Saturday Spotlight: Darrell Herbert
Today, award-winning poet-songwriter, musician, humanitarian, author, director, and model, Darrell Herbert comes thru as this week’s Saturday Spotlight. Growing up on the East Coast in a Guyanese household Darrell often felt like an outsider, which proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it provided the fuel to cultivate his talents and follow his dreams.
Since then, it's only been up for him, winning multiple awards, like a national silver medal in the 2014 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, as well as being featured in numerous publications. In addition to being an accomplished writer, Darrell Herbert is also makes music, with two well-received projects under his belt, "Two Doors, Nights Down" And "DIE”. Tap into his inspiring story below and continue to follow Darrell's journey to the top on IG @tales_life.
Thanks for coming thru! How has 2021 been treating you?
2021 has been treating me well. I dropped my second mixtape titled "DIE" on SoundCloud. The reactions and feedback from that project has been absolutely amazing. I couldn't be more grateful.
For those unfamiliar, describe your background and come up.
I'm Guyanese. I was born in Washington State on an army base, but was raised in Brooklyn since the age of one. I started writing and performing poetry at the age of five. While I was in high school I was in a poetry club. From there, my mentor at the time encouraged me to submit my poetry to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. I didn't think I would win anything if we're being honest, but through the grace of God I won numerous awards and was nationally recognized for my poetry.
As a multi-talented creative, how do you decide which project to work on next?
As a multi-talented creative, I let my emotions guide me. If I want to do poetry, I'll do it. If I want to do music, I'll pour my heart and soul into it. Whatever my heart desires, I'll end up giving my undivided attention.
Do what you feel is right. Don't let other people write your story for you.
How did your upbringing cultivate your many talents and interests?
My upbringing cultivated my many talents and interests because I always felt like an outsider. With that being said, I felt like it was my duty to prove everyone who said that I wouldn't amount to anything wrong.
What do you love best about being a poet?
I love being able to put my feelings out there and to show people that is okay to go through difficult chapters in this lifetime. It is also a great way to express myself when dealing with rejection, sadness, and so on.
How would you say poetry relates to Hip Hop?
Poetry relates to Hip Hop on so many levels. You have to have stage presence whenever you perform. You have to really get the crowd on your side and share parts of yourself that aren't so enjoyable. One of the more crucial aspects that I could think of that connects the two would have to be word-play. The way you bend words and make them whatever you want them to be is truly a spectacle thing.
Aside from poetry, you’re also an award-winning author. Which authors have inspired you the most, and what do you love most about their work?
The authors that have inspired me the most are Dr. Seuss, R. L. Stine, and Laurie Halse Anderson. What I love most about their work was that they weren't afraid to go outside of their respective means. They didn't allow outside influences, society, or their own self-doubt to prevent them from reaching their full potential while simultaneously captivating readers worldwide.
I felt like it was my duty to prove everyone who said that I wouldn't amount to anything wrong.
What advice do you have for other writers looking to leave their mark?
Do what you feel is right. Don't let other people write your story for you. This is your time to shine. You've got this. I believe in you. Believe in yourself no matter what you are going through. Better days are ahead.
You make music too. How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as a mixture of somewhat comical and extremely aggressive. I talk about a multitude of topics that are included but not limited to; heartbreak, love, and societal issues. I don't want to sound like anybody else, so to make myself stand out is refreshing to say the least.
What message do you want to get across with your music?
The message that I want to get across with my music is to never take life too seriously. Have fun. Love those who love you for you. Love yourself.
Different people want different things out of life. What does success look like to you?
Success looks like releasing a project, winning an award, or getting published for my poems. I really want to dominate and to further establish myself as someone that needs to be taken seriously.
Anything else we should know?
I'm a Pisces. My favorite poet is Sylvia Plath.
