DSON McDaniels, son of Hip-Hop legend Darryl McDaniels a.k.a. “D.M.C,” showcased his talents at the Felix Organization fundraiser this past Wednesday.
The fundraiser took place at Calligaris, a minimalist yet elegant furniture store which proved to be an exciting venue for the artist’s showcase. As entrepreneurs and owners of BoConcept and Calligaris Brand stores in New York City, Niki and Shaokao Cheng offer beautiful and accessible home furnishings to the capital of the world. They curate designs that have been described as forward-thinking, affordable, and chic, but it’s more than that: the pieces are smart, sleek, and perfectly suited to New York spaces. Walking into the store was like entering a spacious and fragrant living room. The white walls that are the mark of a bare and minimalist style paired with open doors and windows gave the spot an airy feel, perfectly balancing with the unnaturally warm weather.
When DSON arrived with his family, he quickly set up his speakers and macbook. He began to feel the place out, walking around with mic in his hand as he rapped and sang his melodious hip-hop. It was obvious to see the artist was immersed in passion for his craft. As more guests streamed in the buzz increased, and the furniture was made homely as the guests rested their coats on the many types of chairs. The guests gathered around during speeches by the host of the event, and when he transitioned to DSON the artist received a warm welcome from the intimate crowd. Though the performance was low-energy, the artist’s ability to captivate the crowd was commendable, seeing as he was performing completely alone, and without a stage (his wicked dance moves helped as well).
His music felt like a mixture of hip-hop and pop, and his positive lyrics were refreshing as a glass of lemonade on a hot day. DSON, a name referencing the morning sunrise, takes after his father in terms of positivity. Even his songs of heartbreak had an optimistic vibe. Though the artist has much to work on before he can rock larger concerts, his potential is definite. The music paired well with the Felix Organization fundraiser, a project that aims at helping foster children have the chance to go to summer camp. The organization’s goal is to give children the opportunity to learn and grow in a nurturing environment, despite the tough background that they may come from. Darryl McDaniels, one of the founders of the organization, draws parallels between hip-hop and the program. Just like in Hip-Hop, where opportunities bloom for young people to have a constructive way to improve despite their surroundings, the organization wishes to create a positive direction for kids whose future may be skewed due to their lack of resources. If you wish to take part in this admirable cause, the next fundraiser will take place on Sunday, May 7th at Stage 48 in New York City. Join the Felix Organization as they pave the way for foster kids everywhere!
