Hi Steemians! This Is M5, ...aka steemit-life. I have been on steemit for a few weeks now. And I must say that I am blown-away!!! This new platform for social media will disrupt Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Reddit, as well as many other well known mediums. You actually get paid for posting, upvoting, and commenting. That’s crazy! Lol But, I delayed my Intro because I wanted to get a first hand feel of this site. And I have to say that this community has been nothing short of phenominal since I’ve first joined. (Big thanks to @craiggrant for telling me about steemit on Youtube) I have had a definite love of cryptocurrency ever since 2013. Even though I knew about Bitcoin back in 2011 when It was $1 dollar! Needless to say I didn’t buy It back then because it was mostly used to buy drugs. So I passed on it. And It wasn’t the Bitcoin we know of today. People just used it to send back and forth. I wasn’t Impressed. So I went back to Investing In Silver, and Gold. (One of my BIGGEST regrets in life was not buying it but, what cha gonna do, right!?? Lol So anyways here Is a little about me that some of my friends on here might already know. But, most of you don’t. So here goes!
(Me at 5 years old:)
The Gift
At the age of two and a half, I started playing the drums. My parents told me that my feet couldn’t even reach the drum pedals! But, I had perfect rhythm with my drumsticks hitting the drum toms for my age. My parents had formed a church choir with all my other relatives. We’d go around the Northern parts of VA, singing and playing for all types of venues. I learned how to play from my Dad. He played the drums, piano, bass guitar, sang, and was a choir director. Watching, and travelling with him taught me discipline, loyalty, and hard work. It also showed me that music was more than just notes. It’s about relationships, and dealing with different personalities. (Much like life:) Little did I know at that time the Impact It would have on my musical journey. My Mom also taught me about how to listen. Her, and my Dad made a great team. She would write out all the lyrics to the songs, and learn the parts for the others to sing. You have to remember that this was Pre-Internet. So Instead of going to a website to get the lyrics, you had to sit and listen to each and every song! Lol Boy how times have changed:) But, that also taught me how to listen, and be patient. (Again, much like life…starting to see a pattern yet?:)
The Obsession
So In sixth grade, I played the trumpet. This was a very intricate part of my musical experience. I learned notes, scales, chords, harmonies, and playing together. Much of what I still use today! So pay attention In school kids! Then at the age of twelve, I started to pick up on the guitar, piano, and bass. I took the theory that I learned In sixth grade on the trumpet, and applied it to those instruments. But, it was more than just a hobby. Right after school, I would finish up my homework quickly, and play until the early morning. A lot of times I would even be tired sitting In class. In the Summertime, I would lock myself In my room for 10-15 hours a day. Listening, and learning songs by ear. (Without sheet music.) I would listen to Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Joe Satriani, Tony Macalpine (Who btw Is diagnosed with colon cancer…Keep fighting Tony!) Basically anything I could get my hands on. I used the same techniques that my parents used earlier on. I guess you could say I was obsessed. I say that It was a deep passion!
From Then to Now
Around 15yrs old, I started making beats, producing, and starting groups. Rock, R and B, Pop, Gospel…list went on. And ever since then, I’ve been doing just that! I calculate that In over 20 years of production, I’ve probably worked with 1000’s of groups, singers, artist, and songwriters combined! And I love every minute of It:) I’ve also been blessed to have worked with many Grammy award winning artists, and nominees. I’ve scored music on videos. I’ve even been on the Billboard charts with Wayna’s song “My Love.” It was a song that we did together back In 2008 that focused on the seriousness of domestic violence. Still one of my favorites to date! So please check out the video below.
So I’ve made a list of SOME of the artist that I’ve produced, played beside, song-written for, or toured with. (In no specific order)
(Kirk Whalum second to right with Dark Horse Studios with staff and Rob Maletick on far right. That's me on the far left:)
- Kirk Whalum- Grammy Award Winner/Nominee…He’s worked with Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Babyface, Donnie Hathaway, Layla Hathaway, Dave Coz, Norman Brown etc…
- Paul Jackson Jr.- He’s worked with Michael Jackson (Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous Albums) Whitney Houston, Chicago, Temptations, Ricky Minor, American Idol Band, Tonight Show with Jay Leno etc…
- Wayna- Grammy Nominee, Billboards
- Albert Phillips and the Divine Messengers- Grammy Nominees
- Bolton Brothers- Stellar Awards Nominees
- John P Kee- GMWA Awards, Stellar Awards
- Timothy Wright- Grammy Nominee
- Mississippi Mass Choir- Grammy Nominees, Stellar Awards
- Hezekiah Walker- Grammy Award Winners
- Rob Maletick
- Youthful Spirits
- Jonah Brockman
- Dai One
- Keenan Ivor
- Niqqi Worldwide
- James Mckinney
- Kev O
- Mickey Slade
- Lancer Clark
- Diffrence
- Cynthia Lissette
- Dante Thomas
- NOVA Mass Choir
- Rumi
- Marcus Johnson- NAACP Image Award Nominee, Wammies Nominee, Samuel A Haley Award
- & many, many more!!!
(Playing Live)
(Marcus Johnson and staff)
(Playing the Bass)
(Grammy Nominee Wayna on tour with Grammy Award Winner Stevie Wonder:)
(My song with Wayna that was on the Billboard Charts...It was about "Domestic Violence")
(Me and my girlfriend...I told her about steemit, and she loves it! You may have seen her on steemit...She Is @sgnsteems Check out her blogs...She will teach you how to save money!!!)
Also can't forget about my son and my girlfriends daughter, who I consider my own:), They are my pride and joy! Well at least I hope the community has a little better Idea of who I am. I will continue to be on steemit. Posting, upvoting, and commenting with the community. Thanks for taking the time to read my Introduction. & welcome to the steemi-life:)