“TDH” raised on the south side streets of Columbus, Ohio, life has been a test at times. Growing up through the confusion of an
absent father and a mother dealing with her own addictions, TDH quickly gravitated towards the streets and the gang life. TDH is not
a one dimensional guy though, as one listen to his music will quickly show you. At the same time the streets were calling, so
were the lyrics and beats of a vibrant culture that TDH could identify with: Hip Hop. A mentor with the ironic moniker “Villain”
was his first teacher in Hip Hop culture. This street teacher taught an angry and confused youngster how to channel his thoughts and
emotions into writing lyrics and verses for songs. “He always told me anytime I get mad or angry about something to pick up a pen
and write my words down on a pad,” TDH says, still obviously impacted by the lessons he received. Like many MC’s, TDH got his start by being a battle rapper and channeling his anger into confidence and clever wordplay against his challengers. TDH was in his first
televised rap battle at the age of 14, making it all the way to the finals. Though he came in second place that day, a star
was born and TDH knew in his heart that he was bound to be a chart topper when it comes to this music. TDH expanded into
song writing at the same time he also went through another life change. Coming to Tacoma to visit his dying grandfather, who
was TDH’s only father figure, TDH ended up staying in Tacoma due to family circumstances and had to start fending for himself. Embracing his gang family, TDH became a hard head focused on providing for his two younger sisters and getting his
rap name known for “blowing up mics.” Between surviving the streets and providing for his family, it was challenging to focus on school. “I had to drop out of school, the people in my life at the time wasn’t really good influences. I was homeless and living in a trap house,” TDH recalls with an old look that belies his younger age. We all know the script and what this young man’s options could have been at this point: dead or jail. Yet with his creative powers and warrior mindset, TDH chose option C: He started blazing his own trail. As he
passionately raps in one song “I realized my lifestyle must change cause I’ma end up dead or in jail/locked up no bail/ Lord knows I can’t stand no cell” TDH is adamantly pursuing his music career. TDH is a versatile performer equally able to move the ladies in the club as or move the crowd to tears at the Tacoma Dome, as he did when he opened up for Archbishop Desmond Tutu with heartfelt lyrics of triumph over struggle. “It seems that education is the only answer that can really save this problem we havin’” TDH preaches on his hit “I Rap.” That sums up this dynamic musician, practicing what he preaches, committed to uplifting the youth that have been left behind and encouraging all people to have a good time moving to the sounds of his music. If you are looking for the one to watch you have found that starin “TDH”.