SES Da Great

What is life without music? What is artistry without divinity? For Newburgh, New York emcee and producer SES DA Great, this is an unfathomable alternate reality. Born Samuel Edward Simmons the fifth, SES has been in love with music from as far back as he can remember. Beat boxing and free-styling with older family members were some of his earliest memories of displaying his musical abilities. At the age of nine he wrote his first rhyme, but never took rapping or making music seriously. Not until he recorded a song and heard his voice over a track for the first time , a college experience that would change the course of his life.

Thereafter SES began writing, recording, and producing music in habitual fashion. As his passion and talent grew, music eventually stole him away from a successful, but unfulfilling career in construction management. Since realizing his calling, DA Great, short for Divine Artistry of greatness, has released four mix-tapes, graced dozens of stages (including opening for Styles P, and Wu-Tang's Master Killer), and has been a featured artist on radio shows and numerous projects by artists from around the country.

His musical influences include artists such as Nas, Big Daddy Kane, AZ, J-Dilla, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Chuck D, KRS-1, Wu-Tang Clan, Lupe Fiasco, Tribe Called Quest, Styles P and others. He’s also influenced by the sounds of Jazz, R&B, Indie Rock, and Pop. Combine these styles with SES' ideology, witty lyrics, and gritty flows, you get what he calls TRUSIC (true, righteous, unique, successful, inspiring, and creative) music.

When describing his approach to making music, SES had this to say: My philosophy and style of music is TRUSIC...I believe that if I can incorporate 3 or more of these acronyms in every lyric, song, or project; I will not only be making great and entertaining music, but I will also be leaving the best pieces of my life and thoughts for the world. SES views music as a way of expressing his ideals, life experiences, and his passion for creativity. He also sees it as his means for creating positive change in the world.

"The power of words and speech mean a lot to me. I use hip-hop as a tool to connect, enlighten, and empower myself and others.” -SES Da Great

SES is now working to complete the third and final installment of his "Duality Series". Duality Part III: "Love/hate" rounds out the trilogy with songs that capture the right sounds and different expressions of these two very intense emotions. "D3" will feature the highly anticipated single "My Everything", and "Vampire Lifestyle". Stay tuned for more greatness on the way.