Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Butler.
Dominique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the D.C. area in rough neighborhoods within a family of four. We never had much but I did grow up around a musical family so it’s always been an important part of my life. My mom was a singer (Brenda Gatling) and my dad could sing pretty well too (Francis Butler). Due to financial limitations, we became homeless because my mom was raising four children on her own and things happen. I still went to school and graduated on time while pursuing a professional sports career and music. I was ghostwriting for other artists while trying to develop my craft as a hip hop artist. Seeing that I went through so much at a young age, I had a lot to write about. After my uncles and grandmother passed away, I realized I hadn’t done much with my life so I went back to college and received my degree. That is also when I learned to write with better quality and not what was trending.
For a couple of years, I pursued a professional football career until injuries derailed my chances. From there, I became a basketball coach and an educator so I could help youth get into college and avoid the same situation I did when I was younger. I also started working for and training youth through my own program I created. Along the way, I got to work with some NBA ballplayers such as Bradley Beal and James Harden. Although I felt I was growing and getting better, I went through a rough time again and faced depression and didn’t want do anything. It was difficult to do anything creative or more than I already was with little to no inspiration. Then, I met my partner, love and best friend, Amy. She inspired me to do more than what I had ever done before through love and support. My children Maya and Isaiah made me realize that I needed to be more for them if it wasn’t going to be for myself. Since then, I have become an author, motivational speaker, music artist, and also a tutor for college students. Through my music and teaching, I am inspired to show others that it is okay to excel beyond what you know and be great. I have a long way to go but I am well on my way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, we grew up in rough neighborhoods and we were always moving initially. I almost lost my life and had to have surgery when I was 18. I also struggles with not having both of my parents in my life but I believe that it was meant to be that way so I could turnout the way I am now. Going through a toxic relationship is always an obstacle but you have to look at the role you played in it to see where you contributed to its demise. I believe the other struggles that were in my control was due to a lack of accountability and poor decision making. I am glad that I went through that because I grew from it and became better. It also allowed me to create music and spoken words poems to share what I see while relating to others that go through the same.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a published author of the book “I’m just saying”. I am a special education educator as well. I have also done motivational speaking for my school district. I also tutor college students in the LA area. I have worked at several prestigious colleges around the country as a basketball coach (Kentucky, UCLA, Georgetown). Besides coaching basketball for the last 13 years, I believe that my greatest passion is my music. I have a single out called “Sheesh!!!” and it is doing well. I have started performing in the LA area and looking forward to doing more next year. I am also looking forward to my EP “Peace and Power” coming out next year while working with some amazing artist such as Mohamed Isse, Breland the Pen Point guard and Julian King.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Early 2019, I got a chance to be on Ryan Ramirez’s album as a feature and I have started doing my own music from there. Being on that album catapulted me in the music industry and I am forever grateful for that. I believe that there is no career without my queen (Amy Hanna) and my family especially my brothers Theodore Potts and Kevin Upshaw that has supported me throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Email: domo1983@gmail.com
- Instagram: domb1211
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