Damian Black is a 20 year old Seattle native who began his quest to become a professional musician at the age of seven. Damian would soon learn that perfection would only come after countless hours spent honing his craft. Years later; he developed an interest in the production side of music, soon after he would begin his mentorship under one of Seattle's most professional Hip Hop producers, Vitamin D. Damian believed that by producing his own music, that it would be pure magic when he returned back to the microphone. With first-rate coaching Damian developed a great work ethic and became a professional both inside and outside the booth. Forming and shaping himself was a tough task. Being so young in today's market it's very easy to be influenced by other rap artist and producers, but Damian chose wisely, some of his main inspirations lyrically have been Notorious Big, Jay Z, Rakim and Ice Cube, while on the production side he's a big fan of Dr. Dre and Hi Tech. Damian Black carries a unique sounding voice that he describes as "a universal smooth sound". He also displays a confidence you don't find much in young rap artist today. His music is pure and truthful, and his live performance ALWAYS captivates the audience. Most people are blown away by his energetic stage presence and his ability to move a crowd. Not only has Damian left an impact on live audiences but his music has also done quite well on college, internet community radio and night clubs as well. Perhaps Damian's deep passion for Hip Hop comes from the fact that he was literally born into it. In the early eighties his mother, father and his uncle all were pioneers in Seattle's first rap group (The Emerald Street Boys and The Emerald Street Girls). Spirituality is vital to Damian and is no doubt one of the reasons he was able to balance music as a career while finishing high school. Before the age of eighteen he juggled full length projects, mix tapes, concerts, school and football all at once. Sometimes he would play a football game an immediately do a show after. During this time Damian entered countless Hip Hop showcases, usually placing first or second. This earned him the opportunity in 2004 at the age of seventeen to open up for Ruff Ryder recording artist Jin the MC. Since those days he has opened for other national acts such as; The Clipse, Pety Pablo, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Digital Underground, Boot Camp Click, Jin the MC, Do or Die, Andre Nikatina and Trey Songs. Business has recently been added to Damian's repertoire, as he has become co-owner, and co-operator of Sportn' Life Records LLC. He has the talent and drive to succeed and see his dreams through, now that he's navigating his career Damian plans to stay on course. Stay tuned. Fact Sheet WHO: D. BLACK WHERE: Seattle, WA HISTORY: D.Black began creating music at the age of five. His parents were pioneers in Seattle's first rap groups The Emerald Street Boys and The Emerald Street Girls. After doing shows at local schools, community events and talent shows, D. Black while under the moniker of Danger began to release music on Sportn' Life Records in 2002. Then in 2004 at the age of 18 he became co owner and co CEO of the label. After a substantial buzz in the Northwest with his mix tape; Behind the Dirt in 2005 and the phenomenal follow up debut CD; The Cause and Effect in 2006, D.Black continues to stay poised as he spearheads all upcoming projects released on the label. D.Black has gained momentum with various singles both nationally and internationally with songs like You Need a Thug in 2003, Something Special and Move in 2005 and Get at Me, Get Loose and the Jake One produced This Is Why. Given the rapid growth in numbers in regards to our fan base, the Sportn' Life family has been seeking distribution with projections of broadening our range of success in 2007 / 2008. RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS: First two singles off of debut CD received prime time rotation on Seattle's X104.5 FM Nominated for the 2006 Seattle Mayor's award for Excellence in Hip Hop Debut CD sold over 4,500 hundred copies regionally GIG HISTORY: D.Black currently performs an average of 4 shows a month, and has performed over 150 shows. D.Black has opened for the following national recording artist; Mike Jones Paul Wall The Clipse Pety Pablo Boot Camp Click Digital Underground Andre Nikatina Jin the MC Do or Die Trey Songs DISCOGRAPHY: The Cause & Effect (Debut CD) - 2006 Behind The Dirt Mix tape - 2005 HAS BEEN COMPARED TO: Notorious BIG, Jay Z and Dr. Dre TWO WORD DESCRIPTION OF ARTIST: The Man.