Rising Stars: Meet C-Def

Today we’d like to introduce you to C-Def. 

Hi C-Def, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I spent 24 years of my life in Los Angeles, California that is where I was born and raised and where my heart lives; I moved out to the Cincinnati area 2 years ago so I could step out of my comfort zone and focus more on my craft and building a sustainable business. I started dreaming about having a career in music at eight years old; I was gifted with a guitar and fell in love. Shortly after, I found songwriting as an outlet for the bullying I would experience at school in the coming years. Around age 12, I decided to take it in a serious direction; I learned how to produce, record and market. I started by releasing mixtape after mixtape, hosting mixtapes, making album covers. Hustling music anywhere and any way possible so I could just to keep the money circulating. Most of my peers hated my ambition which made my life pretty difficult. I’ve been in many fights and situations because of my career choice. At age 16, I performed my first show at a festival I helped plan; I fell in love with the stage and knew this is what I wanted. By the time I had graduated high school, I had planned multiple events for myself and others and found a small fan base, and tested out a semi-successful merchandise company which has evolved into the label I am starting today. I took all this and kept building on it despite the amount of setbacks and struggles I saw. I hit a point for a few years where I was doing show after show of previously released music and trying to write and release new music on top of it. Some situations had happened that brought me right back to square one. I have been rebuilding everything ever since. Now I’m slowly but steadily gaining traction again independently, and it’s awesome. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe the road is never supposed to be smooth on any path to success. I believe the bumps and potholes are what shapes the individual on their path! 

I’ve seen a lot in my short lifetime, and I’m still processing some of it. I’ve experienced everything from being bullied to being homeless, starving, scammed in the industry; I’ve buried many friends and a lot more stuff I’ll spare details on. I wasted a lot of time invested in some endeavors; all the music I recorded was lost on a hard drive after the label was dissolved which brought me completely back to the drawing board. I’ve been scammed by “marketing companies” and “record labels” alike. I own all my music, and I want to help others do the same. I’ve lost friends and time with family over my dedication to my craft. I’ve learned a ton of different aspects of the entertainment business from trial and error as well. I’ve learned through my struggles that absolutely nothing comes easy, and I believe if it does, it isn’t worth it. I’m currently rebuilding my whole catalog and getting ready to release more and more in the coming months. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for staying ambitious, always. I am a hip-hop artist/songwriter & entrepreneur. I have gone to school for music business and production; I also have taught myself a lot about the business and how to navigate it through trial and error. I’ve performed multiple times at The Whisky A Go-Go, The Regent Theater, The Airliner, and tons of other venues in California and surrounds states. I’ve performed on shows with artists such as Dirty Heads, Slightly Stoopid, KRS-One, U-God (and other wu tang members), Diabolic, Mac Mall Atmosphere, Vinnie Paz, Nipsey Hussle, and many, many more. I am currently building a multi-faceted entertainment company with my business partners titled “Tha Cutt Factory.” I specialize in the average man’s struggle and desire to succeed in this world. I believe the music I write can change lives and inspire people. Whether it is a fun song or a serious heartfelt song, music has power, and I intend on channeling it in the best way possible. 

Any big plans?
The future holds the rollout of new music, music videos, and new content! I also have a team of artists who are talented in their own right and have music in the way, I have stayed busy doing songwriting gigs, and I’m currently in the process of booking shows in the Midwest! So, if any promoters out there are looking to fill a show, myself and my team are available! 

Contact Info:

• Website: Linktr.ee/official_cdef
• Instagram: Instagram.com/official_cdef
• Twitter: Twitter.com/official_cdef
• SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/yungtruthakacdef