KevLar Da Don

Life, & Crimes: The Man, The Myth, The Legend. 🔱KevLar Da Don🔱

It was Thanksgiving day, November 28th, 1991. In the heart of a cold city of Newark, New Jersey, at roughly 6:30 P.M. in the confines of, Newark Beth Israel Hospital; The Man, The Myth, The Legend, KevLar Da Don, was born. Da Don, is also better known by his family as, Kevin Anthony Harden Junior. Little beknownst to KevLar's parents CinCinna DiPuma, and the late Kevin Anthony Harden Senior, that they would have given birth to one of the most iconic, and talented artists to ever grace a pen, and pad. “You would be waiving your hands from side to side, while singing the new 'Hip Hop Hooray, Hoo, Hey, Hoo' joint by Naughty By Nature. You'd do it everytime you heard a car playing the song on the radio, or when someone would be playing it on their boombox, as I would be pushing you down the street in your stroller. It was way too cute... people would laugh.” KevLar’s mother fondly reminisced, with a grin the size of the Garden State Parkway on her face, as she recalled one of her earliest memories of her son’s love of music.

   KevLar, had first gained a huge inspiration initially from, and an indulging appreciation for the sound, articulation, and creation of music, while he was still in his early stages of childhood and adolescence. By the age of twelve, Harden, had began to develop, to hone his skills, and to experiment with writing poetry. Then by the age of eighteen years old, while studying as a freshman at Wesley College, KevLar, would be performing freestyle raps in the various dorms with friends for fun, then as a hobby. Those humble beginnings would eventually become cornerstones, and the essential building blocks to which, Da Don, has carefully crafted into a full fledged career. It was not until performing in front of a live audience that, KevLar, would make the fulltime commitment of making his once lucid dream, become his ultimate reality. KevLar's education, and passion for lyricism has allowed him to cast his own style of music. It also allowed him to conquer, and master his approach to the art. This would be the strumming instrument that, KevLar, utilizes to become so masterful with his flow, his articulation of words, and the richness in his voice, all of which is instantly recognizable on any production. Along with his ambition; Harden’s pride in his endless drive to see his family, and friends achieve all of their life goals while maintaining a better space of happiness in their lives, have single handidly been the fiery force that fuels, Da Don. Obtaining every goal that, KevLar, has so drastically set for himself has become an insatiable obsession, to which he pursues with culmative passion.

   "Music defines the artist who produces it.", says, Da Don. "The type of music an artist will allow their energy to manifest, stands as a very good insight into the biography, of sorts, of the artist. It also acts as a huge indicator into the lifestyle choices that such creator decides to live by, as well." KevLar Da Don, with his signature, deep, soothing, raspy, voice accompanied with his punctual delivery and flow, creates the perfect blend. One that is simultaneously catchy, and contains whole heartedly, expressions of his expectations that are nothing less than, as KevLar would say, "Perfection to the snare". It is something that, KevLar Da Don, boastingly puts on display all throughout his music. This mighty task is one that, KevLar, has adorned upon himself to challenge, motivate, and push him through any, and all potential boundaries. Even to the extent of challenging his own comfort levels. All in his efforts to not conform to the literary box that most artist unfortunately seems to singularly confine themselves to. Da Don, also expects that such high standards at all times will be upheld by everyone that the artist surrounds himself with. His deep rooted love for music stems from the loyalty, and the comfort that music has provided, KevLar. Extended most vehemently during his dark, and most troublesome times in his life. It's the careful indulgence of the art of orchestrating music people can relate to, make them feel, that will always be proven to be a huge reminder, and consistent motivational tool that, KevLar, uses practically on a daily basis. It is such a vital part of maintaining the soaring levels of quality in his music. The perpetuation that he crafts so diligently into his rhymes, can be appreciated the most, when a true listener has their ears finely tuned in. Those two when combined, is precisely what, Da Don, most personally holds to the highest of regards, and that he has also so frivolously set the bar so high for himself for. Maximum effort to keep, harness, and maintain true to his core, as an artist.

