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Julie and Casey chat with multidimensional visual and sound artist and hiphop ambassador D. Cross about exploring sound without filters, finding your path as an artist and educator, breaking down walls between disciplines. Be prepared for some poetry, multigenerational beatboxing, and hearing all about his innovative ad campaign and top secret recipe for “Universal Cola”. TOP TAKEAWAYS “Voices / voice”—what if we have more than one? The rich history of D. Cross’s influences from the late 70’s/80’s: Buffy Robinson from The Fat Boys, Michael Winslow (voice artist/actor/comedian), Al Jarreau, Doug E. Fresh, and of course, cartoons. Between his spot on imitations of famous figures (and his teachers) and a bit of class clown instinct, D. has some STORIES to tell . . . all of which point to the freedom and unfilteredness that we start out with as vocal creatures. What if we brought back that childlike spirit to exploring our voices and what they can do? Sometimes the gifts others see in us don’t match our own narrative of what we’re supposed to do in life . . . but that information can be rewarding when we try it on for size. Learning to powerfully express yourself and your point of view must live side-by-side with the curiosity about others’ voices and perspectives. It’s an exchange. The crucial ingredient of vulnerability (and therefore bravery) when we think of both play and authenticity Lesson: Consonants create compelling communication. (How’s that for alliteration?) D.Cross (Derick Cross) is a Queens NY-born and Brooklyn-based multi-dimensional vocal and visual performance artist and arts educator. He creates imagery and vocal art that transcends and crosses boundaries of genres and labels. This “Vocal Beat Expressionist” uses “vocal acrobatics “ to create sonic collages of his poetry combining words, raps and beatboxing. He has performed nationally & internationally in venues including Madison Square Garden, SOB’s, BB Kings, The New Vic Theatre, Carolines, and Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. Mr Cross was selected as a cultural HipHop Ambassador for The US State Departments Next Level program. He recently served as a Hiphop Cultural Diplomat in Azerbaijan. D.Cross has been featured on MTV, The Electric Company Nickelodean, TV Land and BET’s 106 and Park. His vocal talents have been featured on the award winning Aflac “Pigeon Rap” ad and 7–Up ‘s “10” campaign. He was the Hottest Poets $10,000 Spoken Word Grand Champion of 2002/03 as well as a member of their international slam team of 2003. D.Cross’ visual art has been exhibited nationally and internationally (Sweden and Brazil). His artistry is currently featured in Dr Myrah Brown Green’s award winning art anthology “Brooklyn On My Mind”. Cross‘s work can be found as part of the collections of Erykah Badu (Singer), Ed Lewis (Founder of Essence), Ruby Dee (legendary actress), Judith Jamison (Alvin Ailey), Kool Herc (Hiphop founding father), Big Daddy Kane (Hiphop Legend), and Bashiri Johnson (world renowned percussionist). Mr. Cross is also a SVA (School of Visual Arts) graduate (Bachelors of Fine Arts) who has worked as an Arts Educator teaching youth visual arts and poetry for the over the past two decades. Follow D.Cross on Instagram.