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It ain’t hype. It’s happenin’.

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY WENDALL STEVENS FOR DC METRO SPORTS (on 7/8/07)

At 6'4" 220 lbs, Demetrius "El Prezidino" Doss isn't hard to spot in a crowd. Ask Doss and he'll tell you himself he has always stood out amongst his peers, with his physical size, charisma and God given talent to entertain.  Demetrius Doss is about to launch his foray in the world of hip-hop with what he proclaims to be a groundbreaking sound built for the masses.

Doss's journey began in his early childhood days in a gritty neighborhood in South Philadelphia and culminated during his adolescent years in Virginia Beach, VA. "Although I was born in Philadelphia, Virginia Beach is my home. Philly is in my DNA, it's something that has been a part of me since birth, but the Beach is my heart."

The gift to entertain is something that has always come easy to Doss, something he never really had to work at.  Early on he knew he possessed an ability to deliver lyrics in a poetic, fluid style but it's something he never set as a goal for his future.  "I knew I had the ability but I just disregarded it." 

Sports was Doss's first true love and basketball was his passion.  " I was the biggest Micheal Jordan fan alive," Doss says, "Basketball was all I ever wanted to do." One of his greatest and most prized possessions as a youth was a pair of Air Jordan sneakers he received for a Christmas present. As a high schooler he had the opportunity to play against Tracy McGrady of Mt. Zion and get a close up look at greatness in action. 

The football thing was something that happened as a result of a coach who convinced him to try out for the team.  After just one year of high school football, Doss accepted a full ride to Marshall University, which at that time was a football program on the rise with a whirlwind of talented players such as Randy Moss and Chad Pennington. 

As luck would have it, Doss had the opportunity to brush again with greatness in the likes of QB Chad Pennington and no other than rising superstar QB Byron Leftwich.  As Doss will tell you flat out, there is nothing like playing football for a winning program.  Doss was indoctrinated early with the bright lights of media exposure and fan interest.  Doss explains, "It's difficult to explain to average people the perks of being the big men on campus, to be recognized wherever you go, it was an experience I'll treasure for life."   With Leftwich at quarterback the Thundering Herd advanced to two GMAC Bowls. 

Because of nagging injuries, Doss didn't get any significant playing time throughout his career but still generated interest from pro scouts.  After finishing his football playing days at Marshall and earning his degree in Business Management,  Doss worked out for the 2002 draft with the likes of current Chief RB Larry Johnson, Vikings WR Billy McMullen and Steelers CB Ike Taylor.  On draft day there were no calls despite overtures from Philadelphia and Indianapolis.  After being invited to the Jets camp for a tryout, he wasn't signed. 

Disappointed but not deterred, Doss caught on with an Arena football team, the Evansville Bluecats where he set a team record for the number of catches in season. 

Around this time, Doss, who was always exposed to the teachings of the church, become influenced by people close to him to seek Christianity as a faith.  After formally accepting Christ in 2004, Doss began to slowly come around full circle to the musical gifts that he rarely used since his youth.  Doss, an avid fan of the Wu Tang Clang before his personal transition heard Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" and it changed his course. "I thought to myself, this is the type of music people should be listening to."

Doss coined the name "El Prezidino" which is a derivative of the nickname Dino as a youth and began freestyling at Church functions in Virginia.  It was here he met Wesley Powell, CEO of GTown Records whose prior experience managing hip-hop legend KRS-One led him to see the potential in Doss.  With Powell as his manager, Doss began perfecting his craft.

Doss describes his music as life changing.  "I want to assist people to live and think without limits. Society needs new food.  Hip-Hop is at a crossroads and needs to be injected with a shot of fresh, new, creative energy. The music has such an influence on mainstream society.  I want to set a new change of pace." Doss doesn't deny or apologize for his stance and insist he does have a purpose but agrees that a spiritual message can be entertaining as well as enlightening. 

Doss readily admits he will draw lightning and ruffle feathers but as he so eloquently puts it "No one should have a problem with Dino, I'm just the messenger, and if they do,they can take it up with the heavenly father. I live by the motto, change the world!"

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