The
Video:
Following the splash made by his debut release of The Day The Turf Stood Still - DaVinci's self-described "soundtrack for gentrification and urban renewal" – The Fillmore District's DaVinci linked up with the one and only, The Smoking Section, out in his hometown to give viewers insight into what a day in the life is like for the rising MC. Escorting viewers through the streets of this culturally and historically rich district of San Francisco, DaVinci expresses the impact that his hometown has had upon his music, and the prolific stock of inspiration that he has derived from living there. He takes a moment in the video to drop by the New Chicago Barber Shop and talk with the owner, Reggie Pettus, who is affectionately nicknamed the Mayor of Fillmore. They discuss the vibrant history of this area, from the 1950's, when the streets were perpetually flooded with the sounds of jazz and blues, to the present-day hip-hop culture. Throughout the feature piece, it quickly becomes clear that DaVinci's music is the result of his history and the history and culture of his hometown.
DaVinci's debut album, The Day The Turf Stood Still, is available now both for free download and purchase via SWTBRDS Creative Collective.
Watch The Interview With TheSmokingSection.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8CFKa_fgfE
Check out the full feature here: http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2010/04/a-day-in-the-life-of-davinci
To Download DaVinci's The Day The Turf Stood Still, please visit: http://www.swtbrds.com/davinci
Alt Link: http://swtbrds.bandcamp.com/album/the-day-the-turf-stood-still
For more information on DaVinci please contact Michelle or Dan at Audible Treats.
The
Background:
The Fillmore District has bred more rappers per capita than any other district in San Francisco,
and although the older generations recall its rich musical history
rooted in Jazz, the Fillmore today is rife with drugs, turf wars, and
mass gentrification. DaVinci, a young MC raised in
the Fillmore, is a prime example of the duality of this area, who at
the age of 13 was homeless, hungry, and hopeful for a way out. Explains
DaVinci, "My music has everything to do with my environment: from
robbing, killing, pimpin' to selling and abusing drugs," he explains
about his heavy content. "It's a direct reflection of what my friends
and family have been through and are still going through." While his
story is similar to many other young rappers’ upbringings, DaVinci was
surrounded by an incredible pool of Fillmore talent and by studying
with the greats, he was able to sharpen his skills and aim higher than
most, cultivating his story-telling abilities beyond mere
drug-and-gun-talk. Growing up in the same 10-block radius as Bay Area
rap legends San Quinn and JT the Bigga Figga,
DaVinci was content in merely watching the next generation follow in
their footsteps, until he received overwhelming praise from his peers
from a mixtape appearance, which then prompted him to pursue rap
professionally. In 2006, San Quinn welcomed him onto the "Pressure Makes Diamonds Tour" with rap veterans Xzibit and Tech N9ne.
Since the tour, DaVinci has kept busy appearing on numerous mixtapes
and compilations, as well as preparing his official debut album, The Day The Turf Stood Still. The Day The Turf Stood Still is available now via SWTBRDS Creative Collective. |
