KELSEYVILLE — Taj Dedrick”s first album, entitled “Tajie D the Fallen Angel,” is available now at Serenity Day Spa in Kelseyville or at performances by Dedrick and his hip-hop group, K-Town.
Presently K-Town holds the title of Mendocino County”s Best Hip-Hop Group. At 7 p.m. Saturday, during Ukiah”s Rising Stars Music Showcase at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, K-town will defend that title with original numbers. The event begins at noon and is free to the public.
Dedrick is a graduate of Kelseyville High School. Members of K-Town, named after Kelseyville, include dancer and singer J Dedrick, Dedrick”s younger brother, and back-up vocalist and songwriter Cody Monan.
Dedrick said he became a rapper at a young age. As a toddler, he knew and listened to Tupac Shakur. Dedrick”s uncle is Ray Luv, a Bay Area rapper.
The background CDs used in their performances have been written and produced by Dedrick and the members of K-Town. The family and friends of K-Town attended K-Town”s performance at Ty”s Blues and Food open mic recently.
Hannah Wright and her sister, Laura, are pictured on his first album. “I really find Taj an inspiration,” Wright said. “After all he has been through, he finds the time to show his emotions through his music. I couldn”t have been happier when he asked me to be on the cover of his album and I can”t wait to be at the [Video Music Awards] saying, ?Yeah, I know him, I was on the cover of his first album.” I love Tajie and I”ll be there supporting him from here on out.”
Dedrick said that he believes in using the ability he has and helping others, especially people with disabilities.
Dedrick, who has spinal muscular atrophy and uses a wheelchair for mobility, said he recently learned that his health is improving.
Dedrick said he believes the improvement is because of his singing and his musical performances, which keep him exercising his throat and lungs and lifting his spirits.
Dedrick said his message to his audience is “God put you here for a reason. You can do what you want, even though you are disabled. Do what you can with you have.”
Dedrick has the ability to write, produce and perform hip-hop and rap. He presses a button on his chair and rises as high as he needs to perform for his audiences.
Dedrick shared his belief that he is a “fallen angel,” sent to help young people with disabilities through his music.
Email Dedrick at tajie42@rocketmail.com. To learn more about the Rising Stars Music Showcase, visit www.risingstarscompetition.com/.
