Moses Uvere

Moses Uvere (born May 25, 1986) is an American rapper. Uvere got his start in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. Uvere's family is from a small town in Nigeria. He is the first from his village to be born in America. Uvere graduated from Berkner High School in 2004 and has been a professional hip-hop artist since 2008. His goal is to bring a new sound and vibe to hip-hop. Uvere has released four albums From Worse to Better, Mind the Gap, Never Been Better and Kingdom of the Fallen.
Career
In the beginning, rap was a social activity for Uvere. He and his brother made up raps when they were young; he was later inspired to rap by his friends. "People seem to think that rappers only listen to rap," Uvere has said, "but I actually love artists like Kenny G too!" It is influences like these that set Uvere apart from other hip-hop artists. Uvere has made it clear in multiple interviews, especially Fit the Cliche with Doug Magditch (CW33), that he loves rap, not the lifestyle, and that he aims to separate the two. Uvere jokes with friends that instead of disrespecting women like other famous rappers, he is the one that is disrespected by women. His admiration for women and good heart are apparent in his lyrics, which he pens himself.
Uvere released his first album, From Worse to Better in April 2008 and his sophomoric album Mind the Gap (Chaos Theory Music Media) in April 2011. Mind the Gap features Universal Mo-town Act Kyle Burns and Austin Bello from Forever the Sickest Kids. Since his start in 2008, Uvere has been on six national tours and one international tour in Nigeria. He has shared stages with renowned artists, such as Trey Songz, 2 Chainz, Forever the Sickest Kids, The Ready Set, and Paul Wall. A point of pride for Uvere is that he was the first Dallas rap artist to headline at famed venue Trees with the re-opening. He released one independent album on a sub-label of Universal/Mo-town with Geoff Rockwell and Forever the Sickest Kids.
Uvere hired Anchor Marketing & Design to handle his publicity in October 2012. He was immediately booked to perform on WFAA Daybreak's "Party on the Plaza" with Ron Corning. Daybreak caused quite the stir before the performance even happened. Kiki J, host of Street Swagg Sunday, interviewed Uvere live on K104 the Sunday before the performance. It was the first Uvere heard his music on the radio. His emotional reaction was caught on camera for the Never Been Better documentary.
DFW.com Music Editor Preston Jones also promoted the Daybreak performance with an online article. The popularity of this article was vast: many other online publications linked to or referred to DFW.com's story. "Set your alarms: Dallas-based hip-hop artist Moses Uvere will perform at 6:40 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) on WFAA's Daybreak," wrote Jones. DFW.com also included a video of Uvere performing live.
Uvere arrived at the WFAA station at 4:00 AM with his entourage the morning of his Daybreak appearance, including DJ Stibbs. Uvere rapped throughout the 4:30-6:30 am hours leading Daybreak in and out of commercial breaks. News anchor Ron Corning interviewed Uvere at 6:40 am, preceding Uvere's performance of "Problems". Uvere was stunned at the recognition he received after his morning on Daybreak. For the first time in his career, Uvere was recognized on the street multiple times each week. October 2012 was truly this rapper's first breakthrough to celebrity.
Uvere released his first Christmas song "Best Night" in December 2012. Uvere teamed up with good friend, Geoff Rockwell, to produce "Best Night" when he recognized the lack of holiday rap songs. "The song captures, in my opinion, what a great night during the holidays would feel like," said Uvere. True to form, Uvere uses the catchy song to shed light on serious issues - poverty, in this case - while keeping lyrics optimistic. Uvere raps: “Man it's feeling like that time of year/ But poverty has the/ young ones shedding some tears/ Man have no fear/ We bout to/ Pave/ bring the light/ Bout to open up/ The door let it all shine bright.” During its three minutes and fifty-three seconds, “Best Night” utilizes the sounds of the season, featuring bells underscoring the lyrics. Christmas rap was a risk Uvere was willing to take and it paid off.
