We were lucky to catch up with Die Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Die, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One deeply underappreciated facet of being a service provider is the kind of crazy stuff that happens from time to time. It could be anything from a disgruntled client attacking an employee or waking up to find out a celebrity gave you a shoutout on TikTok – the sudden, unexpected hits (both positive and negative) make the profession both exhilarating and exhausting. Can you share one of your craziest stories?
The way my poetry career began is a testimony to how god does things In mysterious ways. One day at work a co worker invited me to the world famous Nuyorican cafe that was having a poetry slam. I decided to go last minute and upon getting there was told that it was $20 to enter but free if you were performing. So to get in free ( yes to get in free lol ) is the reason why I signed the list. I had never recited poetry before, but I did write hip hop music so I figured hip hop is poetry to a beat so I’ll just recite my songs accappella. When they called my name I was so nervous and thought I was going to look like a fool but I took a deep breath, recited my verses and I won first place. So began the birth of “Edgar Allen Poe with a hip hop flow” and I have gone on to release books, won awards, and I am a 5 time slam champion.
Die, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I entered spoken word by winning first place at the world famous Nuyorican cafe poetry slam competition and then placing 2nd in the finals. I also won 2024 Orlando’s poet of the year as well the Rapzilla Flavor Fest 16 bar competition in Tampa, Florida. I’m known for for my fiery and passionate delivery as well as my eclectic and versatile topics and subject matter. I think what sets me apart from others is that I speak from knowledge and experience and that I’m not afraid to touch on topics that some may consider taboo or controversial. What I am most proud is working with youth offenders and going into the juvenile detention facilities bringing love, light, and hope. I want people to know that I do this because I feel it is my calling from GOD.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped me build my reputation was the willingness to perform for crowds whether the audience was 5 or 500. Practicing what I preach both on and off stage in that people saw genuineness rather than a character.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that everything I did has to be “income based”. I realized that the outcome was actually more important than the income in that touching hearts and minds in people actually put myself on bigger and bigger platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Dieyoungbx?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaahEMVUVHZpPpppIcPz1cJZSESDSafkheVaS1RTNeqpFInjHNoImiQoGRw_aem_vCuOLUBSQwH37pLlBF1e_Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dieyoungbx?igsh=MXR0bDFsdXMwdW5xMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dieyoungbx?_t=ZP-8uP4DYPQL0B&_r=1
