Andre “ADD-2” Daniels is a critically acclaimed and highly lauded rapper in his own right, who has worked with luminaries such as Kendrick Lamar and The Roots, as well as being featured on MTV and VH1. Daniels was also elected Governor of the Recording Academy in Chicago and received a Telly Award for a poem featured in Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote Organization.
Aside from his passion as a recording artist, Daniels is also heavily vested in helping shape future generations here in his hometown of Chicago as a mentor, founder of Bronzeville’s Haven Studio for youth, and through his work as Regional Director of the music mentoring program, Guitars Over Guns.
Since its launch in 2008, Guitars Over Guns (GOGO) has been harnessing the power of music, mentorship, and the arts to unlock possibilities for inner-city youth across the country. Originally launched in Miami and having since expanded into Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago, the organization has served over 11,000 students with an emphasis on the power of creativity, mental health, and wellness. Also featuring mentorship and an art-based, comprehensive curriculum, the organization has been a powerful intervention tool for its students.
The Daniels led Chicago office of the organization is supported by the Obama Foundation and will soon host special guests including Academy Award winning artist and CPS board member Che “Rhymefest” Smith, and 3x Grammy Award winning poet, J.Ivy at their upcoming 3rd annual fundraiser event, Band Together, which will include student and mentor performances, raffles, and a live auction for lunch with Common.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the artist, activist, and dedicated youth mentor to learn more about his start in the music game and what drives him to do the important work he does with Guitars Over Guns.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Add-2?
Andre “ADD-2” Daniels: Add-2 is a father, husband, Mentor, Teacher, and community-driven emcee from the southside of Chicago.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Compassionate. Focused. Silly.
What song and artist first moved you and made you want to pursue music?
Jay-Z‘s album Reasonable Doubt was the album that changed my entire life. I heard the song “Bring It On” for the first time in my neighbor’s car on my way home from school in the 5th grade, and immediately got hooked on the idea of how intricate music could be. I loved the idea of how someone could say a phrase, and then hours later, you realize the deeper meaning. The layers of a song, along with the connection it created, made me want to pursue music.
How did you get your start as an artist?
My friend Jeremy would encourage me to rap with him in high school. I started writing every day and going to open mics to perform. For years, I would travel across Chicago performing at open mics and local venues until blogs began to emerge. I started to become featured on sites like 2Dopeboyz, OkayPlayer, FakeshoreDrive, and then it led me to becoming mentored by Common. From there, I went into music mentorship and opened a free youth recording studio called Haven Studio, and here I am today.
Please tell us about the organization, Guitars Over Guns.
Guitars Over Guns is a music mentoring program started by Chad Bernstein in Miami that has grown to Chicago. We hire musicians to be mentors to youth in middle school, high school, and community spaces. We focus on the creative and overall wellness of the mentees in our program. Our programs do not charge families for their kids to participate. We give youth an alternative to negative choices by providing guidance through individuals who care.
How did you get started with the organization?
I originally started as a mentor. I was the first rap mentor of the Chicago region and have been with the organization for 11 years. I fell in love with the fact that we were in schools and places that needed us, and not just schools or places that could afford it.
What are some of your duties as the organization’s Regional Director?
As Regional Director, I set the vision for our Chicago region, from initiatives we are focusing on to ensuring we are reaching the goals and metrics we set out to achieve. Also, networking to strategically expand our partnerships and community support.
What can attendees expect at GOG’s upcoming 3rd annual “Band Together” event?
It’s gonna be an unforgettable night filled with love, joy, and support for the youth of our city. From the mentors, community leaders, the performances, the great food, etc, all of this in support of the youth we serve in this city.
We have Grammy Award-winning artists like J.Ivy and Rhymefest in the building, our critically acclaimed mentors will also be taking the stage, and our mentees will be tearing the roof off as well! And you have an opportunity to bid for lunch with Common. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Any thoughts on the political climate and the possibility of military personnel on the streets of Chicago?
I think the best answer for community safety always lies in the community itself. Our people are more than capable of solving our issues. Outsiders never understand the nuance of the needs of the people who reside there, especially long-term. Occupying space through intimidation or forceful tactics only creates tension and unrest. If you want to make the city “safer” invest that money and energy in schools and community programs, local businesses to create more financial stability for residences, growing our ecosystem so more people have the opportunity to go into positive careers and be empathetic to the people who are trying their best to survive in a world that historically hasn’t been the most supportive.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“You have everything you need.”
Best advice you’ve been given as an artist?
“Shut up and rap.” It came from one of my mentors who meant well when he said it, although it may read harshly. It came at a time when I was younger, and I tried to come up with all sorts of plans to be successful. After he listened for a few minutes, he stopped me and then said it, and it just took the air out of me. He followed it by saying the best thing I could do is lead with action and art. Don’t lead with expectations, cause life will always have its own plans. So now I just do the work and enjoy the journey.
Best advice you can give to aspiring artists?
‘You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate.’
For more information on Andre “Add-2” Daniels and ‘Guitars Over Guns‘ upcoming 3rd annual fundraiser event ‘Band Together’, please visit www.guitarsoverguns.org/band-together/
