Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtesy Davinci.
Courtesy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a Pittsburgh, PA. native, raised in a small town called Erie, Pennsylvania
I learned the power of words from my grandfather Curtis Naylor Sr. I would sit in the front when he would preach and would give his all up there to speak until was hoarse about the blessings and goodness of god. It stuck with me at that point that if you have something to say, say and let the world hear it. Loud and clear.
My father was a drummer and I feel as through his likeliness I got my rhythm and love for music from.
I started out opening for a few artists such as Kirko Bangz, Rico Love and winning a competition that lead me to meeting artists such as 50 cents.
I grew up in where most people don’t “make it” and I’ve lost a lot of friends to death on the way. But I ignored the critics and concentrated on my ambitions. I’m the youngest out of all of siblings, just wanted to go on this journey and chase my passion. I’m currently on that success road with my dreams coming from within the other side to meet me halfway.
With my music, I feel as though I’m able to dig into the core of ageless sounds and deliver songs that feel way ahead of their time by drawing on his own and others’ real-life experiences. I’ve grown over the years and I’ve dedicated myself to making music that connects with people from all walks of life, attempting to engineer sounds that speak directly to the souls of listeners.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth… No, yet everything that was meant for my good panned out. My road wasn’t easy and I still have bumps that try and negate me from my plans. Its all about how you look at it though. Music has always been the connection and constant throughout my whole life. Although, the road wasn’t easy music helped me every step of the way It has been my strength and it is where I am most vulnerable with my feelings.
The two years before I Decided to move to Florida, I lost 6 people that were close to me including family members. I felt like there was a dark cloud hovering over me. I didn’t know how to handle all the death that surrounded me. Grief and sadness would have crippled me, But I used music and rapping as a way to remember those I lost and deal with my feelings. Like in my single, By My Side, I said
“I was living with my aunt and she knew what saw,
How I never showed my feelings unless it was through a song
So, nobody knew my struggles and what I had going on…”
I didn’t speak about a lot the things I was going through. Music was my way to cope and get through some of the darkest times of my life. It saved me low key. Music is a way you can release and unlock agonizing emotions. It can bring back memories, allowing you to feel without the exchange of words. I knew I had to start fresh doing something no one in my immediate family had ever done before, Leave.
For Instance, I remember I had a show in Miami. It was more of a competition, with 28 artists, the week of artist conventions. Which is a way for artists to connect with and learn from DJs, A&Rs, as well as publisher about the industry. My friend (more like brother), Brendan Daugherty and I drove down there on some spur of the moment stuff. With no hotel or nothing, just faith and a prayer. As we were contemplating on where we would stay for the night It hit me that I had family in the area. I gave him a call and he let us stay at his place. At the end of the night, we ended up meeting 50 Cent and Young Buck at a bottle signing and I was able to give him my mixtape.
So, I say that to say, it’s like they say when you want to do something, nothing can stop you but you. There was no second thought that night of where we would end up, it was all about the music and getting my voice out there! That right there was a moment that I could have let the situation make or break me. I feel like the things you go through and how you handle yourself in shaky or uncertain moments will position themselves either good or bad. If the road was always smooth, would you know how to navigate through when it gets rocky?
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a rap artist, singer, and songwriter…
When I was younger, I would watch my grandfather, the late Elder Naylor, preach. His words were so compelling and heart felt. He could speak directly to the soul without even knowing the person. He spoke of God’s words and promises off insight, knowing life and the struggles it may bring. He would preach until his voice was hoarse, could barely talk after services. That stuck with me, how he moved off pure emotion and God’s love. I was empowered and Inspired by his choice of words and how he got his message across.
I remember when we were kids me and my siblings were supposed to be doing chores and we’re downstairs creating a band! Ha-ha I was always a guitar player then though lol.
I started out free-styling in lunch at school and parties in middle and high school. That’s what made my name pretty big in the city way before I even though of getting in a studio… It was to the point where everywhere I went someone noticed me and knew I was rapping.
I started out writing poetry, not many people know that, it is definitely one of the things I feel birthed my artistry and gave me the ability to write out what I felt. My sister, who is a very deep writer, growing up would write pages and pages of poems and stories. They were all just well written bodies of work. I know that’s what helped me embrace and utilize metaphors and similes. As well as how to use concrete words over abstract words.
I taught myself how to sing, I would sing in the church choir as well. I was inspired by many artists, to name a few would be Michael Jackson, Musiq Soulchild, Nickelback, Lenny Kravitz, Fred Hammond and Maxwell. I learned from listening to many artists male and female. Learning different pitches and vocal ranges by singing other artists songs.
My music evolved as I grew up. The more I started to tap into my own style, the better my sound got, I feel like the more my music became its own reflection of me. Music has always been my place, my getaway! I found refuge in different genres and how the empowered me to be who I am.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is shaped and felt in the completion of my smallest goal and the progress towards my largest goal. Success is loving what you do, it’s even better when your paid to do it!! Capital has been offered to me on many occasions, I’ve learned not to chase the monetary and steer clear when it doesn’t feel right. By doing things that that are aligned with my purpose, Success is sure to follow. I am a firm believer that we are all on this Earth for a reason. Some are fortunate to know that reason at a young age and other will know when they follow their hearts. Success isn’t always tangible; it could be reaching a goal you didn’t think was obtainable. Breaking barriers or doing what no one believed you were capable of doing but YOU! Being Successful to me is more than a medal, a plaque or being known. Success is a lifestyle, it’s a feeling of completion and happiness. Living and breathing on this Earth daily, is a form of success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcourtesy/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/therealcourtesy/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/courtesydavinci?fbclid=PAAabyg0OOpouExOyysu6x5LGZpy-Pw4PtdnHgsrlgcZTlLha1I6n2AXVKJwY
