Over the last year DL has respectfully dominated radio stations (college and major) throughout the entire New England area. His single "MASSterpiece (The Anthem)" holds the title of being the "most requested and longest rotation span of any artist (local or national) in WERS 88.9 history." With being prominently featured as the opener track on the "Best of the Bean" mixtape, and having his lyrics for his widely popular follow up single "Contagious" win "Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting" by the Songwriters Resource Network, there seems to be no slowing down for the man named simply DL.
DL Bio
DL
www.daniellaurent.com
For the past two years, Lyricist/MC Daniel Laurent aka DL has done extremely well throughout the Boston/ New England Hip Hop scene with his hit single “MASSterpiece (The Anthem)” (also called simply “The Cheers Song” for its sample of the 80s hit sitcom) In the song, DL metaphorically travels Boston’s streets, subways and popular nightspots giving an ultimate tribute to his hometown. It was the lead single on J. Saki’s “Best of the Bean Vol. 2” and gained massive response during Wildboy’s “Best of the Bean” Show on prominent radio station Hot 97.7FM. Unusual for an unsigned artist, the single garnered consistent rotation on commercial, college, and satellite radio stations, including Boston’s JAM’N 94.5, HOT 97.7, WERS 88.9. The record also spins at WSBF 88.1 in South Carolina, WNYU in New York, and WRFG 89.3 in Atlanta. It has become the most requested and spun single by any local or national artist in Emerson College’s 88.9 history.
Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, DL moved from New York to South Carolina and back. He endured desperate times within his family with crime, incarcerations, drug addiction, lack of stability and the murder of his best friend and fiancée all before the age of 18. Through it all, DL persevered and continued to write his jumbled words on paper hoping that one day it would all make sense.
After using his pc software to produce his own tracks, “Hot or Not”, a clever marketing campaign designed to get himself heard and get honest critique, was created. Armed with a phone number to a private answering service and an email address, DL handed out complimentary CDs in exchange for reviews. After handing out over two thousand cds, emails began to fill his inbox. This resulted in defined goals, expanding network and the beginning of a grassroots fanbase.
In the summer of 2004, at the esteemed Cambridge venue The Middle East, DL debuted his full-length album Can’t Get A Break. It sold out at that night and at every subsequent show! The CD retails at www.daniellaurent.com, www.cdbaby.com, and his online forum www.dl-central.com. Downtimonline.net says, “The only thing wrong with Can’t Get A Break is it’s too short.”
In January of 2005, DL re-released his debut with bonus tracks, exclusive remixes and a re-mastered version to his hit single “MASSterpiece (The Anthem).” With an aggressive promotions team, the re-release has sold more than five thousand copies to date. Responding to the public demand to see the album at brick-and-mortar outlets, Self Made Entertainment has secured six locations in New England and Los Angeles to carry the album.
Amongst dozens of reviews, internet discussions, articles, newsworthy performances and a prominent radio presence, on March 15, 2005, DL won the Outstanding Achievement in Song Writing award from the Songwriters Resource Network for his other smash single “Contagious.”
DL has now reinvented himself and his sound and worked diligently to bring the public “The Suppression.” The cd/dvd (expected to release early February) offers not only an earful of timeless tracks with topics ranging from refusing to conform to the “standard” to praising fathers that actually take care of their children. The bonus dvd includes an intimate look at DL’s views, flaws, humor and insight on Boston and Hip Hop in general as well as featuring several of Boston’s premier emcees.
With several college bookings, media reviews and eager anticipation, The Suppression is sure to raise the bar once again and create its own lane. When asked about the inspiration to create this album, DL answers” Life and death and all points in between. A true artist paints a picture of a better world. Open the package to a new day.”