When pressure and force is applied, the hidden essence behind the motive is revealed. However, for the German born and Austin, Texas raised rapper named Da New Kid, it wasn't until his uncle forced him to bust a freestyle that his intellectual energy kicked in, preparing him for a burgeoning rap career. 

"My Uncle had me start freestyling when I was eight years old. I didn't really wanted to do it at first but I started getting good at it," he recalls. "My other uncle was into music production and he bought me my first guitar and programs to make beats," he explains. 

Adhering to his influential uncles' advice was a good thing for the lyrically ferocious rapper who diligently honed his craft by competing in local showcases. In 2006, he took home the championship at the Powers of Music Showcase & Seminar in Austin - a conference that brings out the who's who in music. Da New Kid is far from a rookie when it comes to performing. He's hit the stage with Yung Joc, Paul Wall, Lil Flip, Trae, Z-Ro, Chingo Bling, Tum Tum, Kiotti and several others. 

Possessing a unique sound - often referred to as "backpack gangsta", the keen lyrics of Kanye West and top-notch production of beatsmith Dr.Dre influenced Da New Kid's style to a great extent. Taking a page from both his influencers he is considered a double threat as an artist who also produces his own music. With songs like "School Spirit" and "It's Gonna Be Live", Da New Kid quickly rose to most requested status, in both the Texas college market and Miami club circuit. Fans found his high-spirited hooks, true-to life lyrics and ability to capture their Texas essence a reason to want more. The considerable buzz behind his last mixtape It's About Time not only thrust his name more into the open, but compelled calls from A&R's at Atlantic Records, Interscope and Universal Records. It's About Time moved a couple of thousand units, making Da New Kid a topic of conversation amongst area DJs.  

After forming a potent alliance with DJ Hella Yella, Da New Kid was able to increase his mixtape assets triple fold. With features on all of Hella Yella's projects, including College Takeover and Fresh on Campus, Da New Kid's stout production coupled with his spit game proved he is light years ahead of the competition. His willingness to build relationships and deliver stand out material also caught the attention of DJ Blurray who spotlighted the young rapper's talent on his Get Big project.  

A relentless grind consists of hard work and strong determination and no one knows that better than Da New Kid. If he is not making pivotal business moves on MySpace, networking with other DJs, or tearing down the college scene, he is most likely in the streets promoting the "I Heart Da New Kid" campaign, which entails girls holding up his sign and taking pictures. Tastemakers like Saul Williams and TJ Chapman have recognized Da New Kid's "impressive freestyle" and noted him as being "one to look out for". 

While most would be satisfied and eager for a major label endorsement, Da New Kid gears up to serve an appetizer to already hungry streets with the release of Gimme My Credit and Broadcasting Live From The Hood. The DJ LL assisted mixtape is just a small

Da New Kid aka J Clef

Location: Austin, TX

Contact: www.danewkid.com myspace: www.myspace.com/newkidshow Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Digits: 512-377-9747

Urbansteez.com interview with " Da New KiD"

Urbansteez.com: Tell us your name, and what area do you represent?

Da New Kid: Da New KiD aka J-Clef...I reps The Live Music Capitol of The World, Austin Texas...Lake Side stand up

Urbansteez.com: How long have you been pursuing a career in the music industry?

Da New Kid: roughly about 2 years

Urbansteez.com: What were you into before music?

Da New Kid: as long as I can remember I've always been into music...but when I was in highschool I kinda had hoop-dreams...baaaallliiinnnn...lol

Urbansteez.com: As an artist how would you describe your style and why?

Da New Kid: Id probably say a mixture of college , street, fun and experimental but I've been often referred to as the "back-pack gangsta", because I always try to be aware of what I'm saying but at the same time I'm from da hood

Urbansteez.com: If you had your pick which label to be signed to, which label would it be and why?

