Mr. D-Str8

Mr. D-Str8s Biography

Mr. D-Str8, or to give his birth name, Derrick Harkless, was born on March 25, 1976 on Planet Earth. He was raised in Lawton, Oklahoma since the age of three. Mr. D-Str8 earned his name early in life when it became apparent he possessed the gift of truth, the talent of giving it to you Str8.
At age 14, Mr. D-Str8 joined a five man Rap/R&B group called Y.B.I (Young Brothers In-Step). As the 90's got rollin, Mr. D-Str8's political views and his way of life began to reflect in his lyrics. In turn, this drove him in a different artistic direction than where the original group was headed. The five man group soon became two, Mr. D-Str8 and Tauheed the Xzerious. They did several shows in various places before recording a four song demo in 1994. After sending their demo to a few established record companies, Rap-A-Lot Records, based out of Houston, Texas, took interest. They (Mr. D-Str8 and Tauheed the Xzerious) were invited to Houston to meet with the labels A&R rep, Big Steve and other artist from Rap-A-Lot Bank Roll including 3D, Kage, Freddy Young, etc. Due to the young groups improper management at that time, along with lack of communication, that avenue soon fizzled out.
The two man group continued to do shows and eventually released their first album titled "Good Thang" in 1996. Not long after, tragedy struck Mr. D-Str8's longtime friend and group member, Tauheed the Xzerious, when his daughter passed away. Eventually, the two friends went their separate ways musically. As the years went by, Mr. D-Str8 continued to do his own thing with various artist/record companies until 2001 when he signed with an independent record company "Stayin Ready Records". He released his first cd under this label in 2002 titled "Blow Ya Mind", which went Nationwide. In 2004, he released his 2nd cd titled "Maxabillion". However, the CEO had been incarcerated for the past year, causing poor management and strife within the label, thus leaving little opportunity for proper promotion of his new release.
Mr. D-Str8 continued to keep it pushin, but in a new direction, a more positive one that everyone can feel. Mr. D-Str8 dedicates his life to the Lord and is an active church member at "New Life Fellowship" in Lawton, Oklahoma for the past 10 years. He graduated in 2007 with his Bachelors degree in Theology and was blessed in 2008 with the birth of his first born child, a beautiful, healthy baby girl. He started his own record company and ministry "STR8-Laced ENT." and "Mr. D-Str8 Ministries Inc." in 2008. He released his first "Real God Music" album under his label in 2008 titled "Confessiamony", a title derived from the content of the album which was focused on his confessions and his testimony. Mr. D-Str8 just released his second album under "STR8-Laced ENT." titled "P.A.I.N. Prayer Always In Need" in Nov. 2010 which fans are saying is his best work yet!
Fans feel Mr. D-Str8 achieved perfection with his new "P.A.I.N." album. He is now reaching everyone from ages 2-92 with his "slap you in the face, Str8 to the point" lyrics full of heart felt lessons and priceless knowledge he's gained through life experiences. He has created the perfect fusion between gospel and street allowing the Word of God to reach those who are thought to be unreachable and to teach those who are thought to be unteachable.
His current and future focus is directed toward using his music to spread the Word of God. The Proceeds earned are used to further his ministry and focus on saving souls and helping those in need.