Meet Olivier Duperval: Hip Hop Artist

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

Hi Olivier, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve chosen to pursue an creative career because I understand the impact that art and creativity has on our hearts. People are moved by creative expression because it tends to be more authentic and relatable. As artists, we can be free to be ourselves and express what’s in our hearts to connect with real people to make a real impact and influence real change. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a hip hop artist that loves to tell stories from a sincere and honest place. For a long time, I didn’t know who I was as a person until I met Jesus. Ever since He’s been rewriting my story so I choose to share my journey through my art. I’m most excited about directing music videos and coming up with creative ideas and concepts to articulate the story of the songs. It hasn’t been easy though. The distractions, discouragement and obstacles, never end but understanding that it’s all a part of the journey makes it easier to bear.

One valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is that we can’t copy any one else’s story. We all have our own journey to go on and while we can glean from someone else, we can’t be someone else. People want authenticity and someone to connect with. Cloning won’t create connection. I want the world to know that it’s okay to fully be yourself, wherever you are and that they are loved, accepted and valued by God right where the are. I want people to know that true worth and identity are found in understanding how much God geniuley loves and cares for them. My brand is about becoming comfortable with living out our truth in the grand scheme of God’s bigger story. It’s been my struggle my entire life and I doubt I’m alone so I want to do my part in helping others live authentically.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Shoot! That’s a great question! Atlanta is awesome! I’d take them out to eat so I’d probably slide by Envegans(for my Vegan friends) or Papaduex(for my Vegan+ friends) or something. And if it’s nice out, we can hit the Beltline by Ponce City Market or go to Atlantic Station to shop or hang out. If there’s a show in the city(which they’re typically were before quarantine) we would go out and support some of the artists and have some good vibes. We can end the day at the painted duck or painted pin to bowl and hang out with some friends!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes! Definitely, my community of friends and family are a huge part of my successes and they’re who keep me going and pick me up when I feel discouraged. . My older brother is who introduced me to hip hop so he gets a lot of the credit for sparking the passion inside of me. My Church family has become more than family to be and has been pivotal in putting me in a position to succeed and talk me off a ledge when I want to quit or back down.

Website: whoisolivier.com
Instagram: @olivieronline
Twitter: @Olivieronline
Facebook: @OlivierOnlineMusic
Youtube: Youtube.com/olivieronline

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Fabian Peterson (@faab_photo) & Jordan Mitchell (@_jmitch47)