Da New Kid: G.O.O.D Music, Konvict Music, Roc Nation...Kanye, AKon and Jay-Z have a that ability to make good artist better and they have proven themselves time after time...
it would also be cool if the major believed  in me and my vision enough to sign me to a label deal and I could create ops for other artist through my own imprint, H.U.G.E

Urbansteez.com: Who in your future would you want to collaborate with and why?

Da New Kid: there are so many fam...but
Kanye...we have similar styles
Akon...would make a good crossover record
Jay-Z...he got a hell of a pen but he just put it to the wind
Maroon 5...they make good music and I could spit over some of their tracks
soulja Boy...he has fun with his music
Natash Bedingfield...it would just be a dope collabo
jazze Pha and Mannie Fresh...They just have that sound u cant put yo finger on
Brian Michael Cox
50 cent...he knows how to make a hit and he bodies his comp
Young Dro...puts a twist on gangsta rap and good word play
and anyone that is serious about music that wants to work with me

Urbansteez.com: What are you working on now, and when can we expect to hear more of you?

Da New Kid: I'm workin on about 3 different mixtapes myself...Elevators, Broadcasting From DA Hood,and Gimme My Credit 2
My official cartoon
I'm workin with my first artist, Yung Canon, on his debut mixtape
im doin a remix series, remixing some of the hottest tracks out over my production
I'm also tryna build up my new team...stupid fresh society

Urbansteez.com: Who are your influences?

Da New Kid: I'm just influenced by life and what it has to offer...im influenced by anybody that thinks outside the box and is and doesnt really see limits.
More specifically...Kanye, Bill Gates,Lil Wayne, Jay-Z,Tom(myspace), Mark Zuckerberg(facebook) Diddy, my mom, g-mom, my uncle, my girlfriend and everybody that supports me and my music

Urbansteez.com: What do you think of the hip hop / music world right now?

Da New Kid: I wouldn't say hip hop is dead... I just think a lot of people like feel-good music...stuff that makes them wanna get up and dance or stuff that sounds good on their phone...lol
A lot of people are mad they don't have a record deal because they don't make that type of music...so they try to conform instead of being original and thinking outside the box
Mainstream music isn't always the best music and CD sales suck...

Urbansteez.com: Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Da New Kid: doing my follow up interview with UrbanSTeez and traveling, doing shows and still putting out good music for the world to hear on a larger scale...signed or not

Urbansteez.com: That's wassup!! What will you do with your first royalty check?

Da New Kid: I'm gonna buy everybody in my hood a corvette like Mr. Deeds...lol
I think Ill do something for the fam then invest the rest

Urbansteez.com: When you make it big, what car will you first purchase?

Da New Kid: Black Maserati

Urbansteez.com: That's a hell of a whip.... What's in your sound system right now?

Da New Kid: Everything from Young Dro to Gavin Degraw and a lil bit of old school classics...new songs by me and some tracks I produced

Urbansteez.com: Young Dro, that dude got wordplay, I see...which female in the game would you pursue first and why?

Da New Kid: Keri Hilson...but my cartoon been lookin at Penny Pround...lol

Urbansteez.com: Imma have to give you props , for Keri Hilson (good taste)How can fans contact you in the future (myspace, email, PO box, etc.)??

Da New Kid: www.danewkid.com
www.myspace.com/newkidshow
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
512-377-9747

Urbansteez.com: ANY SHOT OUTS???

Da New Kid: Shout out to the good people at H.U.G.E, Stupid Fresh Society, Da New KiD Gang, hail, Da New ChiC, Confucious Jones, King Mike, DJ Hella Yella, DJ LL, C.E.O, Big Javie, C.FRESH, Babo, Jr. LongLegs, Canon, Donnisha and everybody that supports me and what im trying to do because without yall there is no me...
and oh yeah...big up to all my haters

Check out Da New KiD's hit, " I can't stay away from her and his new mixtape cut, " Lick me like an oreo" at www.myspace.com/newkidshow , Boi is krazy on the keys!!

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