“Everything wrong I thought was going to happen, turned up right”
Radio Show Host, media guru, and Hip-Hop academic, Alex “A.D.” Davis, embodies the rough draft narrative both in character and in faith. His story began in Dayton, Ohio and has spread across the country. The early transition to the neighboring city of Springfield, Ohio at age 5 with his mom, engrained his ability to adapt and thrive. Dayton and nearby suburbs remained his home until his move to San Antonio, Texas, his sophomore year of high school. This move provided the life experiences required for such an elaborate and sophisticated understanding of rap music and culture.
A.D.’s knowledge of the medium goes beyond understanding, his knowledge is practiced. Often taking the role of an observer early in life, overtime, developed his keen eye for character. In San Antonio, he was a witness of gang life and started to move differently. Strictly as an observer into this lifestyle while trying to figure out who he was. A.D. explains how this exposure, fueled by trust and loyalty, was a “humbling experience” provoking him to “talk less and listen more”.
After his time in San Antontio, A.D. moved back to Ohio to attend Bowling Green State University. It was at this point his training in the streets of San Antonio was realized in his unique perspective as an emcee. Once in Ohio and around likeminded individuals such as Sav, J. Smith, and JBellTheArtist, it only made sense to collaborate together. Elevated Livin’ was formed and each moving piece would eventually come together to build a lifestyle around a brand, implemented through their rap forefront and their diverse street team.
Shortly after graduating with his bachelors, Charlie Mack from The Juice 107.3, gave A.D. a groundbreaking job as a radio show host. From there, A.D. would spend “weekends on the Juice” and would prove to be the opportunity that would shape the young voice of A.D. for years to come. He worked as a bank teller during the day and at night, he was a nighttime voice for The Juice. During his time with 107.3, he slowly built up his portfolio and in 2013, landed an internship at SirusXM in Manhattan.
He transitioned to the Bronx during his time at SirusXM as he continued building up his portfolio and shortly after graduation, A.D. landed a job across the country. The growth that took place during his earlier years continued throughout the time he spent as the Night Show Host at 98.5 KLUC, the #1 Hit Music Station in Las Vegas. It was during these times that A.D. would catapult into the industry full force, often face-to-face with the biggest names in the industry such as the late Juice WRLD, Logic, Post Malone, and Fifth Harmony. Likewise, he created personal brands alongside his professional portfolio such as BackPacks4ClassActs, a charity donating back packs to underprivileged in the Las Vegas area, and Fresh Dope Podcast, a talk show started mutually with his long-time best friend Nick Shea, which speaks on hip-hop culture, sports, and politics. A.D. continues to be a cultural and academic icon that must not go overlooked. His deep portfolio of work is a thesis for a better world.
Another noteworthy influence in A.D’s development is Richie Griffin, who entered A.D.’s life in 2016. In his own words, A.D. explains that, “when I met Richie, I quickly learned that he wasn’t only a good person, but a person I needed on my team. One of the best videographers I know and my first choice on any job”. He continued by adding that Richie, “doesn’t have a selfish bone in his body. I not only look up to Richie, but try to channel his energy in many situations I go into”. The connections and collaborations throughout A.D.’s early career are testimony to the necessity of positive influences playing a key role in our growth, whether creatively or professionally.
For A.D., his music and heart has always manifested itself in unpredictable ways. A.D. commented suggesting that in life, “everything wrong I thought was going to happen, turned out right”. From his rap project Higher Education to his current pursuit of his PHD in Media and Communications at Bowling Green State University…It all seems to be connected to a desire to build up his academic arsenal to fight against the system. He does so by creating conversation and bringing the possibility for education to take its course on the minds of Hip-Hop’s listeners. His presence bridges the gap from the world of academia to the overlooked academic contributions rap has to offer.
Alex “A.D.” Davis can be found across the web and @ www.ADisElevated.com
Novelist Music Group - Side Note:
We want to extend our personal gratitude to Alex “A.D” Davis and the entire Elevated Livin’ team. For the influence and impact you have had on our growth and belief. Thank you.
-NMG
Written by: David Biga
