"Your stories through my Music" -D.STEPHENS D.STEPHENS, an Artist in every sense of the word. A rapper/singer/songwriter who has the lyrical ability of NAS, the crossover marketable reach of Jay-Z and the song writing ability of R.Kelly. His eclectic musical mind, life struggles, and determination are what makes D.STEPHENS a unique STAR! Looking back on history, there have only been a few recording artists to have the ability to leave their work behind, even after they pass. This special talent is rare, especially at a time where many people feel as if music is slowly beginning to lose its overall quality. This is where Queens-bred D.STEPHENS begins to work his way on raising the bar for others. Since the young age of 20, Madeline Algarin single-handedly raised D. Stephens. In order to detach from her stressful reality, Algarin found her personal escape from listening to music- such as Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Marvin Gaye. During these personal moments, D.STEPHENS discovered his love for music and was motivated to become a successful recording artist, vowing to provide for his mother. First introduced to hip-hop music in the ‘90s, through artists such as 2pac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-z, Nas and LL Cool J, Stephens was instantaneously intrigued with hip-hop. He found an uncanny ability to memorize entire songs after hearing them only a hand-full of times on the radio. During high school, D.STEPHENS’ knowledge of music was passed the time of his peers. He found a lucrative business, making mix-tape style CD’s for others. After high school, D.STEPHENS made the life-changing decision of remaining in New York City, while his mother moved to Florida with his younger sister. To care for himself, he juggled two jobs and even rented out a single room within a house. Due to his living situation, Stephens would at times feel lonely. In an attempt to channel his emotions, he began to write freestyles in a notebook. His abundance of lyrics occupied multiple notebooks, but was too self-conscious to recite any of them in front of anyone. Stephen’s 23rd birthday was hosted by a childhood friend, Dee Jay Church; a day he considers a point where his life began to change. In a cipher, a number of his friends began freestyling for fun. It was then Stephens procured enough confidence to recite some of his own verses. In awe, his friends listened as if Stephens had been rapping since birth. Stemming simply from a pen and a notebook, Stephens discovered his ability to combine lyricism, humor and charisma into a flawless audible flow. His newfound talent acted as a catalyst for his project, entitled “Glory Road Part 1.” His reasoning behind the title was it symbolized his personal journey from rags to riches, exposing it to the public. In February 2009, he released his first project with only 200 copies. Positive feedback led to his fan base growing, also receiving applause for his song making ability. As opposed to other artists who may have projects in the making, Stephens’ claim to game has just begun. He has already showcased his melodic choruses and incredible lyricism all over New York City, including the Times Square Art center, Bowery Poetry Club, the Pyramid Club and a number of lounges and clubs in the city. In addition, he has excelled and conquered contests such as “The Hot 16” at Nexus Lounge and the “Rock the Mic” at the Playa’s Club. Stephens was also chosen by Vibe Magazine to be one of the two finalists for the “Eminem No.1 Stan” contest where he was flown out to Detroit to open up for Eminem’s album release of “Relapse” at Sound Board, MotorCity Casino Hotel. Stephens since then has been interviewed by Angela Yee on shade 45 Radio. Looking to succeed even further, his goals for the near future include a state-to-state college tour for the release of his next project “Glory Road Pt. 2,” and also to solidify himself as one of the premier up and coming rappers in the country, his eyes are set on the cover of XXL magazine’s “2011 Freshman Class of The Year” cover. With longevity within the music industry stated as D.STEPHENS’ most important goal, his urgency lies on receiving exposure and generating some income to support his two year old son, “I can feel it in my soul, if they hear it they gon' feel it.” Although he is in no need of artist development from a major record label, what is essential is a label that can be involved with substantial financial support as well as eminent marketing methods to display his talent globally. Utilizing the perfect balance of ‘90s street sounds incorporated with the diversity of today’s music, there’s only a matter of time before the D.STEPHENS fuse explodes him into super-stardom.