By JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer
Two Middlesex County musicians have been named finalists in a statewide competition sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) New Jersey Shout Down Drugs.
The initiative challenges high school students to create original music with lyrics that contain powerful peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention messages. Ky’Esen Sumpter of Parlin is one of 30 students selected as finalists. Lucas Espada of East Brunswick was named a wildcard finalist.
Sumpter’s original song, “Drug Dictation,” was selected as the Middlesex County finalist from numerous entries across the state.
“The message is in the chorus. What I’m saying in it is that the world, especially our youth and hip hop culture, is taking over,” he said. “I did it because I like sending out good messages and vibes. I love making songs for people who could use it in a time of need.”
He said the message of the song means a lot to him.
“I’ve heard of overdoses all the time,” he said. “It’s not too hard, but you can’t save everyone, you know? People do what they do, no matter what, but trying means a lot.”
The senior at Sayreville War Memorial High School said he was born into music because of his mother.
“She used to work in New York City inside the studios that rappers go to. She worked for Nelly, P. Diddy and Jay-Z. She even was on a song with Biggie,” he said.
Now 18, Sumpter said he has been rapping for about five years. He said he is 100 percent self-taught, learning a lot from YouTube. He writes all of his own material, as well as producing, mixing and mastering his music.
“It’s become a heavy part of my life now,” he said.
He has already performed two shows, and he said he expects a great crowd to sit and listen to his music.
“In all honesty, I didn’t think I’d be [a finalist],” he said. “I felt I could have done more to it, but I’m here and happy about it.”
Lucas, a sophomore at East Brunswick High School, will also be performing his song “Riding Clean” at the concert.
During winter break, Lucas traveled with his Mercer County-based Match Fit Academy soccer team to Disney World for a soccer showcase. His team did so well that the finals were broadcast on ESPN, and the team placed second in the tournament.
The experience inspired him to write a song for the first time in his life; he had never done anything lyrically before, though he is the first chair double bass for his school’s orchestra.
“If I’m so happy now, why can’t everyone always be happy?” he said he thought during his drive back from Florida. “I was riding high on a high of happiness. … Why can’t people be happy all the time?”
Lucas said he has seen people at school struggle with drugs. However, although he finds himself under a lot of stress, he chooses not to use common drugs such as marijuana.
“Once you get in, you can’t get out, he said.
Lucas said being named a finalist was a “huge surprise,” but that he is looking forward to the concert because he is used to delivering in front of a large audience. As part of the Future Business Leaders of America club, he is adept at public speaking. He is also part of the Psych Club, the afterschool men’s choir, the Tri-M Music Society and the Philadelphia Union Academy training program.
“This should be fun, actually,” he said.
The finalists, selected through an online vote and judging panel, represent 14 New Jersey counties and will compete for $10,000 in music contracts.
The public can vote for Sumpter’s and Lucas’ songs on www.shoutdowndrugs.com through May 24. The site features profiles of this year’s finalists and allows the public to cast votes for their favorite songs. These results will be factored into the finalists’ scores on the night of the concert.
The 12th Annual New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music concert, presented by the New Jersey Broadcasters Association, will be presented on May 25 at Rutgers University’s Nicholas Music Center in New Brunswick. Master of ceremonies will be Greater Media’s 1450 WCTC radio talk show host Bert Barron.
Tickets are free of charge but must be reserved at www.ShoutDownDrugs.com or by calling 973-467-2100, ext. 19.
