The name D.R. Universal has many meanings just like this artist/executive has many styles. D.R. is an acronym that is not short for doctor. It has over 50 different combinations such as: Dark & Raw, Deeply Rooted, Distinguished Rebel and Dutch Roller just to name a few. Universal is also an acronym for Uniting Nations In Verses Explaining Religion Sex and Lies. So as you can see, this 30-year old Buffalo, New York native has more depth than the average rapper. Growing up admiring artists like Tribe Called Quest, Common, N.W.A, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap, Special Ed, Big L, Run DMC, De La Soul, Boot Camp Clik, Nas, Redman, Mos Def, Wu-Tang Clan and the Lox, he developed a conscious mind to counter his street mentality.

Like most teens in the 90’s D.R. wanted to get into the rap game so he joined an upstart indie record label in Buffalo named Genus Records. That was when he got serious about his talent and really grew as an mc. With Genus he recorded songs that were featured on several local mixtapes and performed at over a dozen shows whether it was as a solo artist, with his group or even as the host. He has also made appearances on many college radio stations from Buffalo to Rochester to Syracuse to Ithaca, so passion for rhyming is not an area he lacks in. Since moving to Charlotte in 2002, D.R. has continued to pursue his musical interests by forming a partnership with long time friend, Kevan and creating No Question Entertainment. He also serves as President of No Question Music Group (NQMG) but is able to balance his own interests as an artist versus those of the label, mainly because of his strong CEO (Kevan) . Some may think that being an executive means you lack the skill or ability to hold your own but D.R. is quick to respond with lyrics like, “My moms say I’m extra blessed/chics say I’m fresh to def/but I trust no one in the game man, I even suspect the ref.” His use of metaphors and similes, along with hidden punch lines are designed to give the listener something new to hear each time you play his tracks. This member of Armageddon is definitely poised to help his group show that lyricism and skill are still important traits of a true mc.

One might say that this artist/label executive has his hands in too many areas but he fuels himself on proving others wrong and being the best at what he does. Not often are you going to find a conscious artist that can get grimy with the gangsters and still keep the same skill level. This versatility is what allows him to be on both sides of the label and not forget his priorities. His future as an artist is very bright but with his vision for No Question Music Group as a whole, I am sure that he will be satisfied with the wide spread growth of his label. If his leadership skills are as good as his lyrical talent, there is little doubt that NQMG will be a success.