As we all know, having sex sometimes leads to the WANTED, or UNWANTED, pitter-patter of tiny feet. But while we often consider how a woman feels about becoming a mother, today we're taking a look at the dad's point of view for a change. Read on to find out more about RWD's involvement with DNA Mix, A Project that gives young dads the space to air their thoughts and opinions. Trust us, if you're a young father, this is something you NEED to know about; so Get Involved Dot Com!
Sometimes, it can be hard to be a parent. Caring for a little one takes time, energy, dedication, love and a whole lot of money. Who knew nappies cost so much, eh? But while we often hear from women about the struggles of being a young mum (and we'd like to take time to big them up too!), it's not that often that we listen to the guys out there.
Luckily, RWD have linked with the DNA Mix Project to provide a brand-new opportunity for young fathers who want to talk about the pressures that go with being young and a parent. Utilising music, video and film, the project gives young dads the opportunity to tell their side of the story. From ups and downs, highs and lows, it's the one chance for those with an artistic streak to express themselves and let others know the realities - good and bad - of being a dad.
Based in London, DNA Mix gives young fathers with an interest in music and TV the space, equipment and knowledge to put their tales to sounds and screen. Whether you're a singer, MC, producer or wannabe director, this is the perfect chance for you to get involved. What's more, MTV, BBC, RAW Music UK and of course RWD are all very interested in the end results. Are you the next Wiley, JT, Semtex or Hype Williams? Then send in your video/ phone clips or audio that tells your story about being a young dad. You don't have to take part in the course, but if you want to and you're one of the lucky 45 chosen to participate in the project, you will be given the chance to remix your music in a studio, learn film techniques, make radio podcasts and take part in a live performance.
The winner of the best entry not only gets a PS3 and work experience at RWD, but their entry will be up on RWD, giving other users and industry heads the chance to check out your skills. Other quality entrys will also be profiled on the site.
No1 Dad We talk to dedicated dad, DJ Semtex, who will also be on hand to attend one of the workshops to tell attendees how to make it in the game.
How do you balance fatherhood with the million other things you do? It's very difficult. I want to be the best dad in the world and spend as much time as possible with the kids, but I also want to give them a good start in life and give them everything they need. I want to be one of the top 5 DJ's in the world. I want to make history in the UK with some of our artists, but I have to be super-strategic with where I invest my time, energy and resources. It's a balancing act; a lot of hard work and no sleep.
What do you think makes a good father? Responsibility and commitment.
Why is being a good dad so important to you? I had a good upbringing, my dad taught me a lot, so it's only right I provide the same for my kids. The world is very f*cked, people don't care about each other; your friends or colleagues at work will f*ck you over. The education system isn't always there for you. It's a cold world. Kids need all the preparation that they can get. If we don't provide it, who will?
What's your advice to other young dads, especially single parent dads, looking to get into the music game? Set time aside, at least one day a week to be with your fam, and make sure nothing disturbs that day, no matter what. Play football, do the homework, whatever's good. This game involves a lot of hours, and dedication, which doesn't always pay off. Without the balance of being around real people (your fam), you will crack up; I've seen it happen to people. Do as much groundwork as possible. Management, marketing, A&R, promotion, etc. are all very different. Have a focus on where you want to work towards. Make sure it is the area that you want to go into, you can waste a lot of years of your life if you don't. Most of all, you have to be passionate about music, if you aren't, you need to get a different job.
Why would you encourage fathers to get involved in the DNA Mix project? It isn't cool to be a father, to be responsible, or to be committed to the positive growth of our generation. In actual fact, as fathers we have more hustle, more potential, and determination to succeed than anyone else. If that energy is channelled in the right directions, you can achieve your dreams and be successful. Sometimes we all need a nudge to put us back on track or give us a starting block. This project does exactly that.
Klashnekoff My eldest son is going to secondary school soon, and I'm thinking about how the kids are now - repping this and that. His nickname is Vivid and I keep telling him to chase his dreams because he's very business minded. I am going to keep him active and let him know that he's going to do a lot with himself, I keep reminding him of his greatness. My dad died of testicular cancer when I was 17. He was a Rastafarian so when I was young, he taught me Rasta philosophies. I didn't appreciate it then, but now I'm older and conscious-minded, I identify with it, which comes through in my lyrics. But he died and now I have sons and it's mad because I'm trying to pass on what I know, teach my youth how to be men. It's a deep journey.
50 Cent My son means everything to me, I love him. I was there for the birth; that was an experience for me (laughs) but I handled it pretty cool. My son was actually the turning point in my life. I couldn't bear the repercussions of my actions. Before that, I was alright with whatever might happen in terms of the life I was leading. But when he came, I realised I wouldn't be able to take care of him, if, say, I was incarcerated or anything else happened. So I adjusted my lifestyle to him. I think people should take the responsibility of raising their own children.
Wiley My daughter Leah loves grime [laughs]. If you put a tune on, it's like she can feel my blood in the tune, she boils up and she tries to dance and bob her head. I want her to do music like her dad, but all I know is that she is gonna be her. To have a kid is a good feeling inside, but then there's the responsibility. I really love her, when I don't see her I think about her all the time. I love being a dad
Get Involved!
If you want to find out more about the opportunities on offer, contact us. If you have made your own film or have a great story to share, get hold of us by emailing
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , call 0870 774 5619 or TEXT DAD to 07894 514 348 (Text charged at your normal rates) and we will call you back. Alternatively, UPLOAD your footage online, and email us the link, or POST direct to the address at the front of the mag.
