About
Danami was born in Detroit, MI, the birthplace of Motown. As a child, the songs and stories of Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and The Temptations filled his home. He is a multidisciplinary artist who strives to represent the finest qualities of the Motown tradition, but first & foremost he is a Hip-Hop artist. Growing up in the motor city, he was heavily influenced by R&B. This influence is reflected in his non-traditional approach to making Hip-Hop music. Writing music since 1997, Danami’s personal lyric-driven style has been compared to iconic Hip-Hop artists such as Nas and Lupe Fiasco.
Danami said,
“I listen to Hip-Hop because I love the music and also to be inspired by the MC and what he or she is saying lyrically and how they’re delivering it. I listen to R&B for my musical inspiration. I get inspired by the production and song concepts.”
When Danami moved away from Detroit, it led to many opportunities and achievements. The most impactful so far has been his ascendancy to the top of the fiercely independent Minneapolis Hip-Hop scene. By holding his own alongside some of the most critically acclaimed artists in the region, Danami’s versatile stage presences has allowed him to share stages with artists from the Rhymesayers (Warner Bros.) camp like Toki Wright, members of Doomtree like Dessa & Sims, and the live band Heiruspecs (Razor & Tie). He even received high praise by Miller London, CEO and publisher of The Urban Network Magazine and former sales executive at Motown Records. “Addicted”, a fan favorite from Danami’s first CD, Success Is Intentional, was spun frequently on 89.9 FM KMOJ in Minneapolis, MN after being voted in to rotation by listeners.
Danami uses his creativity, music business education and life experiences to give back to the community. He inspires and motivates through speeches, music, panels, and his way of life. He has proven to be a gifted mentor and is routinely recruited by 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, schools, and correctional facilities for his services.
In April 2011, Danami graduated from McNally Smith College of Music with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Business and is currently working on his second CD, Delayed Gratification, scheduled for release in 2012.
