We have heard numerous stories of individuals who defy the odds in the world today, tackling life head-on without anything but their dreams, deep passion, and determination to succeed. As one of those creative individuals with an indomitable spirit, a highly accomplished artist and entrepreneur, Michael Deering, best known as The Real Mikey D, hopes to push the boundaries of the music industry and foster a creative community between established and upcoming artists.
Hailing from Queens, New York, The Real Mikey D is a living Park Jam legend dominating the New York hip-hop and rap scene since the mid-80s. A lyrical genius, The Real Mikey D’s musical journey began in Laurelton at Queens, New York, where he joined forces with DJ Johnny Quest and legendary producer Paul C. Mikey as they rocked block parties, park jams, house parties, shows and clubs.
With his undeniable talent for conquering the music charts, The Real Mikey D is still setting mics on fire across the internet today alongside his energetic DJ, another Park Jam Legend, GrandMaster Vic. Together, the dynamic duo is known as two legends of the Jamaica Queens hip-hop scene by the name of KINGZ FROM QUEENZ.
Harkening to a sense of nostalgia, The Real Mikey D takes listeners back to the good old days with incredible lyrics carried through his unique flow. On a mission to bring the essence of hip-hop to the front line, the lyrical genius takes listeners through his life on a familiar track by Phil Collins, “In The Air Tonight.” In addition, the world-renowned DJ Eclipse, an indie Hip Hop tastemaker, will also make featured appearances on some of the tracks.
“We don’t focus on commercialization or trends. We focus on the root, the soul, and the original feeling hip hop gives. We not only bring the skills of the Dj and Mc, but we also bring the fun & party feel,” The Real Mikey D insightfully shared.
On top of being a witty wordsmith and one of New York’s finest battle rappers, The Real Mikey D was the 1988 New Music Seminar Champion, the lead rapper of the hip-hop group called Main Source and the founder of Pass the Torch Distribution, a platform and a community to help bridge the gap between classic artists and the younger generations of rappers, fostering unity in the hip-hop community.
Through Pass the Torch Distribution, The Real Mikey D aims to set the pace as an avenue for creativity in the music industry and bring together established and younger artists. Pass the Torch’s mission is best expressed in the concise line, “We educate, not separate,” as it deviates from the current trends with creative content that would be appreciated by avid rap lovers of all ages coming from all walks of life.
The Real Mikey D shared the motivation behind establishing the organization, saying, “When COVID-19 struck, it left New York crippled. Everything seemed like it had stopped. Then, suddenly, all we had was time. That’s when the engine in my head shifted gears, and Pass the Torch was born. So basically, the pandemic was a gift and a curse.”
Pushing forward full throttle, The Real Mikey D, through Pass the Torch Distribution, aims to bring up-and-coming quality artists to the forefront while furthering his career as a legend surfing the wave in the music industry.
