Hollywood Popular Artists

Apr 12th 2012, 13:00

200,000,000: The number of video views YouTuber DeStorm Power has amassed over the years. 1,250,000: The number of people subscribed to DeStorm's YouTube channel. 3,000: The number of people subscribed to mine. Well, that puts things into perspective! I recently sat down with American Music Award winner and #1 Hip Hop artist on YouTube, DeStorm Power. We chatted music, giving back, and advice he has for others chasing their dream. Check out my MTV Act exclusive interview with DeStorm, an arts education advocate, including a sneak peek at one of the songs on his upcoming mixtape, Be Careful.

Act: You have almost 1,250,000 YouTube subscribers! How did you amass so many subscribers, and what advice would you give to people trying to do the same?

DeStorm Power: I was extremely persistent. I made all kinds of videos, and eventually settled on musical challenges, because that's what people were responding to the most. I think persistence is the key to success in anything. You've just got to put yourself out there and stay out there.

How did it feel to be the very first male New Media Honoree at the 2011 American Music Awards? The AMAs honoring online artists for the first time…it was groundbreaking! 

I feel very humbled yet like a pioneer. I'm proud to carry the torch for future recipients, and it inspires me to work that much harder knowing that all of my hard work is appreciated.

How are you giving back to your fans and to the world? How important is giving back to you now that you've made it?

I think it's important to give back to other artists, especially because I remember how hard it was when I started out. I'm actually in the process of selecting the winners of my Watch Me 2012 contest. Once a year, I give my subscribers a chance to be featured on one of my songs. This year, the winner will be flown to California and featured on my upcoming Mixtape, Be Careful.

I am involved with the Pepsi Refresh Project, which awards thousands of grants every year to people trying to make a positive impact in their communities. One of my videos was featured in a national commercial for the Refresh Project. Also, having a young son, I am very much in support of VH1's Save The Music Foundation, and keeping music in schools.

Mixtape, 'ey? Tell me about it. When's it coming out and where can I get it?

My debut mixtape, Be Careful, comes out on May 1, but you can preorder it online now!

Okay, now we're gonna get serious. What are some of the hardships you've faced in your life, and what advice would you give to people facing similar difficulties?

Three of the hardest things anyone can endure are one: being told you're not good enough. Two: Not having the resources or emotional support to achieve your goals. Three: Losing the positive motivating force within your life. I've encountered all three of these things and the only advice I can give is: Never quit because time heals all.

I'm tearing up here. I think a lot of people, including myself, needed to hear that. Are any of the songs on your mixtape about struggle or coming up in the world?

The song "My Grind" is all about that. I'm actually going to preview it exclusively on MTV Act!

You can pre-order DeStorm's Mixtape Be Careful online now, or wait until May 1 to grab it on iTunes. Until then, here's an MTV Act exclusive preview of his song "My Grind"! Stay tuned to MTV Voices for my full interview with DeStorm.

+ LISTEN: DeStorm Power "My Grind" exclusive preview

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