In this episode of ARTdustry, Rachelle and Substantial talk with emcee, songwriter, educator, and youth advocate Javier Starks. Watch below to find out more about Starks' hip-hop philosophy, international endeavors, and how he became the world's #1 long distance Onewheel rider.

Starks' career spans many roles and continents. from hip-hop performances at Washington, DC's prestigious Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center stages. Starks traveled to South Africa to record an original song in honor of Oliver Tambo's 100th birthday. He continued his international work in Tripoli, Lebanon, where he led youth workshops.

Starks has shared the stage, recorded music, and worked in tandem with a wide variety of award-winning musicians, including Logic, Robert Glasper, Keyon Harrold, Miles Mosley, Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge, and the West Coast Get Down. 

In addition to his work as an artist and his dedication to youth advocacy, Starks is a skilled Onewheel rider and holds the record for the most miles traveled on an Onewheel–22,000 miles to be exact.

Starks strives to inspire young people to value respect when they unleash their creativity, encouraging them to treat others and themselves with dignity. His lyrics are a testament to his belief in the power of artistic expression that is devoid of profanity, drug promotion, violence, misogyny, or excessive glorification of money. Through his music, he aims to ignite a spark of positivity and encourage individuals to express themselves artistically while embracing a message of respect and self-worth.

Starks' commitment to promoting positive messages through his music has garnered recognition from various media outlets. CNN, a renowned global news network, and the regional talk show Great Day Washington have both showcased Starks' inspirational music and highlighted his impressive international career.

ARTdustry podcast is sponsored by Words Beats and Life inc.

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ARTdustry podcast is where art meets industry powered by Words, Beats & Life. Rachelle Etienne-Robinson and Stan “Substantial” Robinson, founders and co-CEOs of Substantial Art & Music lead discussions on the business of art; from creating, producing, presenting, marketing, performing, and selling your art. Listen to interviews with individual artists, curators, directors, creative entrepreneurs, and various professionals in the visual and performing arts.