Stretch Money
Detroit, Michigan, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2006 | SELF
Music
Press
Stretch Money has always been a champion for the Detroit streets. He represents the people of our great city and their everyday struggle — and the streets have been listening. Since his debut album Takes Money To Make Money was released in 2006, Stretch Money has sold in the upwards of 20,000 units locally, a result of hard-hitting street promotions and massive radio play. Stretch Money reached out to the streets and they embraced.
No matter what anyone says, people within the inner city streets have pride for anyone looking to rise above it all and become a voice for the unheard. In turn, it creates this uncanny support for any artist that is doing something creative as an outlet to represent their people. "I'm in tune with the streets every day. I'm still with my people," he says. "A lot of people don't understand that the name Stretch Money isn't about being rich. I came from nothing — just struggling. That's what Stretch Money represents. That's what I'm trying to bring forth in my music."
While the streets have supported Stretch Money's music, he is still on the grind daily. With a new mixtape titled Smoke One on the way along with his follow-up album Time Is Money, the Stretch Money team at Hot Lava Records is trying to build momentum again dealing with new obstacles in spreading their music. "Its kind of bad with the record stores right now," says Stretch Money. "We don't have as many outlets as we did. I just believe in staying in the streets with the music. The streets want it. The streets are going to call the radio and request it. It's all about the streets."
Stretch Money's upcoming projects will represent a new chapter for the Detroit emcee, showing a more of a mature and idea-driven approach to making music. "I'm more well-rounded with the rhymes on an emcee level now," says Stretch Money. "I have much more guidance and direction with where I want to go with my songs now — just real concept driven. Something my people can relate to." | RDW - Real Detroit Weekly
Discography
Take Money to Make Money (2006)
The Punishment (2009)
Smoke One (2011)
Time Is Money (2011)
Photos
Bio
Born in the heart of Detroit in 1984, Daran McCullough is a true testament to overcoming the odds that were so clearly stacked against him. While Daran was a youngster, his father succumbed to the addiction of drugs. Raised in a single parent home, Daran was only15 years old when he was forced to provide for his family. He too was caught up in the inner-city life, but only for a moment.
Against all odds, Daran performed well in high school by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and graduating in 2002. At 19, while attending college, Daran came to the realization that he possessed the characteristics of a natural-born leader. However, his medium was unclear until the next year.
In 2003, President and CEO of Hot Lava Records, Crane Novacane, overheard Daran rapping. Immediately, Crane knew Daran had the talent to become a multi-platinum artist. Therefore, Stretch Money was born and the medium for Daran's gift was found.
Stretch's allegiance to Hot Lava and Crane extends far beyond money. It is based upon the belief that the Hot Lava family will create a legacy that will endure long in the heart of Detroit.
In the subsequent years, Hot Lava assembled a world-class team to manage and promote Stretch. His debut album, Take Money to Make Money was released on September 18, 2006. Three music videos promoting the album contributed to the album being well received by listeners. Stretch has performed on nationwide college tours and has opened for national acts including Rick Ross and Young Jezzy.
Knowing that his young fans can relate to his background, Stretch has been committed to giving back to the community. He has participated in the Salvation Army’s annual Coats for Kids drive. He has spoken at Cease Fire Michigan rallies alongside many community leaders such as radio personality Reggie Reg Davis and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Currently, Stretch is back in the studio working on his sophomore album Time is Money. Fueled by the success of his recent mix tape, The Punishment, Stretch and Hot Lava know that his fans are anxiously awaiting this new release and it is sure to be a hit.
With Stretch's focus standing firmly on the future, surely there will be many more great accomplishments. Stretch's story is truly an inspiration to all who face overwhelming odds. It is proof that in one brief moment, a man can change his start in life.
Links
