A Madison-based teacher was recently on NBA star Damian Lillard’s Instagram live, showcasing his skills as a freestyle rapper.
Alexis Dean, 28, was invited by Lillard to join an Instagram live event last week after years of receiving recognition for his talent during Lillard’s “4BarFriday” contests. Lillard, who plays for the Portland Trailblazers, had been putting on these contests, in which thousands submit rap videos and a few are selected and featured each Friday, for six years. Over the years, Dean had been featured on Lillard’s page through that contest, so when Lillard decided to move the contest to Instagram live once quarantine started, Dean was selected as one of the artists.
“It was cool to be on his Instagram Live to show my family, the kids and the teachers who watch what I’m doing is so positive and it’s getting good reception from people around the world,” he said.
Dean, a special education and kindergarten assistant at Mendota Elementary, has been rapping since his sophomore year of high school. His music mainly focuses on motivating people of all ages to chase their dreams. His music is also clean, an aspect that is important to Dean.
“It’s really cool to get [Lillard’s] support because I’m a teacher and a rapper who doesn’t curse so [there’s] not many avenues for me to get exposure because the music industry right now is completely opposite of what my music is,” Dean said. “So to get supported by someone that is so famous, and my music is positive, it just feels really awesome.”
Dean actually met Lillard in 2014, when Lillard flew him and seven other rappers out to New Orleans for a performance during the NBA All-Star Weekend.
“He’s been, over the years, constantly supporting me and other local artists around the world,” he said.
Now, when he’s not on Instagram live performing cyphers, he’s working on other projects, including one he recently released called “Black Tears and Smiles.” The 13-track album is available on all streaming platforms.
Eventually, Dean hopes to fund a nonprofit that allows children to express themselves through music, giving them an outlet to create positive songs and educate people around the world.
“I want to help kids express themselves through music and have this positive outlet for kids to do something positive and learn more about themselves,” he said.
