BlackLight is an audio engineer, producer and Hip-Hop artist based in Austin, TX. He’s performed on stage at venues such as Scratchouse and Oscar’s Backyard, collaborating with other local artists as well as performing solo acts. Growing up in a military family and joining, himself, in 2005, he used poetry and music as his creative outlet and as a voice to his political, social and moral paradox. “My goal is to shed light on the injustices we, as black people, still face in American society, but also to impress upon my brothers and sisters that we ourselves are creating unsustainable images and lifestyles that are contributing to the very detriment that we complain about.” In titles such as “The Struggle” and “Get My People Together,” BlackLight addresses ongoing challenges in black communities, but also calls for change via positive action. “The Hip-Hop scene in Austin is exploding, and I want to weigh in,” he says. “Hip Hop, like all music, is communication, and it is powerful. It carries the stories and dreams of our people, but lately I’ve been hearing a lot of destruction and anger. I’m angry too, but we need to come together to create a better reality for ourselves. We need to educate and uplift ourselves ‘cause nobody will do it for us.” Artists such as Black Star, KRS1 and The Roots inspire BlackLight’s style of music, which can best be labeled as Alternative Hip Hop. “I’m a lyricist. I give voice to unspoken struggles, I tell stories and I have fun. Music is what I love, and it’s the legacy I’ll leave to future generations.”