr.Dre influenced Da New Kid’s style to a great extent. Taking a page from both his influencers he is considered a double threat as an artist who also produces his own music. With songs like “School Spirit” and “It’s Gonna Be Live”, Da New Kid quickly rose to most requested status, in both the Texas college market and Miami club circuit. Fans found his high-spirited hooks, true-to life lyrics and ability to capture their Texas essence a reason to want more. The considerable buzz behind his last mixtape It’s About Time not only thrust his name more into the open, but compelled calls from A&R’s at Atlantic Records, Interscope and Universal Records. It’s About Time moved a couple of thousand units, making Da New Kid a topic of conversation amongst area DJs.

After forming a potent alliance with DJ Hella Yella, Da New Kid was able to increase his mixtape assets triple fold. With features on all of Hella Yella’s projects, including College Takeover and Fresh on Campus, Da New Kid’s stout production coupled with his spit game proved he is light years ahead of the competition. His willingness to build relationships and deliver stand out material also caught the attention of DJ Blurray who spotlighted the young rapper’s talent on his Get Big project.

A relentless grind consists of hard work and strong determination and no one knows that better than Da New Kid. If he is not making pivotal business moves on MySpace, networking with other DJs, or tearing down the college scene, he is most likely in the streets promoting the “I Heart Da New Kid” campaign, which entails girls holding up his sign and taking pictures. Tastemakers like Saul Williams and TJ Chapman have recognized Da New Kid’s “impressive freestyle” and noted him as being “one to look out for”.

While most would be satisfied and eager for a major label endorsement, Da New Kid gears up to serve an appetizer to already hungry streets with the release of Gimme My Credit and Broadcasting Live From The Hood. The DJ LL assisted mixtape is just a small preview of what is to come on his solo debut Watcha Waiting For. He hopes the album will lead him one step closer to the ultimate objective: putting his stamp on the world with out comprising his musical integrity.

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