A unique new release from Young Dwayne Gibson delivers more than just an album but more a series of stories that are delivered in a multiplatform approach as the record goes through 15 tracks including interludes that preface some of them and the whole thing is a children's album.
The record and book are called The Story of How Young Duane Gibson Stayed Driven and each of the stories and songs are about life lessons as you would deal with them while being a child.
This record has a brilliant way of articulating emotion, feelings, inner thoughts, and situations that one might deal with as a young child, and they serve almost like lessons that let them understand that it's okay to feel certain things or wonder what different situations might bring on in terms of feelings that you may have.
Most of all, the record is bright and not very dumbed down which I found to be super intriguing.
The way that the lyrics are put together is understandable for a young kid to really pick up on and understand. A lot of kids may be able to relate to a lot of different songs on the record and in the book and I feel like that's the entire Point.
This is an appreciation of our children and our younger generation, and it's done in a way that I don't think has been done previously.
Filled with wonders and lessons that, as the title suggests, help kids stay driven in a way. Letting them know it's okay to get back up or that it's okay to have big dreams. It's fun to listen to and as an adult listening to this it's something that I would want my young daughter to listen to when she gets a little bit older and starts going to school.
I love the way some of these songs are put together because they go through such particular situations, and I feel like a lot of kids end up dealing with those situations or thinking about these things and I've never heard it displayed on an album the way it's displayed here or at all really.
This was a very warm and welcoming record, and it was done with such a thick character and personality that anyone can get attached to it.
Although it is meant for kids, it has brilliant lyrical phrasing, the beats and production are outstanding, crisp and Polished, and a lot of the songs are super memorable.
This is the kind of record you actually listen to with your kid together.
It's so much fun and it leaves such an impact on a young person that would be listening to it. It actually left an impact on me and I'm not quite that young anymore.
But it taught me something as well.
It taught me that I should be paying more attention to how my kids might be thinking in their heads or what kind of emotions they may be feeling no matter what they're acting like or what they're saying.
I feel like it was a very in-depth record and taught a lot of lessons for both kids and adults because again, an adult who listens to this may look at their kids in a slightly different way afterwards.
Absolutely brilliant from beginning to end.
With the release of such a colorful album and book, we wanted to have a sit down with Duane "D.O." Gibson to find out more about what inspired this record and what might be coming next.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Hello Duane and thanks so much for taking some time with us!
I would love to start off with the The Story of How Young Duane Gibson Stayed Driven.
This seems to be quite a big project! Where did this record come from in the first place?
I visit hundreds of schools from across Canada doing a Hip-Hop motivational speaking program and many times teachers and librarians have suggested me writing a children’s book. This summer, I took time to write the book and as I was writing it, I kept thinking it would be a cool to have a soundtrack that goes along with it. So, I began work on the children’s album. It is also inspired by my mentor Maestro Fresh Wes who wrote a children’s book and did a children’s album so I thought this would be a cool way to get kids to read and also listen to some cool music.
Buzz Slayers: You are also releasing an accompanying children's book of the same title Correct? It would seem this is an autobiography in a sense. Did one project inspire the other, or was it always a plan to release the book and album together?
Yes, the book is semi-autographical as I wanted to base it on my life, but I also wanted to make it so that anyone could relate to my story. As a kid, I felt different. In my case it was because I was the only person of color at my school, but being different is something that every child can understand. I encourage kids to be able to have an outlet. My outlet was rap so it made sense for me to rap about the story as well as have the book.
Buzz Slayers: Is the fact that you are a parent yourself something that pushed this forward?
Certainly. My kids are teenagers now, but I fondly remember reading to them when they were younger. I’ve noticed that kids aren’t reading as much these days and I thought this is a great way to encourage a new generation of young readers. Reading is an important habit to develop at a young age.
Buzz Slayers: This release has a few approaches, and you hit topics in a unique way. Can you give us some of your biggest musical influences?
I think the major influence is Nas and Slick Rick. Nas’s song “I Know I Can” was inspired by the old school rapper Slick Rick and I always loved how he was able to tie in a powerful message with his music. I even referenced Skee-Lo’s “I Wish” on one song where I rap, “I wish I was a baller, wish I was taller, wish I had a girl in my class I would call her.” My first love was basketball, but I wasn’t a very good player. I think it’s important for kids to know that they can have several outlets and to gravitate towards the ones that they find success in.
Buzz Slayers: Who is in your headphones right now?
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of classic Hip-Hop. Whether Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul. The old school classics never get old. I’ve also been playing a lot of Biggie. Maybe because I included his name and talked about his influence in my song “Dream Big” on the album.
Buzz Slayers: This record is massive and I'm sure you are proud of it! How long did this take you to put together and how do you feel about the outcome?
The project came together surprisingly fast! I wrote and recorded the book and album in the span of six weeks! It was like as soon as I knew the direction, everything just seemed to flow together smoothly. I’m very proud of the project and excited for the release as I love when parents are able to play music for their kids and not have to worry about swearing or sensitive content.
Buzz Slayers: What is your absolute favorite part about making music?
I just love being creative in the studio. I’ve been making music for 25 years, so I enjoy being able to grow my sound and expand on different topics and themes. Twenty years ago, I would never have thought that it would one day make a children’s album!
Buzz Slayers: Would you say you are more of a recording artist, or do you get a lot from performing live?
I love both. I love being in the studio, but there is nothing like bringing the songs to life on stage. I’ve been enjoying premiering the songs at my latest shows and the response has been incredible.
Buzz Slayers: Now that this record is out there, what's next for you as an artist?
I’m really looking forward to making more music! Well, more of my regular hip-hop music. I’ve been collaborating with some great producers and will be releasing some new music in 2025.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you are not making music?
I love working out and running. I’ve just been on tour in Western Canada and was doing three shows a day, so now that I’m back I’m excited to getting back in the gym and working out. I also like playing sports with my kids. We love playing badminton together.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what do you want to say to fans out there?
Thank you for the support and remember that you can achieve your big dreams if you work hard and stay driven!
Thank you again Duane for taking the time to talk with us!
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