We recently connected with BDX The Don and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, BDX thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Where I’m from a lot of people do things that keep them in their comfort zones. These things consist of holding a steady job, staying at their parents house with no real goals in life, smoking the day away, etc. Not knocking anyone at all, but I feel as though that’s accepting an average lifestyle. I didn’t want to grow old and wonder what would’ve happened if I never chased my dream/passion, which is music. Honestly, I would rather chase my dream and find out that it wasn’t my purpose in life. I can live with that instead of possible regret and wonder. My family on both sides are very musically oriented. My mother’s side all played instruments for the church and at gatherings. We would really be in church hours after service ended just singing songs and rejoicing together. Originally I was too proud to share my talent with them, but I noticed that the music brought us together and was something we had a collective love for. My dad’s father was the lead singer of a professional gospel group named “Slim and the Supreme Angels,” it’s safe to say that he passed his stage presence to me. It’s also safe to say that music is in my blood and was the first way I learned to express myself. Hip hop was a huge part of my life growing up. I was introduced to the music by Nas and instantly fell in love with it. The way he was rapping his verse, the clothes he had on, the chain he was rocking, and the smooth aggression he embodied. 50 Cent inspired me to create my own songs at a young age also. Fast forward to 2012, I decided that school wasn’t for me at all and I hated it. As my mom used to say, I was more of a creative kid than one that was heavy on studying. 2012 was the year I decided to begin my journey as a professional recording artist. Everyone around me saw a potential in me and encouraged me to keep going as a hip hop artist. I was given a gift from God to make people feel strong emotions with my words. So I put 100% into my craft, invested into production, studio time, album art, etc. I didn’t know where it would take me, but my love for music guided me through a tunnel I couldn’t see light in for a while. I’ve been scammed out of thousands of dollars for things I thought would change my life and the trajectory of my career. I went into the negatives in bank accounts and spent my last dollar on my craft because I believed in myself. I’ve tried to quit many times, but destiny pulled me back in. I’ve felt every emotion thinkable chasing this dream and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to reach the platform I desire to change the world to my best power. Chasing my dreams is the greatest risk I’ve ever taken, and I’m glad I never quit. My pen got me on a Netflix series, performances at NBA All Star Weekend, and even into a Harvard classroom. I didn’t know this would be the case when I started in 2012, but I’m grateful that my risk brought me this far.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a hip hop artist, management company/independent record label owner, and performer from Hyattsville, Maryland. I got into the music industry officially around 2018 when I was featured on Netflix’s “Rhythm and Flow” as an auditionist. I’ve been writing songs since I was 6 years old and haven’t looked back since. In the DMV I noticed that there are so many artists, but only a certain style of rap was being associated with the region. There’s also a lack of performance opportunities and barely an industry presence in the region. I decided to create my own label and book myself, my artists, and artists that I believe just need a chance that wasn’t previously offered. I want to be the change that I want to see and if I’m contributing to a positive path forward, then I’m satisfied. I want to be a relatable artist that inspires people to chase their dreams, start their own company, take risks, and be themselves unapologetically. That’s what I preach to my entire staff and artists as well, it’s bigger than the music really, it’s an entire movement.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I don’t think non-creatives understand what goes into the content artists are sharing. Music is a very vulnerable thing that comes from the soul, so an artist sharing their work is a huge thing in itself because they’re already insecure about it. There is a lot of rehearsing going on, a lot of planning for months, a lot of emotions being dealt with, a lot of self doubt, a lot of uncertainty that creatives feel to get to dropping a body of work of throwing a show. We now live in a time where we’re competing for attention online as well because anybody can decide they’re an artist now. It’s hard to get noticed sometimes with the algorithms and over-saturation of creatives. All we wish for is a simple comment, retweet, like, share, or stream. We’re just asking for support, it’s quite simple. It’s even hard to get friends to support sometimes unfortunately, but the show must go on no matter what. I’ve made so many sacrifices to work with certain people or to get show opportunities. That’s time I’m spending away from my son or potentially looking like a vacationer to my job. All of this in an effort to produce great music for people to consume and enjoy. A stream or fire emoji would be very appreciated.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the impact I make within my community. The stories I’ve shared through music and in general have inspired many people to get past their fear of being an artist or taking risks. I never realized this impact until I received hundred of dms with testimonials of how I inspired that individual. That in itself has been greater than any check or any other satisfaction I might’ve endured. I’m seeing change, I’m seeing people implementing a mindset into their lives based on our discussions. That is the greatest feeling I’ve ever had.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdxthedon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064588282989
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDX_thedon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bdxthedon
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/06zuFZ5CUfjAKP6OQdjnlU https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bdx-the-don/1212075290
Image Credits
Ambreia Williams Brandon Nguyen