Mani Draper, a Richmond-based rapper, DJ, and producer, embodies resilience and self-acceptance through his latest album, blxckmxrket, which reflects his mourning process and subsequent celebration of life. Having worked with notable artists, Draper shares a transformative personal experience related to his keloids, highlighting a newfound appreciation for his uniqueness. Through lessons learned in both his music and his work as an educator, Draper focuses on personal growth, urging others to embrace their weaknesses and turn them into strengths, ultimately fostering a flourishing artistic community around him.
"I'm so dialed in on behalf of us, and I'm gonna make us proud every time," says Draper.
"It was the first time I realized I had a beauty mark as opposed to a deficiency. It fucked me up," Draper says.
"As an artist, I had to learn how to dribble with my off-hand. It's that Kobe shit; work on your weaknesses."
"Through that commitment, I've grown not only as an artist but as a human, and the artistic community around me has benefited because of it."
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