Hip-hop to the top
American Idol producers told Darryl “Martel” Hardy he was too hip-hop.
But the Flint senior and sports management major could care less.
“I’ve been hip-hop my whole life,” Hardy said.
Hardy is a hip-hop and R&B artist and produces for Flint-based bands. He performed during Lyricist’s Lounge Sept. 20 in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium during Hip Hop Weekend.
Music has surrounded Hardy from a young age, he said.
“I’ve been around music since I can remember,” Hardy said. “It’s in my blood.”
Hardy said his father was his inspiration for starting his career in music.
Darryl Hardy Sr. owned a recording studio in the basement of their home. Hardy said there always were people coming in and out of the studio and there always was music playing.
When he started college, Hardy competed and won numerous talent shows and competitions, but he said he wanted something fresh.
“I was sick of singing lyrics from different artists,” Hardy said. “I decided to work on my own stuff. I wanted to sing original material that I wrote.”
When he began writing his own material, Hardy said he realized there was other talent on campus. He lived in Wheeler Hall a few doors down from CMU alumnus Brian Pitts Jr., who now is Hardy’s personal manager.
Pitts said when he met Hardy, he knew the two would make music.
“We started making music, and it became sort of a competition,” Pitts said. “He would run down the hall and have me listen to his stuff, and I’d do the same. He had instrumentation and background and flow. We became brothers.”
The link
Listen to Darryl “Martel” Hardy at his Web site, myspace.com/martelsmusic
Hardy said his music can’t be labeled under one genre. The music flows between the soft sounds of R&B and the upbeat style of hip-hop, he said.
Detroit senior Myron “Dex” Shorter II said Hardy’s style has a John Legend feel.
“He can sing all types of genres in music, which is what makes his music so original,” Shorter said.
Pitts said Hardy’s songs are based on his real-life experiences.
“His music actually comes from the heart,” Pitt said. “It’s something that the music industry is lacking. That’s why his sounds are so unique. Rap is constant negativity. Martel is bringing romance and love.”
CMU alumnus Michael Morgan, also known as “Slim Jackson,” currently is produced under Hardy and Best Kept Records, Hardy’s production company.
Morgan said he respects Hardy’s abilities.
“Producing is a gradual process to perfection,” Morgan said. “And he’s the best.”
Hardy said inmates have called into Flint radio stations from jail to request some of the bands he produces.
Instances such as that make him realize his music is good, Hardy said, and means people really do like the music he produces.
Pitt said the majority of Hardy’s fans are at CMU, which is where he plans to release his album “Finally” this spring.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if his popularity shot up throughout next summer,” Pitts said. “His music is quality and one-of-a-kind.”
Hardy said “Finally” has been in progress for two years. The album will feature 14 to 16 original songs about relationships, love, meeting girls and sex.
“My music is my escape,” Hardy said. “I sing in truths, about things that have happened to me. It’s my way of expressing who I am.”
