Today's Feature: Uptown Hunter

4/8/2014

National Poetry Month Celebration

Uptown Hunter is a rapper and writer born and raised in Northwest Washington, DC. His passion for music sparked at a young age when the late Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur were at the prime of their careers. Inspired by these two rap heavy weights, Uptown Hunter works hard to display a versatile form of word play that does not go unrecognized. He established his music career in 2006 at the historical Takoma Station Tavern where his community, a tough crowd to please, embraced him with open arms. After completing his first album Time for a Change in February 2011Uptown Hunter has graced the stage at Time Square Arts Center, Hard Rock Café, and various community organizations citywide. In 2013, he released Self Promotion Vol. 3. Currently, Uptown Hunter is working on an anti-bully campaign.

The Interview

Where do you draw your inspiration from to write poetry?

I get inspiration from listening to R & B/ Hip Hop like Biggie and Tupac, life experiences, and lessons I’ve learned.

What advice do you have for someone that is threatened by poetry?

Poetry is a powerful form of expression. Poetry is the truth and some people are scared and threatened by the truth. But when you add melody to the truth, people can accept it easier. The truth becomes less threatening.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have a hearing loss. Since I was a child, I was told that I would have difficulty completing school and playing basketball. I beat all the academic odds placed against me. Plus, I played basketball. What everyone said I could not do, I did and excelled. The same with my music. In the world, it makes no sense for someone with a hearing loss to make music. But, anything and everything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Where are you from/Where do you live?

Born and raised in Washington D.C. in North West (Uptown)

Who is your favorite poet?

Tupac Shakur. He motivates me to use my words and inspire others.

Connect

www.youtube.com/uptownhunterp36

www.twitter.com/uptownhunter

www.mtv.com/uptownhunter

www.instagram.com/uptown3phunter

www.reverbnation.com/uptownhunter

www.facebook.com/uptownhunterdmv

56 Comments

Gerald Ferrel link

4/8/2014 08:19:14 pm

Uptown Hunter - I know this name. I love their music & creation, all of you are melodious.

Yvonne Brown

4/9/2014 10:48:38 am

Thanks for your support Gerald!

Uptown Hunter

4/9/2014 12:09:10 pm

Thank you so much Gerald Ferrel for your Support

Marielle Altenor link

4/9/2014 04:00:28 am

Nice interview! It's always nice to learn about new up and coming artists! Much success to Uptown Hunter

4/9/2014 10:49:02 am

Thanks for your support Marielle!

4/9/2014 12:11:36 pm

Thank you so much Marielle Altenor for taking the time to check out the interview and Support

Meryl Hershy Beck link

4/9/2014 05:44:40 am

Refreshing to hear of talented young people who have taken their struggles and used them for the good of others. Some people get so lost, never finding their way and it is nice to see people who better their lives and the lives of those around them. Great interview!

4/9/2014 10:49:46 am

Your support means so much Meryl! Thanks for your encouragement.

4/9/2014 12:14:23 pm

Thank you so much for them strong words and support Meryl

4/9/2014 01:23:30 pm

Thank you so much Meryl for your strong support

Shari Yantes link

4/9/2014 06:06:26 am

Very inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing!!

4/9/2014 10:50:07 am

Thanks for your support Shari!

4/9/2014 01:18:20 pm

Thank You so Much for the support Shari

4/9/2014 01:33:43 pm

Thank You so much Shari Yantes

Alexandra McAllister link

4/9/2014 06:24:18 am

Such an inspiring story. Wishing much success to Uptown Hunter!

4/9/2014 10:50:42 am

Thanks for your support Alexandra!

4/9/2014 01:20:44 pm

Thank you so much for check out he interview and your support Alexandra Mcallister

Deanna Heiliger link

4/9/2014 06:37:16 am

I love that he did not let his hearing loss intimidate him...he has become a success and that is very encouraging!

4/9/2014 10:51:10 am

You are so right Deanna! Thanks for your support!

4/9/2014 01:25:42 pm

Thank you for the strong words and support Deana Heiliger

Jim Striegel

4/9/2014 07:53:39 am

I have heard that Rap is even a form of poetry. Is this correct or do you know?

4/9/2014 10:51:39 am

Yes it is Jim! Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa Hodges

4/9/2014 07:54:23 am

I really enjoyed reading this inspirational story and not to be threatened by poetry.

