“With President Obama's push for change, I think people are listening now. I think they are actively looking for a change and for something positive. I have spent the last ten years working to convince hip-hop artists and fans that you don’t have to fit in, to get in. Just stop, watch and listen.”         -   Darius Alexander (AKA “D”)

Alexander, known simply as “D” recently put on a show under the Still Standing name entitled “Celebration of Change” which included live Jazz by Alex “Big Squigg” Davis, spoken word poetry and a beautiful dramatic reading which shared the perspective of change from the vantage point of a black mother raised in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Patrons were pleasantly surprised and wondered why they hadn’t seen this type of entertainment before and simplly requested more. The Tacoma, WA BBQ restaurant captured in the audience what "D" is looking to leverage—diversity—and delivered just that; white, yellow, brown and black faces sat engrossed in the music, the words and the melody of the jazz notes as aspiring artist took turns at their crafts. 

“D”, is looking to capitalize on the wave of diversity sweeping through politics and the resources left stirring in its wake, to bring his vision to life. As a hip-hop artist/rapper, he has encountered numerous obstacles and has been forced to confront the negative connotations associated with his passion. Yet, he has continued to push for change. Over the past ten years, “D” has built his music and his company Still Standin' Entertainment/T.K.O. (Time. Knowledge. Opportunity.) on the belief that it is possible to be a successful rapper without succumbing to what mainstream listeners have come to expect of the genre. 

His model is simple: Be honest, be yourself, and uplift your community in your music and business transactions. His sole intent is to provide a creative and positive outlet for talented individuals of all kinds. 

“D” is a refreshing deviation from the norm. He is clearly a talented young man and the type of person that you would bring home to meet your mother--a respectable young man. In an age where some artist and entertainers do, say and wear just about anything to get attention, “D” keeps it real and decided not to take on the identity of a traditional "record label.”

After spending a couple of weeks in casual conversation— I got to see first hand what he meant.

“D” runs business similar to a family. Following  several meetings which included his family and people he considers family, it is apparent “D” listens to the people around him and works to provide opportunities for anyone interested in sharing their talent and story with others.

For “D” the artist, his passion for the challenge of writing and recording new music is evident as he works to hone his craft and offer a sound and stage presence you will not soon forget. For Darius Alexander the CEO and man, however, his work is about exposure and developing a brand within the community. No matter what the vibe, whether he is fronting as “D” or Darius--others and community always come first. As his appearance on the front page of The Tacoma News Tribune’s “Sound Life” section (for his work in acquiring $28,000 to rebuild a playground for a low-income area school [2002]) shows, he is no stranger to working for and giving to others.

The multi-talented young man is eager to share with the world, in his own words, who Darius Alexander is: “Personally, I am a writer, motivational speaker, promoter, business consultant and hip/hop artist. I believe that each day is an opportunity to accomplish your dreams, whether they are big or small. I believe each person is blessed with the ability to leave an impression on the world, mine happens to be my voice and my love for music. I am just playing my position. As far as what keeps me going, life is short. My father died when I was17, he was only 49. That taught me to take time seriously, to work to make tomorrow remember my name, to give my son something to work to be better than. The love my mother and my father had for others and their willingness to give is why I am still standing here. It’s why I can keep pushing forward, throug hall the pain I have experienced.”

When asked how he is different than other aspiring music entrepreneurs he shares, “I don’t ‘market’ or promote my music and/or shows in the traditional manner, I build relationships which in turn, translate into sales to supporters of the art and experience, as well as that of the artists affiliated with Still Standin’ Entertainment.” 

At a time where companies are claiming bankruptcy and people are getting laid off, Still Standin’ Entertainment/T.K.O. is looking to enrich the community by nurturing it’s talent. As “D’s” dreams come to fruition his company will also create jobs.

All of the events/shows incorporate a positive message and encourage other artists to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Darius hopes that Still Standin' Entertainment will one day serve as a medium for others to share their talents and more importantly their story with as many people as possible with the hope of encouraging someone else.

This son of a soldier, the late Horace Alexander Jr, Darius lives the statement, "how well you do a job represents you as a person". Darius believes it is his job to set an example for future generations with his life. His voice and hip-hop music are the tools being used to bring this to life. Darius believes hip-hop music and/or rap music has achieved great success in the past 20 years, taking some significant strides. On the other hand “D” shares the opinion that hip-hop music has also taken many steps backwards.

Eager and enthusiastic to share some final words Darius states, “I grew up on Motown music; music about pride, equality, love, hope, and relationships, music about everyday life. In today’s hip-hop environment “beef” surrounds us. We are encouraged to earn “street cred” if we ever wish to sell any CD’s or earn any respect. We are constantly told that if you never sold drugs or been to prison, your words are not worth muttering. Your music is not worth recording. Your story is not worth hearing. I beg to differ; all of our stories matter. If you rap, sing, write, draw or do back flips. If you are from the hood or the suburbs. If you are a high school drop out or a college graduate---it  does not matter. Your story is worth being heard!”

He continues, “I am not famous, or any different than any other person, but I can say that people are listening. People are buying the albums, and showing up for the shows—not  because of me or the artists affiliated with Still Standin’, but because of respect. We have earned respect and attention because we continue to take the time to give the same. I am proud to say that I earned the respect I do have in the local music scene, by giving respect first. I encourage you to share your story with someone, anyone. You will never get another time just like this one. How will you use the knowledge you have gained throughout your life, to seize the opportunities that have been or will be presented to you?” 

Check out music from Still Stand’in Entertainment/T.K.O: www.myspace.com/stillstandinent

CEO/Artist Still Standin’ Entertainment/T.K.O. LLC  Tel.253-677-9714