Navigator News

Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Brett Jarnagin

Lake Land student Brandon Lockhart may come from a small town, but he makes up for it with big talent. Lockhart, also known as "Dok Holliday," is currently working with Latin Thug Records, the same label as Cypress Hill, to make his talent known.

Later this year, his label called Midwest Hustle Entertainment will produce Dok Holliday's first album, "The Prophet." He is also partnering with Mellow Man Ace to record a song.

Lockhart went to Shelbyville High School, but is originally from Junction City, Kansas. At the age of 14, Lockhart started dabbling in hip-hop. "I went through different music genres, [hip-hop] just clicked, but I still like other types," says Lockhart.

After a few years of perfecting his style, Lockhart caught his break in December 2008 and was brought on with Latin Thug Records. Now with over 100 original songs, Dok Holliday has performed at many venues.

Eastern Illinois University and the Firehouse in East St. Louis have housed a special appearance by Holliday. He also has performed in Milwaukee and was chosen to open for Lil' Scrappy in Ohio. Unfortunately, time did not allow him the chance to perform that night.

The edgy lines of some of Dok Holliday's songs may not be appropriate for younger audiences; however, many of his lyrics reflect the lives of many college students today.

Notable songs on the upcoming album include "Hustle, Grind, Shine," "Phresh," "Sing with Me," "Wreckin Shit" and "Try-N-Do Me."

Lockhart calls his style "A product of Midwest rap culture. The Midwest culture is more skillful and lyrical than others."

When comparing Dok Holliday to other popular artists, Eminem and Weezer come to mind, with their strong lyrics, and a solid beat. However, Lockhart says, "I try to be like nobody in the industry."

Writing and recording all of his own songs, Lockhart says he draws inspiration from, "whatever [he] is passionate about in life and any extreme emotion."

"I try to get people to feel my pain or whatever emotion I am trying to express through my songs, but 90 percent of the time, I just want them to kick it with me."

Most rap and hip-hop artists in this generation choose stage names after notorious gangsters, and the same goes for Lockhart. "Dok Holliday" came from Doc Holliday, a skillful and witty gangster-gambler of the 1800s.

Once finishing his Political Science degree, Lockhart plans to focus 100 percent on studying to be a registered nurse. He is going to take junior classes between now and attaining his Bachelor's degree from online classes with Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

It may seem strange that a hip-hop artist would make a good nurse, but Lockhart has gained experience while working with mentally handicapped patients at Shelby County Community Services.

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