Meet MaDrique | Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with MaDrique and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MaDrique, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Honesty I think risk is very important, it’s the glue to everything. I don’t think none of this would exist if we didn’t take it. Risk plays a part in our lives more than we know; even just waking up every day and leaving your house is a risk. You’ll never know what could happen to you or those around you.

Now in terms of creativity and where I’ve taken things; early on having this dream and not knowing what to do was a challenge I had to overcome but I knew what my end goal was. So every song I make is a risk because I have to bet on the beat, my words, and how the world is going to perceive my art. I risk myself every time I put out a new project.

Being an artist also requires you to take risks in and with your personal life. I’m normally super focused when working on a project which requires long hours and moments of isolation to create and it affects my time with my family and friends. I ask and trust they understand I’m taking this risk for a larger purpose. I’m also starting to share more personally about the things I like to do outside of music. I love my bike and it’s created a sense of peace for me, however sharing that is risky because I open myself to more criticism. But so far it’s all love.

Overall, nothing in this world and our lives could occur if there wasn’t some type of risk being taken.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I take a lot of pride in creating and inspiring the people around me and the ones who support me. I write, compose, and produce for myself under my record label Dreams of Children Music Group, and a list of others. I try to keep my hands in anything creative, music, fashion, film, art, you name it I’ve tried it. When I was younger I thought I was going into fashion design since I love the attention to detail fashion requires and putting a crazy fit together. Although I’m not a designer, you know my style when you see me in the streets. It’s one of a kind and I appreciate the love y’all give me in my Fubu and all my vintage gear.

What sets me apart from a lot of people is my work ethic. I don’t think a lot of people know how hard I go. No doubt this has afforded me the ability to be around this long. I think what else sets me apart is my ability to rap (haha) my style, my patience, my understanding, and the study of the craft. Also, I have a story to tell, I have been through a lot in life and most recently been through huge changes in my life and this keeps me pushing.

I’m never going to stop and what I’m most proud about is that I’m able to push through any situation. I may take a break to regroup but I’m always coming back stronger. It is important to take breaks to be able to get your thoughts together and back on track. In my life, I’ve seen people stop going for their dreams when things get hard and I use that as motivation to not stop because I’m one day closer to the big goal. I’m not listening to anyone who gives up on their dreams. You can’t be afraid of the unknown, or trying new things and getting a new perspective.

I got here by having a plan and knowing what I want and what I don’t want. I’m not afraid of change because I’m always going to bet on myself. I can’t let the people around me down with all the support they give me. I’m not doing it only for myself. I’ve been in this thing for 17 years and released over 30 projects, crazy right ( haha), by no means easy. It takes a lot of yourself to make that much content and give your story to the world without having challenges. Doing this solo is a huge challenge – how can one person do it all? But I do. I’m very particular about what I present in both, my music and online. I take pride in being consistent in both because I want the final product to be perfect – for you and me.

Another challenge is staying mentally clear, my sanity has been tested this year by losing both parents, my mom’s in 2010 and my pops this year. I have had to keep myself afloat through it all. Honestly fighting through this I know I can push through anything. Nothing is stopping me. What has helped me through it all has been taking the time to slow down and regroup my thoughts, and my health and finding creative outlets.

Some lessons I’ve learned along the way are to just believe in yourself, trust your vision, and don’t take things personally. Not everything is going to play out the way you think it will or the way you want but it will happen. If you do what you love you will never work a day in your life

Dreams of Childream Music Group is a place for all creatives; no matter what “creative” means to you; it’s a reminder to never give up on your dreams and always push forward. Encouragement to keep going, and keep fighting for your dream whether you’ve had it since you were small or even creating new dreams as an adult. You got this. NEVER STOP WORKING.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let me tell you Atlanta has some gems. I would say you have to go to Grant Park Coffee House and get that fire Vanilla Latte. Then hit up Piedmont Park for a bike ride. For lunch head over to Savage Pizza and then head over to the High Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most importantly thank you to the big boss that’s who’s keeping everything going.
Man, we will be here for days if I name off the list of people who helped me on this journey! I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for the help of family, friends, girlfriends, and the D.O.C fans. Doing this is a costly career you know what I’m saying. I appreciate the people who lent me money, a place to stay, encouraging words, put on the merch designs, and so much more. I would be nowhere without those people. There were plenty of times when I wanted to give up and they were there for me pushing me when I didn’t want to push myself. I greatly appreciate them.

I also wouldn’t be me if I didn’t show love to all the places I’ve lived: Raleigh, Astoria & Selma.

Shout out to the people who support me by buying my merchandise, streaming and buying my music, and people who stop me in the street to express their love. They all play apart.

Website: http://madrique.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madrique/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadriqueSanders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadriqueSanders

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4jXAPKXTA_8ia7gb1Q2IAw

Other: www.docmusicgroup.com

Image Credits
Til Death Do Us Art