Independent Charlottæn Artist, DamarTheEmcee, Releases his Fourth Studio Album.
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“ I don’t think we have purpose, we create purpose in the things we do.”
Having the opportunity to sit with Charlotte native @damartheemcee , provided an excellent example of how important it is to chase your dreams no matter where you come from. Living with his mother on the westside’ of town, Damar said that he had a somewhat sheltered life mostly to stay away from the troubles the city could bring to a young black man. As a kid, he did not get much of the chance to explore parts of Charlotte because he spent most summers and holidays with his father in South Carolina where he got to make his own choices for personal growth. However, he has been able to witness the constant changes in the city over the years. The evident gentrification and influx of residents can cause a “culture shock” but it provides a space to jump into a “different type of hustle,” he said.
DamartheMcee Upcoming Tour Dates
King Tut | Charlotte, NC | 07.19.2024
The Nexus of Now | Charlotte, NC | 07.26.2024
Real African Art Gallery | Charlotte, NC | 08.10.2024
Starlight on 22nd |Charlotte, NC| 08.17.2024
Coming from a family with a musical background, @damartheemcee already had a foot in the door when it comes down to the arts; furthermore Damar took a creative writing class in middle school that exposed him to the world of poetry. From there, he began performing at various places and events sharing and expressing his talent. Going to college brought the drive back for him to pursue music again. His poetry was still relevant and he used it more as an avenue to promote himself around campus but ultimately, this was all a step being taken to dive more into the music realm.
Damarthemcee latest album Westside Buddha. Now available. Click album cover to stream.
Gaining “a blend of new spiritual awareness” allowed him to come into contact with more experienced artists to make his music genuine and true. This exposure inspired an entirely different lifestyle drawing him to make choices that would illuminate his spiritual, physical and mental approach of day to day living. But how does that tie into the craft? He said, at some point, what I’m learning has to be in alignment with the art. With research and understanding the essence of where everything comes from a “value system” was establish to be lived by while also being used to give back [to the people] and that law. He highlighted that it is possible to be yourself and gain fortunes and that is proven by some of his influences like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. He said, “it's almost like hitting the lottery.”
“The politicians cant do it, the preachers cant do it, the focal groups cant do it, change sparks from within.”
In·de·pend·ent
/ˌindəˈpendənt/
adjective
free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.
Political independence is the attribute of a nation or state which is entirely autonomous, and not subject to the government, control or dictation of any exterior power. see BLVIPG770
Example
For Damartheemcee, being an independent artist means a slow grind and something that you have to be committed to. The biggest benefit for him has been being able to grow as a man and a person, “it's all about falling in love with the journey,” he said. Being present and in the moment along with determination, resilience, and hardwork is all a part of the process. The goal is to have a consistent approach.
His brand, Flywithme Worldwide, was not created to be one thing in particular…yet. There are many elements that need to be added but Damartheemcee knew that his latest album Infinite Westside Buddha was dropping soon; the website allows him to post his art and albums all in one place thus, giving him the ability to curate the site into what it is meant to be in the long run. He said, “a lot of times I feel that my music can be introspective, some people say I can be too deep.” He explained that at times, people choose to sacrifice parts of themselves to be more relatable but this is far from the case with him. “If anything, I want the people that mess with my stuff to be in alignment with me,” he said. On the site you can find a gallery, merchandise, music and more! It’s all about having transformative ideas. Be sure to check out his latest music and our catch on his upcoming live performances in the Queen City.
Journalist: Endyia Jones (e) endyiajones01@gmail.com
Article Engineer/Editor: Darrell Q.Slade (e) darealqslade@gmail.com