We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Merritt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.
Hi David, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with inspirations and heroes. Are there any historical figures you look up to?
There is. My Cousin MC Groove, real name Terrance Palmer was an Artist Im the 80’s. He made me want to get involved with Music. He sold out shows and gave back to his community. I learned the Music industry by watching him. And now we do Music together. We actually just released our First Project together. When I was Young, he had a video shoot for his then hot song, This Is For Suckas. I was in his video and we talked about me getting into music when i got older. Seeing that video come together, along with his success as a Rap Artist back when that wasn’t really an acceptable “Career ” really opened my eyes and from that day on i have never stopped doing Music.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am A Rap Artist. I put my life into my Music. I have been Writing Music since the early 90’s. My Cousin MC Groove got me interested in doing Music but i had other people i looked up and who helped me along the way. My Folks Rich Tycoon from East Oakland is a huge Influence on me. He and My Cousin Nell Palmer (RIP) taught me how to actually write songs and what bars were. My Friend and Family Michael Norman has helped me beyond measure. He has kept me relavant in my down times, a true Friend. He has supported me alot. I differ from most in my experiences and how they are portrayed in my songs. I write only my lived experiences and tell my stories as only I can. I have Music Released all over the world. I have performed with many big name Artists in my time. Salt N Pepa, Tribe Called Quest, E-40, just to name a few. And I have done songs with alot of big Artists as well. Tupac, (The GOAT) is my biggest influence because he made you feel alive, if you could relate, there was no better feeling than listening to Pac Describe hus experiences. My Ent. Company is Called CTS, Connectin Tha Streets. And that is because that is what i have wanted to do for as long as i can remember, Connect good People to good people and make great Music. I miss those days when Artists Collaborated and it was all Love. I also Record Myself and i Mix And Master As Well.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My story is long and Hard. When i was young i got in trouble, alot. I have done time and that is actually where i wrote most of my material. I have been signed 3 times, independent lables and one Major. I have written more than 1000 songs. I have stuck it out through it all. Music is the one constant in my life. I quit rapping once for about a year. It was a very difficult time in my life but i have always had a strong support system, mostly from Fans and Family or friends and they helped my stay with it and not give up. I picked it right back up and haven’t stopped since.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson i had to unlearn was that Breaking into the Music industry is not easy, and it’s not about just talent, unfortunately. I had been signed to a label, won’t go into details but my advice to upcoming Artists is stay with it, but understand that it is not for the faint of heart. It takes alot from you and you have to stick with it if you want to succeed. It is not a job or a career, if it feels that way then it is not for you. It is unlike anything else. Music Changes lives and you can’t take that lightly.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/connectinthastreetsent?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D2DCTS?mibextid=ZbWKwL