We recently connected with Don Die$el and have shared our conversation below.

Don , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I believe as an artist or creative, it’s easy to be misunderstood, mischaracterized or misinterpreted. As a hip hop musician and cultured songwriter from the inner city, I’m usually connected with a certain type of artistry or music. I am set on being different and bringing forth MY OWN sound, image, and legacy so much, that I’m only focused on that and not fitting in to the normal characterizations of rappers.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

As a kid, my father and his best friend were heavily into music and the hip hop artistry of rap, soul and r&b. They used to record music from their record player onto a cassette tape & this was how I was influenced into my music niche early. I was also in band at school like one or two times, lol. But it was mainly after witnessing some of my hardest life struggles, (and determining if I was going to be alive, that I had to live my life) that I really brought forth my musical dreams to a reality. I began recording professionally in 2012 with a fire lit inside me to achieve my dreams at almost any cost.

I am songwriter, rapper, executive producer, director and CEO for my music & promotions label, Original Nature Entertainment. I offer guidance and assistance to upcoming entertainers as well as head up my own not-for-profit, 4Peace Productions, Inc., which focuses largely on positively impacting the community through shows, giveaways and various city and state programs. I’m now currently a lead organizing liason for the sporting event and platform, the #HandsUpGunsDown Community Boxing initiative, as well- an anti-gun violence movement and deterrent campaign aimed toward youth in the inner cities of the DMV.

We also promote in various nightclubs and lounges & provide services ranging from songwriting, artist development , motivational speaking, videography and editing, & working alongside radio personalities as hosts and co-hosts, to a plethora of brands throughout BALTIMORE, DC, and Virginia. I have a small, intimate team of about 4-5 people in the company.

What sets us apart from other companies that work in music and with the community is our never-ending passion to always affect society positively through our words and actions. We also pay close attention to detail and stand on accountability to each other and each individual project undertaken. We are most proud of those main things, and in particular the consistency of which we work and the final results we always produce!

At Original Nature Ent, and 4Peace Productions we are ensuring our clients that maintaining the most professional and effective service is our main objective. Endorsing high efficiency and offering insight into creating the best version of a client’s brand are our highest priorities. We are blessed to be able to do our part and provide such services.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

As an intellectual and researcher I’ve come across many different pieces of literature that have helped me along the way to guide my mindset towards a path of excellence, peace, refinement and attaining a more enriching lifestyle.

#1 The Bible, has always been a major part of my daily journey, routine and successes. The way I’ve been raised to be faithful and full of humility plays a huge part in my current thought process. Another few books I read or listened to that were very helpful were Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich,” Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and Gary Keller’s “The One Thing.”

The impact on my management and business acumen has been manifold. I’ve learned wisdom keys like: manifestation principles, understanding people’s vibrations and frequencies, setting priorities and investment & money management skills.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One instance of my life that was really hard to deal with was during the loss of my best friend Maurice, in 2007 due to his tragic suicide. This was a very difficult and trying time for me that allowed me to understand what really mattered in life.

In addition to the loss of my best friend I had many things that I was dealing with in my family as well. I was stuck in a deep spiral of depression and anxiety having panic attacks not understanding how I was feeling and why I was feeling that way. I searched deeper within. I developed a stronger relationship with my Creator, as well as a deeper awareness of my purpose. These things helped me to shed more light on what I was actually going through & how I could learn from it, and benefit from it, instead of just being depressed by it. I sought professional help from a therapist, and was eventually told by them that I had excellent coping skills and that I needed to start my own Support Group. ‘Wow?! Really?!,’ I thought…’I came here to get help not to BE HELP!’ Lol.

In due time, I realize that the answers were within me, and that I had the most practical understanding of my best actions to take that would better my situation. This was a very trying time that required resilience, repeated prayer, meditation, sacrifice, and reflection to make it through.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.beacons.page/dieselfueltv
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dieselfueltv
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamins1
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dieselfueltv
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DiceCorleone
• Other: http://www.campsite.bio/DFTV

Image Credits
CC: Original Nature Entertainment, Q Moon Photos, Greater Aspect Photography, D Harris Photography, and 6o4 Studios