01.28.2008
Rapping Driver keeps it clean
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John Driver discovered his love of music when he was 8 years old. Alison Phillips photo. |
John Driver defies the stereotypes often associated with rap music.
He is polite, humorous and somewhat of an introvert, allowing his lyrics to speak for him.
“For me, it’s expression,” he said. “Music is therapeutic. I write my best stuff when a lot of stuff is going on.”
A graduate of Alexander County High School and Lenoir-Rhyne College who now calls Statesville home, the 25-year-old dreams of making a big splash in the rap world.
By day, Driver is a health-care recruiter. On nights and weekends, he cuts loose in the makeshift recording studio in his home, which is equipped with a piano, keyboard, speakers and a computer designed for recording purposes.
“I like to create things from scratch,” he said.
Where it all began
Driver discovered his passion for music when he was 8 years old. That’s when he taught himself to play the piano. He played the trombone in the middle school band and was a member of the jazz band in high school.
He began producing beats for friends in college.
Five years ago, his friends coaxed him into getting on the other side of the sounding board and in front of the microphone.
That’s when his passion for lyrical expression materialized.
“I’m not a talkative person so having music has helped me grow a lot,” he said.
In many of his songs he focuses on “real life issues,” including relationships, love and religion, and he does it with very little cursing, the calling card of popular rap musicians.
“I got away from using profanity because I have other words I can say,” he said. “I just got more words to use so the style I have it fits better.”
Albert Parker, a fellow artist and friend of Driver’s since grade school, said Driver has come a long way from his early recorded music.
“He’s good. He’s got potential,” Parker said. “He’s progressed from three years ago. He has to just keep working at it.”
Driver recorded his first CD five years ago. His latest, “My Time,” was released last year.
He chose the title because he feels it is time to break out and have his voice heard.
Although his hobby gets expensive with having to purchase computer software and equipment, Driver can’t imagine not shelling out the money to make it happen.
His ultimate dream is to make a name for himself as a national recording artist.
“I continue to do it because it’s a passion. If you love doing it, you’ll spend the money on it.”