Dahlak Brathwaite

By: Corbyn Bricie

Bio:

There are those rare and unique experiences in our lives when we are fortunate enough to witness a talent so undeniable the inspiration will never let us forget it. Dahlak embodies one of those unforgettable moments. With an intense and remarkable presence in the arenas of poetry, hip-hop, and theater, Dahlak moves his audience with witty lyricism and heartfelt social commentary.

Touring with iLL-Literacy, as well as the world-renowned Scourge hip-hop theater collective, as well as his hand-picked hip-hop band the Hi-Lifes, the poet/emcee/actor/playwright is a bourgeoning talent recognized by his live performances throughout the United States, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

With the release of his debut LP Dual Consciousness, and the birth of his hip-hop collective Neighborhood Watch, Dahlak is a multi-talented phenom.

Inteview:

UTM:  What was your childhood like?

DB:  I started to come into conscious at the worst economic period for my family.  Late 80's, my dad had been laid off, we were forced to move form Houston and stay with my uncle in L.A.  I think back now and see how much that had an effect on the person I am now.  My dad ended up getting a good job in Sacramento in '91 and he moved the family in '92.  Since then, we've been increasingly more comfortable through the years. 

I was able to grow up in a good environment and allowed to let my mind wander onto different things besides "how am i going to eat today" or "will i be safe if walk home this way".  But despite growing up for the most part with that comfort, I never forget our humble beginnings.  I never forget the fear of insecurity or the pressure of surviving.  I will also never forget my mother's determination and my father's strength.  I see now that it has made me who I am.

UTM:  What do you miss the most from your childhood?

DB:  I miss the freedom of childhood.  The satisfaction and the contentedness of not always being productive.  The newness and excitement of everything.  And the anticipation of a bright world to come.

UTM:  What keeps you movin when it comes to your art?

DB: A good performance.  A passionate fan.  My crew iLL-Literacy and our extended network of artist.

UTM: What are you ultimately trying to express with your art?

DB: I am ultimately trying to express whatever I feel, whatever I see, whatever I believe, and whatever I am to whoever I think should know it.  But life will have to unfold before I know what that is.

UTM: As a poet, what would you consider career success?

DB:  My goals as a poet is to move onto writing plays for the stage.  My paradigm for success as a poet is my friend and mentor, Marc Bamuthi Joseph.  A leading hip-hop theater artist who does teaching residencies at different colleges while creating new work.  He is the perfect combination of art and education and has been successful in doing it.  That's where I'm moving towards.

UTM:  If you could be one word what would it be and why?

DB:  Recognized.  Because I am essentially a performer and all performers just want attention.

UTM:  If you had all the money in the world and didn't have to work anotha day in your life....what would you do?

DB:  Do what I'm doing right now!

For More Info Visit:

www.thisisdahlak.com
www.ill-literacy.com
www.watchworldwide.net