Many of today’s hip hop artists rap about blowing money on cars, clothes and alcohol while their fans can barely afford to buy their music. But Young Motive (born Tarik Wright, Jr.), “the DMV’s finest honor roll rapper, motivational speaker in a pair of Jordan sneakers,” decided to “take a stand.” Seeing on television all of the hardship in the world, the teen decided that he would rather use his talents to not only entertain, but to educate, uplift and---as his name suggests---motivate his peers. With his “nerdy swagg,” he makes being smart cool. And through his music he encourages other young people to stay in school, make wise choices, set and reach goals, and “elevate our minds, elevate our status, elevate our life!”
Young Motive started working toward his goals at a young age. He has been performing since he was four years old and writing music since age nine. Confident in his son’s natural talent, Young Motive’s father, a local music promoter, sent an audition video of his son to Showtime at the Apollo. Three weeks later, Motive hit the stage for his first big live performance at the “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” Talent Search at the local mall, where he captivated the crowd with his style, stellar showmanship and stage presence. Ultimately, he came in second place, winning several prizes and landing three gigs from area promoters.
Learning the fundamentals of singing and acting at the SNT Talent Agency in Maryland prepared Young Motive for roles in various stage plays and helped to propel the rising star. He was featured as Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Black history production, “We Are the Choices We Make,” where during intermission he performed his first recorded song, “Die So Young.” He also had a part in “Scrooge,” where he had a leading role as Scrooge’s companion. In addition to plays, he further honed his craft competing in many talent contests, often taking the top prize. At a Motown talent showcase, he performed his favorite Motown hit, “Dancing Machine,” by the Jackson 5. He performed at the Washington, D.C. leg of the LeBron James / Nike More Than a Game Tour in 2009. He also won “Best Performance” at Baltimore Apollo, first place prize at the Millennium Talent Search in D.C. and first place in the Whaler’s Creation talent search. In December 2011, Young Motive rocked the stage on BET’s 106 & Park, performing his debut single, “Burgers & Fries” (available on itunes and other outlets). This year, 2013, Motive has performed in nearly every city, making appearances on the Scream Tour. He's opened up for countless mainstream artists, Motive is on the Applaud The Kings Tour with headlining artists, Issa & Jacquees.
Legendary pioneer of the hip-hop movement Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC said Young Motive “is bigger than Rap,” and acknowledged him as someone who will have a major impact on this generation of music and society as a whole. In an industry that tends to push aside artists with more uplifting messages, this young rapper, singer, actor is making his mark, proving that he has a place on the world stage and that one can have success while encouraging and motivating others to be their best.
“For the ills of society, I’m curing the pain...Young Motive, I’m hoping y’all remember the name!”
Highly Anticipated Mixtape!
MEN OF CLASS AWARD 2012
MEN OF CLASS AWARD 2011
DMV AWARDS 2011 NOMINEE
DMC WHALERS- CREATION TALENT SEARCH- 1ST PLACE WINNER
BALTIMORE APOLLO-1st PLACE WINNER
WHO'S GOT NEXT MUSIC DISTRIBUTION DEAL TALENT SEARCH- 2ND PLACE WINNER
MEN OF CLASS AWARD- Young Motive performed at the LEBRON JAMES- MORE THAN A GAME NIKE TOUR 2009
NEXT 2 BLOW COMPETITIOIN-
Young Moive performed at the NEXT 2 BLOW COMPETITION 2010
SIX FLAGES OF AMERICA-
Yong Motive performed at the SIX FLAGS OF AMERICA 2010
NICE LACE TOUR- Young Motive performed at the NICE LACE TOUR 2010
HARLEM RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL-
Young Motive performed at the HARLEM RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 2010
“In the past this area was really strong,” Danns said. “And this event is helping to bring that back.”
WHY WE EXIST, OUR CORE PURPOSE
Connect deeply with adolescents with music to influence positive identity development. Encourage passing the M.I.C. (Motivating, Inspiring and Changing Lives). Consistently deliver a message from a youth’s point of view of how to overcome, the best hope for young people come from mentorship one whom they can relate to.
Instill in all youth the recognition that their destiny relies on one’s worldview, Your perception on Your position in this world.
Arm each person with lyrical power, content and education to strengthen and renew their minds against negative influences which often result in drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, violence and even death.
Assist others to embrace individual power, talents, unique gifts and purpose by taking control of your destiny believing it will lead to a meaningful destination.
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