XX Danjor at Artistry Unbound
While strolling through the streets of Detroit, one can expect to find many thrilling events, hidden in venues or temples. On June 20th, Artistry Unbound hosted an event on Cadieux Road for creatives to show their work and sell it as well. Artistry Unbound is an organization in Detroit that “promotes creativity and art without limitations.” XX Danjor, (Jordan spelled backwards) was one of the artists featured at the Artistry Unbound event.
XX Danjor was born and raised in Detroit. With his iPhone 7 during the pandemic in October of 2020, XX Danjor started making music in his closet. His first song “Minecraft” can still be found on SoundCloud. In this song, XX Danjor is rapping over a Minecraft instrumental soundtrack.
In middle school, one of the albums that Jordan loved to listen to was Dark Sky Paradise by Big Sean. This album inspired Jordan to create an album “That played in one realm and kept the same dark consistency throughout the soundtrack.”
Tyler the Creator is a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world, especially with his hottest album DON’T TAP THE GLASS. Jordan pulls from Tyler’s sarcastic, straight forward energy and uses that as inspiration for his songs.
Travis Scott is another one of Jordan’s inspirations. The sounds used in Travis Scott’s music embodies psychedelic rap and makes listeners feel like they are floating in a galaxy outside of the music itself. Jordan wanted to create his own realm through his music, like Travis Scott.
While on Cadieux Stage, XX Danjor showed his audience what Artistry Unbound is about; the freedom of expression and exploring one’s artistic potential without restraints.
He performed his first dropped album, Writing on the Wall. The most popular song on the album, “Choice,” opens with a hook “I am just like you” that immediately grabs the audience’s attention.
Many followers wanted a remix of Choice, but Jordan said “The beauty of the song was that it was natural.” He believes music is supposed to live forever, so why replicate and try to make it again? The original song will always be captured in time. He borrowed the drum and base sound from Pink Pantheress, one of his favorite artists.
Jordan’s performance was unique and included a skit, to tell the story of the song and to engage the audience.
While XX Danjor is creating music, he also wants to keep his faith in mind. College helped Jordan in deepening his faith and he wanted that to show in his music. His most popular song “Choice,” includes elements of faith. He wants his music to leave others in a better spot or at least give them a better perspective.
Jordan received multiple messages from people saying how his song choice had led them through some tough moments.
In order for Jordan to create his most raw and authentic project, he has to be in tune with his emotions and live in the moment. Emotions show through music and can also invoke emotion in others, which is why it’s important for him to know himself from within.
I asked XX Danjor if he had any advice for upcoming artists. He said, “Be the most authentic version of you. You will always evolve, but find the version of you that makes you happy. Find the tunes you like and live in the now.” The best advice that XX Danjor has received was, “To just say yes because you never know where God will take you.” By saying yes, he has met so many people that have helped him on his journey.
Jordan is currently working on a project right now, so be on the lookout for a drop by XX Danjor. You can find him on SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.