4/9/2014 10:52:02 am

Thanks for stopping by Lisa!

4/9/2014 01:27:26 pm

I'm so glad u enjoyed Reading about my story Lisa Hodges

Marjory Johnson

4/9/2014 07:55:10 am

Poetry is such a unique and raw talent. Thank you for sharing.

4/9/2014 10:52:36 am

The pleasure is all mine Marjory! Thanks for stopping by!

4/9/2014 01:32:33 pm

Thank you so much for checking out the Interview Marjory Johnson

Laurel Bill link

4/9/2014 08:23:36 am

I love reading about people who overcome adversity and make such positive role models for others. Thanks for sharing this interview!

4/9/2014 10:53:23 am

Me too Laurel! Uptown Hunter is more than meets the eye...he has a message.

4/9/2014 01:29:55 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the interview Laurel Bill

Ashley link

4/9/2014 08:27:05 am

Very inspirational and talented! It's great that he can get his message out there and I love how he's starting an anti-bully campaign.

4/9/2014 10:53:56 am

Thanks Ashley! Your support means so much!

4/9/2014 01:36:52 pm

Thank you so much for your support and strong words Ashley

kungphoo link

4/9/2014 08:46:05 am

Great interview! I love finding out what inspires others and what has pushed them towards their success. :-)

4/9/2014 10:54:28 am

I am glad you liked it Kungphoo! I am inspired too!

4/9/2014 01:46:55 pm

Thank You so much for your support Kungphoo

tina link

4/9/2014 01:10:03 pm

Welcome back! I missed you!!!

4/9/2014 02:04:51 pm

Thanks Tina! I appreciate the love!

Veronica link

4/9/2014 01:35:50 pm

Great feature and interview, It is interesting that he considers Tupac a poet because he certainly was.

4/9/2014 02:05:28 pm

Yes...Yes, Tupac was a poet! Thanks for your continued support Veronica!

Bradley Finnearty link

4/9/2014 02:00:03 pm

I love hearing new music and hearing about new and upcoming artists. This is really good. Thanks for this, I will check them out more.

4/9/2014 02:06:09 pm

Thank you for your support Bradley!! It means so much!

Rhonda Winston link

4/9/2014 02:02:43 pm

It's very nice to meet you and learn more. How awesome that you were able to overcome what may have been an obstacle for most folks. You are triumphant!

4/9/2014 02:07:03 pm

Thank you for your words of support and praise Rhonda!! It means so much!

Daniele Holmberg link

4/9/2014 03:21:12 pm

Uptown Hunter sounds like he has an awesome story to share:) Thanks for sharing this interview:)

4/11/2014 04:04:53 pm

Thank you so much for check out the interview Daniele and def more positive stories to come from just living free

Diane link

4/9/2014 10:02:57 pm

I found this story very inspiring, and a great interview. it is amazing what some people can overcome, and I enjoyed this article. Thanks for sharing!

4/11/2014 04:06:36 pm

Thank you so much for your time to check out the interview Diane

A. Lynn Jesus link

4/10/2014 03:20:45 am

Thank you for introducing me to this artist. I love how he mentions truth in expression and that there are ways to make is easier for people to really hear it (instead of being scared to hear it). And this is a great introduction to your blog. Looking forward to more.

4/11/2014 04:08:10 pm

Thank you so much Lynn for checking out the interview and your strong words for extra motivation for me

Savvy BIZ Solutions with NormaDoiron link

4/10/2014 04:36:23 am

Overcoming disabilities is hard so KUDOS to you for not letting anyone put a label on you and moving forward! :)

4/11/2014 04:09:37 pm

Yes u right about that Savvy Biz and I also have to give credit to some friends that had my back and still my friends to this day

Pat Moon link

4/12/2014 07:11:11 am

I love what Uptown Hunter said about how putting poetry to music makes the message in the poetry less threatening. That is so true. That coming from a mother who has 2 sons who are song writers, musicians and performers.

Sharon ODay link

4/13/2014 10:49:53 am

What amazing perception: "Poetry is the truth and some people are scared and threatened by the truth. But when you add melody to the truth, people can accept it easier. The truth becomes less threatening."

Katrina link

4/13/2014 11:48:23 pm

Fascinating what happens when we are told we can't do something. For many this is a motivating factor.

Great post and thank you so much for sharing.