About

Duane Gibson(aka D.O.) is a Guinness World Record setting rapper and University graduate that has been inspiring thousands of youths since 2001.  D.O. has had great success with several chart topping songs on Canadian and U.S. radio and has had seven videos in rotation on MuchMusic.  He is signed to two record labels, one for his solo project (please specify) and another with Nova Music / Universal Music Canada for his duo Art of Fresh.

D.O. stands for Defy the Odds.  As a child growing up in small towns across Canada, no one expected that young Duane Gibson would become a rap star. In addition to being a rapper, Gibson is an English major that graduated from York University with an Honors Degree. He earned a spot on the Dean’s List after writing an A+ thesis entitled Rap as a Continuum of African-American Linguistic Practices.

Gibson became a part time teacher/tutor after graduating, teaching after school English classes in Scarborough, Ontario.  In 2001, Gibson was asked to speak to a class of students about how he was able maintain his career as a rapper in addition to graduating with honours from University.  In a few short months, Gibson was fielding requests to speak and perform at dozens of schools and Stay Driven was born.

In addition to being a rapper and motivational speaker, D.O. is also a world record holder. In 2003, he set a Guinness World Record by freestyling for 8 hours and 45 minutes.  In the fall of 2008, he released the album Back to the Earth from duo Art of Fresh and the single just recently hit #1 on US College Radio Charts in 2010. In 2009, he released his sophomore solo album Stay Driven and will be releasing the video for Now I Understand in Spring 2010.

D.O.’s message to youth is that setting goals and persevering is the key to success.  Growing up in communities where he was the only child that was a visible minority, D.O. learned at an early age what it feels like to be different. He confronted bullies, dealt with racism, and overcame shyness by believing in himself and dedicating himself to his goals.  Stay Driven is a one-hour assembly that combines motivational speaking with live performances. In the last eight years, D.O. has engaged and delivered a solid message to students at hundreds of schools throughout Ontario.

To contact Duane Gibson for engagements please send an email to duane@staydriven.com