Latinos pour their heart and soul into work and also their families. The responsibilities are so ingrained in our culture that it’s common for people to put their dreams on the back burner for their duties. Knowing this well, Daniel Gines, aka “DG Deep”, made it a point to keep his dream of poetic rap alive.
“Latinos have to make time to do what makes us happy,” he interjected during our conversation.
Daniel is a Puerto Rican raised in NY, a NewYoRican, whose family members encouraged to moved to Pittsburgh for work opportunities. At first, coming here felt foreign and he faced racism for the first time. But that did not deter him.
His abuelos’ sacrifices to provide a better future for their family inpired Daniel to make it here no matter what. “You can’t lose if you don’t try,” was his mantra. He concentrated on his carpentry work while still preparing to share his positive message with the public.
“I want people to listen to my music and help them change for the better, not just for the moment,” he shared enthusiastically. Gines says that opportunity starts with us and putting ourselves out there.
And his chance came. First, in NYC and Atlanta, and now in Pittsburgh. This week he’s thrilled to be performing at the Next Level Stanzas Spoken Word even produced by 1Hood at Kelly Strayhorn Theater. He will perform “Free Em’ All” and other songs which are part of his debut album, The Book of Daniel, to be published in September.
He wants people, especially Latinos, to feel empowered and fight for their dreams. “Many of us go through so many struggles, but we can’t forget about chasing our dreams.”