   Possibly the most marketable asset alone, is in itself the name, "KevLar Da Don". He was aptly dubbed, "KevLar", from a music mentor, and tutor, when he was just starting to make the transition from a freestlye rapper, to becoming the legendary creator he is known for today. KevLar, later added, “Da Don”, to boost the name's strength. Which in turn has become, Da Don's, howling battle cry, and stationary moniker. KevLar Da Don, is also a member of a rap collective. The group goes by the name of, “The L.A.W.D.$” (The Lords). To them it has a rich undertone, and deep meaning. The group name also doubles as an acronym, too. The acronym is short for, "Love.All.We.Do.$". The group includes three main performing members; KevLar Da Don, Jiggi Groove, & B-Live. The L.A.W.D.$., have been featured on various different Hip-Hop media outlets including; 'Coast2Coast Mixtape's: Top 50 Up, And Coming Artists', And 'Hot 97's, Who's Next'. Both are ranking systems, and they also act as a platform for independent artists alike to showcase their talents, and help broadcast their music to a larger audience. With the former being a national platform, The L.A.W.D.$., would go on to peak at an astounding number four spot in the nation, with their hit single 'Kamikaze Footsoldiers'. The single had been featured on 'Coast2Coast Mixtape's: Top 50 Up, And Coming Artists' mixtape, and was also featured at the number four spot in their, National Song Rankings, poll as well.

   Being able to write down his thoughts, ideas, and emotions have really been inspiring, and extremely helpful for, KevLar. The art of making music that is extremely relatable, with digestible content, has assisted, Harden, greatly with guiding him in projecting a solid visualization of his biggest problems that were ailing him. With his issues prioritized physically in hand, KevLar, could solve all of those problems head on, while also working them out. Being gifted with an inept ability to create tangible music has also proven to be challenging for the star, in his pursuit of become an all-around better person, as well. Da Don, said "When I write, it's like I can physically feel my thoughts. My swirling emotions, just seeping and oozing from my brain. It trickles down through my neck. Then flows, river-like, straight into my arm. The energy feels as though it is exuding out of the palm of my hand, as I am writing. It is as though I am inscribing all of my words. Directly from my brain, to the ink. Then dry set between the etched, grooved lines of schoolyard paper. By me seeing, physically, all my problems engraved, I learned to cope with, and correct all of my real life mistakes, and missteps. It has been nothing short of a blessing to be able to cope with the things i'm dealing with. In a way really... constructing them into rhymes and story form, has been almost therapeutic for me." Says, KevLar. "It's the transcribing of my emotions into the form of short stories, and releasing that bad energy from the depths of my mind, that is most healing. Writing for me is especially better than turning to hurtful, harmful habits. Or even worse. Turning to drugs to try, and make life better. All of it being masked as an effort to try, and heal your mind, and your soul? Nah, I think I'll pass." KevLar said with convincing conviction in his voice. Whether his issues were personal, with family, or the inescapable conflicts of outside forces, KevLar, learned to let himself grow, and attain knowledge and understanding, from those experiences. Harden's once weaknesses, now turned viable strengths, have managed to manisfest themselves into an intriguing newfound passion that, KevLar, has for life, and has directed him onto the just course of self betterment. Da Don, at all times assumes full pride in himself, from his steady accomplishments, down to his continuous fight through adversity. Only through his indelible effort and sheer relentless passion to not give up in himself, his music, and never lose faith, has been he sole difference maker that sets, KevLar, apart from many other artists. Even artist from the past, innovator's yet to come, and most evidently so, any creator deemed alike. 

KevLar Da Don, is an amazing, uplifting person with a great spirit. One would think that the constant uphill battle would weigh too heavy, on a person's attitude, and outlook on life. But through it all, Kevin Anthony Harden Junior, maintains that big smile he is so well known for. Gifted, with noone akin. KevLar, is the pinnacle of what it means to love, appreciate, accept, and if it really needs be, correct any changes within yourself. Full embodiment of the word 'Passion'.

"Peace, Love, & KevLar."

-KevLar Da Don