Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Salinas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

As a creative, I am so happy. It is my healing & happy place. Making music, DJing, & even running my own business are all things I am passionate about. They are how I hug my inner child, I am abundant in creativity, self-love, as well as in my mental, emotional, & spiritual well-being. I had to sacrifice nearly everything financially to get to this place of peace. Though I am not financially abundant, I am much more prepared for the abundance this time around. I am at a stage where I cannot do things for money that do not align with me or benefit my mental, emotional, & spiritual well-being.

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 am originally from Jamaica, Queens, NY., raised in Santa Ana, CA.. My earliest inspiration was when I witnessed a group of b-boys from my neighborhood in Queens dancing on cardboard next to his building. Since then, it was a must for me to be a part of Hip Hop Culture. Other major inspirations were my father who continues to introduce him to old & new spanish/ world music, & my sister who was responsible for introducing reggae & hiphop artists to me such as Run Dmc, Boogie Boys, LL Cool J, Poor Righteous Teachers, KRS ONE, X Clan, Eric B. & Rakim, Redman, De La Soul, etc.. As well as Bob Marley, Yellowman, Bounty Killa, Shabba Ranks, Shinehead.. My sister was also responsible for introducing me to certain artists as she was a part of the late 80‘s Orange County Hip Hop scene through dancing & taking me along at the early age of 8, to meet artists such as DJ Rude Boy & The Rolling Rapper, Trae7 & Black Fugitives, DJ Drez, & others who were involved with the Hip Hop movement. Listening & studying the music, production, where albums were recorded, shout-outs, liner credits & all the information involved is what intrigued me the most, so naturally I wanted to DJ. Not being able to afford the equipment, come 1995, I started rapping/MCing/writing with high school classmates known as the Stone Crooks, who then re-connected me with the same artists I met in 1988. All were linked through the Orange County Hip Hop super crew Youth International Party, who released music on tape, compact discs & vinyl throughout the late 90s, into the early 2000s, also with Throwback Records. Within the group Y.I.P., myself & comrade Ras Ceylon formed our group, Hungry Breddas, whom I continue to create & record music with. Much like my elder inspirations, we created conscious Hip Hop music with a spiritual edge. Being that some were Rastafarian, Muslim, Buddhist or Christian, we covered a wide spectrum of concepts within social issues, political opinions & guidance for troubled youth. In 2001, with my first financial aid check from community college, I went straight to Guitar Center to purchase a pair of Technic 1200 turntables & a Vestax 06 mixer. Since then, I have been collecting records & djing throughout California, Las Vegas, Arizona, Texas & now Denver. I have DJed, performed & recorded alongside artists such as Eek A Mouse, Shinehead, Demarco, Capleton, Krs One, Boot Camp Click, Killah Priest, Cappadonna, LMNO, DJ Drez, Jeru the Damaja, Dead Prez, Tahir RBG, Tragedy Khadafi, Timbo King, Prodigal Sunn & many more. In 2005, I started truly studying Rastafari & paying more attention to the Reggae/Dancehall scene, graduating to learn under legendary DJs, DJ What?! & DJ Westafa, becoming a member of their crew Inna Channel Rock Movement. As of November 2010, I took matters into my own hands & began producing Hip Hop forming his production brand Medal Gear. Medals, being the rewards/blessings we earn/ receive & Gear, being the tools we use to do so. In 2018, came my first release, Full Medal Jacket, completely produced by myself with the likes of Ras Ceylon & Tragedy Khadafi. As of now, I am working on instrumental albums as well as more collaborative projects such as Jacket FuLLa Medalz, a spin-off the Black Market Militia affiliation with Timbo King (Royal Fam/Wu-Tang) & Tragedy Khadafi. My goal is the spreading of knowledge of our ancient ancestors & guidance of our youth through conscious sound while securing the salvation of our earth & culture. Continued creative expression of healing through vibrations & frequencies, all the
while sharing my growth, joy & pain through my music.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy what they’re selling. Literally…As artists, especially musicians, the industry is set up to benefit labels, distribution companies, etc. We struggle financially to be able to mix, master, package, present & market our music, as it’s very expensive & competitive. Talent is on the back burner nowadays, & has become a marketing game.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe all people are creative, in some form. But, there is a difference between the artists who create as a hobby, & the artists who must create. I need to create to stay healthy, emotionally, mentally & spiritually. If I do not, it begins to affect all these aspects of me, eventually, my physical. I do not think everyone truly understands this aspect of artists, even some artists do not. Thus, it is important to support your artist community, in any way possible, so that we may continue to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brandnew2ndhand.biz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawitjustice/
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/medal-gear