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 This twenty-five year old award-winning poet, certified Language Arts teacher, and Hip-Hop artist is truly a Renaisaance man.
Paul D's unique imagery, word play, concepts, and storytelling abilities are quickly solidifying him as a must-have booking. Paul was recently featured on AIB's Emmy-nominated "Sound of Youth" television program for his poetry mentoring in Atlanta area schools.
In 2005, he won the Southern Fried Poetry Slams, beating out over 100 poets in the world's biggest regional slam competition. In 1999, Paul D helped found the progressive rap duo, THER.I.P.Y. (The Radiance Is Purely Yours).
With a poetry book, spoken word CD, and three rap albums under his belt, the industry is on the edge of its seat to see what Paul D will do next.
"There is nothing better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time." If this Malcolm X quote has any truth to it, it'll be found in the words of Dorian "Paul D" Rogers. The twenty-four year old middle-school teacher/rapper/poet phenom knows the struggle all too well. Born in the crack-infested streets of East Cleveland in the early 80's, Dorian's own father's addiction to drugs prompted his family to move away to Albany, Georgia, in 1990, which was ironically and infamously labeled "The Murder Capitol of the World" just one year before. Born of an inter-racial marriage, Paul D frantically searched for a mode to express the confusion and anger he harbored trying to gain understanding and acceptance in the "self-segregated" South. As early as five years old, Paul memorized Beastie Boy and LL Cool J raps and performed to family and friends. "I always had a fondness for words. Rhymes were just second nature to me." Paul D knew he had something special early on.
And today, this obvious potential has been made manifest. This year, Paul D has performed with Stevie Wonder in front of 15,000 fans and also helped Team Charlotte beat out 75 teams to win the 2007 National Poetry Slams in Austin, TX. In 2005, Paul D won the Southern Fried Poetry Slams Individual Competition, beating out over 100 poets in the biggest regional slam competiiton in the world.
Paul has also self-published his own poetry book, For Mulattoes Only (2003) and self-produced his own spoken word album, Freight Train of Thought (2006), both of which have gotten critical acclaim across the national poetry community. Obviously cultural and progressive in content, Paul D's unique imagery, word play, concepts, and story-telling abilities relate to any audience regardless of age, race, or class. In 1999, Dorian helped found the progressive two-man rap group, THER.I.P.Y. (The Radiance Is Purely Yours). The duo has already released two independent albums, "Off The Rip" and "Strictly 4 Da Streetz", which have built them a considerable fan base in most of Georgia and Florida. THER.I.P.Y . has opened for famous rap acts like: Cee-lo of Goodie Mob, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Mystikal, Trick Daddy, T.I., Chingy, and Freeway and has recently been scouted by Atlantic Records and Hip Hop Since 1978, the management that boasts Kanye West on its roster.
Paul graduated from Florida State University in 2004 with a degree in English Education. His interest was not just to teach, but to take on a slightly harder task; to teach in the inner-city. He jumped in the trenches soon after and, in his first year of teaching, was appointed as the head of the writing program for a school in its eighth year of failing the required standardized tests. Facing being closed down, Parks Middle School with the guidance of Paul passed the writing test at 93%, a remarkable improvement from an embarrasing 68% just one year before. Paul declares that he is "committed to instilling self-worth and motivation in the millions of starving adolescents across America." It is a great testimony to see a young man doing just that; not just talking but living the message he speaks.
"Paul D showcased one of the most unique performances of spoken word I have ever seen. He did not bring a typical poetry reading; he brought an entire performance, from his poetry, to his humor, to his singing abilities. Paul D's performance was very well received by our students and his performance hasprompted Jacksonville University to bring more spoken word artists to campus. Paul D was a pleasure to work with and we plan on brining him back to campus very soon."
Justin Camputaro
Director of Campus Activities and Student Commons
Jacksonville University
"Paul D performed at Western Carolina University on January 24, 2007. He put on one great show for the students of WCU to remember! His performance was very energetic and thought provoking. He was professional to work with by showing up on time as well as meeting with our student poets after the show to give them a few pointers. WCU is bringing his performance back to WCU on October 24, 2007. I highly recommend Paul D for a poetry event at your school. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions."
James Contratto
Assistant Director for University Center Programs
Western Carolina University
"Paul D came to the University of Miami last Fall with comedian Cerrome Russell for an amazing show. By mixing poetry & comedy, they produced a one-of-a-kind program that left the students wanting more. The audience enjoyed the interactive nature of their performance and found it to be the perfect balance of humor and wit wrapped around a thought provoking message."
Margaux C. Manley
Associate Director Student Activities & Student Organizations
University of Miami
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