DESCRIPTION:
film by Andria Millie


A music town, Seattle is first noted for the jazz movement of the 50's bringing musicians to play and collaborate, thus conributing to the refined sound and strong musicianship of the Northwest. Growing up with father, Herman Brown, Motown funk musician, Vitamin D was exposed to records, rehearsal and many talented artists early on. He went on to attend Garfield High School, renowned for its extensive jazz program. With an early interest in music production and innovative by nature, Vitamin D began piecing together mix tapes, following fresh hip hop announced by local leader Mr.Supreme out of a record store in South Seattle called Music Menu. He formed the group Ghetto Children with BSelf, putting on shows at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center. Vitamin D began to let it be known that he would lead in next wave of music to come out of Seattle that was hip hop.

Now pioneer producer, Vitamin D makes beats and engineers most of what comes out locally such as records by Gabriel Teodros, Khingz, Common Market, Choklate, Toni Hill, Darrius Wilrich, Blue Scholars and Jake One (Vita's counterpart throughout). Not to mention, he is renowned for his production on solo albums for mega west coast leaders, Gift of Gab and Abstract Rude. Artists worldwide are taking notice and requesting contribution on their albums.

Recognizing the power in the institutions and idols that helped pave the way for him, he wanted to give back to the community. Out of The Pharmacy (studio in South Seattle) as a mentor himself, Vitamin D was aware of the young local producers that would benefit from a format that showcased their skills. He started an original project in 2004 called Big Tune, a producer battle working much like emcee or dj battles (a style borrowed from Jamaican streets) where the winner of the hottest sound is determined by the people. Vitamin D was teaching at the Red Bull Music Academy at the time. Catching the attention of such a major sponsor, he was able to take Big Tune to other cities on the west coast, nationwide, and now internationally. Taking it one step further, he makes the most of his presence in cities Big Tune travels to by visiting community centers, holding workshops and talking to the kids about their potential futures doing what they love, what he loves, expressing themselves through music. Vitamin D is a true leader of our time.