One of the most unique elements about THE KID DAYTONA is his combination of New York City hip-hop style with his own distinct vernacular and lingo. Daytona combines all elements of pop musical genres from hip-hop, jazz, R&B, rock to fuse a universal fun sounding vibe of music. Born in Atlanta, Ga, but from Caribbean background, this 24yr old emcee was raised in the Bronx, NYC where he discovered his love of music, and hip-hop. While attending Cardinal Hayes HS in the Bronx, THE KID DAYTONA began to pursue his dream of becoming a recording artist. It was in HS that he formed his first group, “THE ACES”, which eventually got signed to ATLANTIC RECORDS in 2002. However shortly thereafter, the group dismantled for creative differences and record company issues. However, THE KID DAYTONA had generated a strong following within the industry through mixtapes, street buzz, and local showcases. His skill and ability was recognized by the legendary rapper/emcee BUSTA RYHMES, and he was asked to join BUSTA’S “FLIP MODE SQUAD”. While working with BUSTA, THE KID DAYTONA quickly developed his true sound and approach to making records. Working with BUSTA allowed him to sharpen his skill, song structure, and further developed the young emcee. CIPHA SOUNDS (a prominent radio DJ from HOT 97.1fm and VJ on MTV) quickly noticed his ability/buzz and approached him about working together. THE KID DAYTONA quickly accepted the offer, and then later signed the production/management company, JACK MOVE INC that also managed the pop group sensation, NINA SKY. Since then, THE KID DAYTONA released albums TRIBE CALLED FRESH and COME FLY WITH ME with collaborations such artists as CNN (CAPONE-N-NOREAGA), ESTELLE, J DILLA, KARDNIAL OFFISHALL, TRAVIS McCoy (GYM CLASS HEROES), NINA SKY, JIM JONES, BUN B, TALB KWELI, KIDZ IN THE HALL, and numerous others. Also, THE KID DAYTONA has performed on same stages/venues with such greats as CHRIS BROWN, RICK ROSS, TALIB KWELI, and many others.
KID DAYONTA has received several write-ups and on-line commentary from such publications as XXL MAGAZINE “SHOW and PROVE” Segment (Oct 2010), FADER.COM, as well as feature article in FADER MAGAZINE (July 2006 issue). He was also featured in GIANT MAGAZINE (Oct 2008 issue) as one of the artists to watch in hip-hop. Recently, LRG noticed the growing buzz with KID DAYTONA, and united to release a body of work for Summer 2010.
In 2010, clothing giant, LRG, created a strategic partnership with THE KID DAYTONA, which included signing DAYTONA to LRG ENTERTAINMENT, their newly established entertainment department. This partnership included DAYOTNA being included in LRG SPRING 2011 PRINT CAMPAIGN, equipped with integrated marketing with the clothing brand, social media promotions and several music videos and shows.
The success and buzz of “LRG x THE INTERLUDE”, afforded THE KID DAYTONA the opportunity to be featured in BET’s “MUSIC MATTERS” Program, where the network highlights emerging artists and superstars of tomorrow. DAYTONA performed twice live on BET’s “106 & Park” TV with TERRENCE J and ROCSI, for 92million households worldwide.
In addition, “ON THE HILL” and “SO BUTTERY” music video is currently in rotation on MTV, where you can see DAYTONA capture millions viewers with his smooth and charismatic aura and flow.
During the winter of 2011, THE KID DAYTONA dropped his sophomore LP – The Interlude II”, which received tremendous acclaim all over, and featured contributions from MELANIE FIONA, ACTION BRONSON, KARDINALL OFFISHALL, GOAPELE and several others. This continuous buzz and quality music and creativity, was also recognized by global brand, GREY GOOSE, and he was recognized as a GREY GOOSE “RISING ICON” December 2011 (NYC).
2012, looks to be a landmark year for THE KID DAYTONA. Stay tuned and listen out for him, as his star is shimming brighter than ever.