Once experienced, Universoul proves his name self explanatory. With a sophisticated, ever-changing, flowing lyrical technique that compels and teaches, while gritty, organic beats smoothly coerce listeners to bob their heads and pay attention, he calls to our attention many harsh realities that we’d love to ignore, confirming the old saying, “ignorance is bliss.â€Universoul is a multi-faceted artist and producer from Columbus, OH, who creatively fuses Hip Hop, education and history to bring about self knowledge and healing. His name signifies his commitment to creating a global message through a sound that can be reached by the masses. Art, socio-political commentary and righteous teaching come together with style and wit that is uniquely Universoul.Universoul often spends his time working with various community and arts projects. He has taught several youth workshops, focusing on different aspects of hip-hop and self-discovery. Using the curriculum he designed called Self Discovery through Hip-Hop, Universoul taught at Northside Urban Pathways Charter School in Pittsburgh, Power Learning Center in Akron, OH, and CLASS, an African-centered Educational Program at Ohio State University. Universoul began writing at the age of 12, and discovered his love for hip-hop in high school. He has had the opportunity to perform in Pittsburgh,PA , Akron, OH, Cleveland OH, and Atlanta, GA, and have his music featured on two compilation CDs. His most recent performance was at the legendary Karamu House in Cleveland, OH.Universoul is inspired by his role as a husband and father, and thanks his Aunt Dannie for introducing him to music early in his childhood. A few of many inspirations in his life and music are, J.D., Diamond D, Kanye West, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, The Roots, Brother Ashra Kwesi, A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap and Nas, to name a few.The Remedy, Universoul’s first album, was used as a teaching tool, an introduction to him as an artist, and a way to make people think about important issues that they may never have otherwise known existed. The Remedy was well received, as it raised questions and sparked much needed dialogue. Universoul recently completed his second album, Motiviation is Life, which he wrote and produced, and began performing songs from the new album in December, 2007. He is always looking to collaborate with other artists and innovators on projects that encourage self-knowledge, youth empowerment and community building.While performing and producing are very important to him, his purpose is to serve as a source of truth, healing and encouragement for urban youth. In this era, while commercial music misleads and distracts children and adults alike, threatening to eliminate everything in its path like an airborne virus, Universoul is the Remedy.
