Gauging every situation is not easy. It’s a trait that is developed over the years with experience as a teacher. Brooklyn native rapper David Veira aka “Gauge,” has developed an uncanny ability to discern the needs of his audience and minister to their spirit. Growing up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, Gauge, the last of eleven children raised by West Indian Parents, immersed himself in the Hip-Hop culture and started rapping as a teenager. His stock as a rap artist rose and he gained notoriety for one of the highest selling underground hit singles “Cranium”, which sold over 9,000 units and enjoyed airplay on New York City’s radio station Hot 97 for 13 weeks. His career propelled even further by touring through-out the US, England, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and Trinidad. He was featured on the MTV circuit tour with Soca Monarch winner Bunji Garlin, and hosted an episode of “Sucker Free Sunday.” Despite the success in the secular media through his performances with The Fugees, GangStarr, Wu-Tang Clan, Coolio and Chuck D; Gauge chose to leave it all behind him to follow his calling as a Christian Rapper. On December 31, 1999, Gauge committed his life to Jesus Christ. His new life as a born again Christian led him to deliver a more positive message in his music. On February 16th, 2004, he experienced a major tragedy, when a freak car accident took the life of his beloved mother. Gauge’s faith in Jesus Christ grew stronger from this experience. As a result, he founded Mental Link, Inc, a music, fashion, skate board, and philanthropic company, which aspires to raise positive values through Christian principles. As a Christian Hip Hop artist he has shared the stage with fellow Christian artist such Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Viki Winans, Hezekiah Walker and Byron Cage. Gauge and Mental Link, Inc. have produced two albums and several music video since its inception. The first album titled “December Thirty First Nineteen Ninety-Nine” which tells the story of his life before salvation, executively produced by Roger ‘Buddah’ Munroe of the Producers Coalition of America; received critical acclaim from the music industry. This gave him the opportunity to participate as a finalist at the McDonald’s Gospel Fest. The second album titled “January First 2000 (The next day)” tells the story of his life after his re-birth in Christ to the current day, executively produced by Chris “Rock” Belmont of then JahRock’n Productions. The album features the production and vocals of many talented artist including Grammy award winner RockWilder and Pettidee. “January First 2000 (The next day)” won the prestigious Kingdom Choice award for 2010 album of the year; and the video titled “Best Friend”, won both the Kingdom Choice award for best rap video of the year and the San Diego film festival award for best Christian rap video of the year. Gauge and Mental Link Inc. have now embarked on a new project with fellow Christian Rapper Slave Da 9th Inning of Kingdom Time Entertainment to create the Iron Sharpens Iron Mix Tape hosted by DJ Daddy-O of the Stetasonic. The collaboration was highly unexpected due to the very different styles of both artist. Released on April 16th, 2013 the Mix Tape was met with rave reviews and awe about it being a free give away with so many original songs on the project. As Marcus Hall, CEO of Kingdom Time Entertainment commented " This mixtape is going to minister to a lot of people. Many everyday topics and issues are addressed and both Slave and Gauge brought some amazing artistic ideas to the project". The mix tape has done just that, blessed thousands around the world, especially with the two videos that ushered it in. “I’m A Beast the lively tune reminds us of the power we have in God, and the video touching lives all around the world, “I Give Up”dealing with the touchy subject of depression and suicide, is the cry of hope that we can conquer all things through Christ Jesus. Gauge’s talents have opened doors for him to perform at: “A Prayer for Hip Hop”, Urban League of Southern Connecticut, Al Sharpton’s “Sharp Talk”, and WLIB’s Holy Hip-Hop Show at Love Fellowship Tabernacle. However; it is his love for Christ that propels him and keeps him grounded. Don’t be fooled by the “Christian” in this Hip-Hop artist, he does not limit his craft to the four walls of the church. He gauge’s every situation by performing in Public schools, Correctional facilities, Youth Centers, Clubs, Bars, Nursing Homes, Parks and many other types of places. He truly goes beyond age, race, religious denomination and affiliation, and musical preference to spread the message of the gospel and the vision in his heart. What is most impressive is that people receive it with open arms. Gauge currently resides in Brooklyn with his lovely wife Lisa and their two wonderful children.