DaCloak

Gregory “DaCloak” James chose to step into the music industry professionally in 2004. He was first introduced to the Chicago’s legendary hip hop community through battle rap and impromptu ciphers. Both taught him incredible lessons that he carries with him to this day and applies to his music. He honed his lyricism skills by spending countless hours songwriting, free styling over industry beats and exclusive instrumentals.

His first mixtape in his “Life Music” series was released in 2008. “Life Music Vol. 1: Hip Hop Lives spawned the debut single “Chicago’s Done It Again” which received an incredible amount of attention on Myspace.com, Reverbnation.com, MySpace.com, Facebook.com, and Thatshiphop.com. Available for free download, it has captured the attention of fans from all over the world and has over 5,000 downloads to date.

Understanding that education is key to longevity in the music business, DaCloak attended the Music Industry Workshop (M.I.W.) Westside Music Book Camp in 2008 focusing on music production. He graduated from that program in 2008 and was hailed their ‘hardest working student.’
DaCloak is currently working on his second project “Life Music Vol. 2: The Sleeping Giant Is Awake”.

DaCloak is also established his independent label “Deepsea Entertainment” in 2010. His first single “Living Movie” from second mixtape in the “Life Music” series was his first release on that label. To date it has received 20,000 downloads and counting.

DaCloak credits his most notable influences as 2Pac, Notorius B.I.G., Nas, Jay-Z, Twista, Common, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Big Pun and Eminem. That however is just the beginning, he is constantly inspired by all genres of music from rock to classical.
He has performed at numerous events in the Chicago area and constantly looking for ways to sharpen his skills both on and off the stage.

What makes him different then his counterparts? DaCloak says with no hesitation that it’s because he doesn’t conform to what’s popular or copy any of his influences. He feels that if you keep it real with the public they will respond accordingly. His lyrics (the good, the bad, and the ugly) are all him, no apologies, all truth, and straight from the heart. Most importantly though, he wants the world to know that “with God all things are possible”- Mark 10:27.- Written by Amanda "Paradyme" Stockham