DA YOUNGSTA

Born March 3, 1986 in Miami, Florida first discovered his talent in the entertainment sector of poetry his Senior year of High School when his now mentor, Will "Da Real One" ,two times HBO Def Poet, walked into Ms. Blue’s classroom at North Miami Senior High to give a poetry show. After constant contact with Will, he started calling him “DaYoungsta,” because he was the youngest poet on the scene. At the tender age of 17, Da Youngsta’s first performed at Literary Café in February 2004. Since then, he has been invited to perform nationally and internationally at numerous venues.Recognition of his artistic talent led him to open for “The Laugh Out Loud,” Comedy Tour featuring comics Don “DC” Curry, Arnes J, Earthquake, Sommore and Malik Salon in July 2005 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. He received a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd. On May 26, 2006, Da Youngsta received yet another standing ovation in Mobile, Alabama as the opening act for Sheryl Underwood, the present host of BET's Comic View. Other featured comedians were Ronnie Jones, RayRay, Lester Bibbs and Miami's own "Mr. Funny Man" Marvin Dixon. He quickly won the crowd over with his humble stage presence, artistic delivery, and heart-felt words of wisdom.----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- His first cameo appearance was in the music video featuring the late Notorious BIG and Bob Marley, "Hold Ya Head". Da Youngsta has combined his love for the stage with his dream of being on film. Here is a link to watch this riveting video:http://www.vibe.com/music/video/2005/11/22/the_notorio us_big_hold_ya_head_feat_bob_marley/?source=IDIFDa Youngsta’s vision is to elevate spoken word to the same status of Hip Hop. He is convinced that his lyrics and content , without music or beats, can be celebrated as a form of cultural entertainment on the same scale as Hip Hop. His energy and excitement doesn’t come from being recognized, it comes from his core as he feels a natural bond with any stage where he can grab the mic and let loose. He's quickly mistaken for a rapper because of his stereotypical Hip Hop demeanor, his platinum teeth that have "POET" engraved on them, and tattoos. But he's much more than his appearance, the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" definitely applies to him. With a shy, shiny smile he states, “I am too lazy to be scared, it takes up too much time.” There is certainly no fear in this poet as he transforms from a quiet, unassuming young man in the audience to a loud, demanding presence of forceful energy on stage. His vocal compositions range from soul stirring, thought provoking poems exploring desires, conflicts and contradictions, to mind blowing sex poems. He inspires with his views about the urban community. His poems have no limitations, capturing the audience's attention by being a master storyteller. He transforms his visual images into words, letting his viewers know that there is a better tomorrow. Healing the crowd through his sound vibrations he gives them hope and allows them to see other choices. October 25, 2006 Da Youngsta flew to Harlem, New York and performed at the World Famous Apollo Theatre, where he received a standing ovation for his hit poem "Where I Come From". Persistence, poise, and passion exuberates from his aura as his voice delivers just the right amount of tone, texture and tempo to convey his message to command the crowd’s attention.Motivated by his own stories of growing up on the inner city streets of Miami-Dade County, he has seen his fair share of crime, violence, drugs, teenage pregnancies, single-parent households and other misfortunes. However, his internal beliefs and desires, coupled with a passion to succeed, focused attention and intention, he is as clear as a crystal. He's currently a sophomore at the HBC Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.Now at the age of 21 he has released his brand new highly anticipated spoken word album entitled "BROKEN STEREOTYPE". Stay tuned because this ambitious, passionate, complex, insightful and caring "Youngsta" is a rising Young Star!2007 -State of Florida Poetry Slam Champion2005 -E-literary Rookie Poet of the Year -3-time Audys Place Youth Poetry Winner -Verbal Arts Hall of Fame -2nd Poetry Fiesta -Featured poet at Islands of Turks and Caicos, Piper High, South Broward High, North Miami Senior High -Miami Apollo Show finalist and winner2004 -Placed 2nd at Brave New Voices, a national youth competition in San Francisco, CA (Spit Fi'ya Youth Slam Team) -1st place Boxers vs. Bras Voices & Vibes Poetry Slam -Miami Apollo Show finalist -Miami Masters 1st place slam winner