Uvere was invited to perform on CBS 11's Christmas Special. In addition to "Best Night", Uvere rapped "Jingle Bells". Both songs ran on CBS 11 This Morning in addition to the Christmas special on Christmas Day. Uvere's family gathered around the television to watch his performance at 6 AM and 4 PM, making 2012 a memorable Christmas. CW 33 Nightcap News taped Uvere performing "Best Night" and a rap rendition of "Jingle Bells" and ran both throughout the month of December. K104 also had Uvere back on for an interview with Kiki J promoting "Best Night". Street Swagg Sunday also played "Best Night" the same evening.
The song was so in-demand, that Uvere filmed a music video for the single during the hectic holiday season. The "Best Night" music video aired on Daybreak a few days before Christmas. DFW.com also posted the "Best Night" music video online with the title "Watch This".
"Best Night" wasn't the only big breakthrough for Uvere in December 2012. The Dallas Morning News ran a three-page spread on Uvere. (The article, "Spotlight on Texas Artists", was also posted online.) In the glowing review, Music Critic Mario Tarradell began with, "We need more rappers like Dallas' 26-year-old Moses Uvere." Tarradell praised Uvere's positive message and lack of profanity. "Uvere, born and raised in the Big D, has a refreshing outlook on hip-hop" wrote Tarradell. "Plus, his rapping is clear, uncluttered and packing the right balance of casual conversation and preaching intensity."
Uvere had not yet picked up Dallas Morning News the morning the article came out when he leaned against his car, pumping gas. An elderly woman approached him. "Excuse me sir, could I take a photo with you?" The woman asked. "I saw your picture in the paper today!" Uvere swears he will never forget that feeling or that woman.
On February 1, 2013, CBS 11 This Morning (KTVT) named Uvere one of their "Texans with Character". CBS 11 This Morning reported that Uvere promotes a positive message and gives back. The news segment highlighted his charity work with Music in Action, particularly the February 2013 event, and his connection to Africa. Uvere passionately told CBS 11: "People don't understand that rap is an acronym for Rhythm And Poetry."
The first single off of Uvere's third album Never Been Better was released on February 22, 2013. One week before the release, Uvere received a glowing review from The Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News Music Critic Mario Tarradell wrote, "The clicking beat tune, with its instantly catchy refrain and bass-heavy bottom, is a crackling showcase for Uvere's rapping powers. He's in rapid rhyming mode, keeping quick time with the fierce sonic undercurrent." Uvere interviewed by Kiki J on K104 on Sunday, February 17 to promote the single. "Dallas" would make its official radio debut on K104 the following Sunday during Street Swagg Sunday.
Charity work
A first generation American with deep African roots, Moses is passionate about his charity, Music in Action. Music in Action aims to create greater social awareness and inspire action within the hearts of people, nationally and internationally, through the vehicle of music and other creative arts. Uvere is helping Music in Action send funds to a Ugandan family to send their four children to school. The organization's vision is to unite artists within the creative realm who aspire to positively impact their community on a national and international level through their talents and passions by fostering an environment of change through their lives and actions. TJ'D UP and Zander will also perform during the show, which features Uvere's own DJ, DJ Stibs.
Uvere is thrilled to be involved with and to perform for a cause so close to him; Uvere's entire family is from Nigeria, Africa. "I have a special place in my heart for Africa, so when I got the call to be a part of this, it was a done deal," declares Uvere, "Anything having to do with Africa always hits close to home, so this was something I knew I had to be part of." 100% of the Music in Action proceeds will go to school fees funding African children.
Discography
Studio albums
* From Worse to Better - (April 2008) independent release
* Mind the Gap - (April 2011) Chaos Theory Music Media
* Never Been Better - (January 2014) Chaos Creative / Moses Uvere, independent release
* Kingdom of the Fallen - (August 2016) Rumblpak independent release
Singles
* "Swung & Swang" Law Click featuring Moses Uvere - (September 2009) Central South
* "Best Christmas Ever" - (December 2009) DJ Promote, independent release
* "Best Night" - (December 2012) Chaos Theory Music Media
* "Dallas" - (February 2013)
* "Let the Beat Knock" - (September 2013)
* "We Get Up" - (July 2016)

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