Whether you’re a fan of my dude D.O. or not you need to understand that he’s one of the few cats out here that are straight indy who are actually able to live off music. What I mean is, he doesn’t have a 9-5. He doesn’t hustle anything on the side. He just works the Canadian grant system like no other, does shows and…writes books, lol. Here’s all the info (more under the hood):

Stay Driven Book Launch
http://www.staydrivenbook.com
Monday November 19th
No One Writes To The Colonel
460 College St. (College / Bathurst)
6pm – 9pm

BOOK SYNOPSIS
As an internationally renowned rapper that was raised in a small town, Duane “D.O.” Gibson has defied the odds. In “Stay Driven” he shares life lessons that helped him overcome the challenges of bullying and used goal setting and perseverance to achieve success.

CANADIAN RAPPER D.O. TO RELEASE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT BOOK STAY DRIVEN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2012

STAY DRIVEN TOUR TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF BULLYING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION.

Toronto, ON – Canadian rapper and Guinness World Record holder for the longest freestyle rap, Duane Gibson aka D.O. (Defy the Odds), is set to release his first self-published book, Stay Driven, on Monday, November 19, 2012. From 6:00pm – 9:00pm that evening, a release party will be held at No One Writes the Colonel (460 College St. Toronto), where copies of the book may be purchased.

D.O. will also be doing an instore appearance at Chapters in Scarborough, ON on Saturday, November 10th from 1pm to 4pm where we will be signing and selling autographed copies of the book.

D.O’s inspiration for writing this book began with his participation in the Toronto District School Board’s Read to Succeed program where he has performed for several years, encouraging students to read. Stay Driven shares personal anecdotes from his childhood, life lessons that helped him overcome challenges of bullying, and how he followed his dreams and persevered to achieve success. D.O. will be touring various schools across Ontario, speaking with students about anti-bullying and youth empowerment. Stay Driven will be available on iBooks and through www.staydrivenbook.com (pricing information below).

“I have always loved reading and understand its importance in child development. I want to encourage youth to make reading a habit,” says Gibson. “I think my school appearances have been so well received because I tell personal stories about growing up in communities where I was the only child of colour. I’ve had to confront bullies, deal with racism and overcome being shy by believing in myself.”

Born in Watrous, Saskatchewan, Gibson moved to Ontario with his family at the age of two and graduated from York University with an Honours Degree in English, earning himself a spot on the Dean’s List with an A+ thesis entitled Rap as a Continuum of African-American Linguistic Practices. In 2001, along with his budding rap career, Gibson worked as a part-time English teacher/tutor. A colleague asked him to speak to her class about how he was able to become a rapper and graduate from university. Months later, Gibson was fielding requests to speak and perform at dozens of schools, thus the inception of his popular school touring program, Stay Driven.

In the spring of 2012 D.O. released his third independent solo album, Heavy in the Game, which featured 19 songs recorded in Toronto, in Taiwan with producer Brooke “Diz Dallas” Daye and in Nova Scotia with Canadian rapper/producer Classified. D.O. is also half of the duo Art of Fresh, whose music has been featured in ad campaigns for Volkswagen, Orville Redenbacher Popcorn, and Chevrolet. D.O.’s latest single “Can’t Tell Me” feat SonReal, Famous and Chris Jackson (prod by Jahronomo Inc) hit #3 on the US College Charts in July.

Links:

Web:
http://www.staydrivenbook.com

Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/doakadefytheodds

Twitter:@IamDO

Pricing:
Stay Driven MSRP: $12.00
Stay Driven with soundtrack MSRP: $15.00

Previous: NEW VIDEO: D.O. aka Defy The Odds – Ah Yea

D.O. STAY DRIVEN TOUR DATES:

October 24, 202          Central Commerce Collegiate               Toronto, ON
October 25, 2012        Cedar Creek Public School                   Ayr, ON
October 29, 2012        High Park Public School                        Sarnia, ON
October 30, 2012        Hanna Memorial Public School              Sarnia, ON
November 1, 2012       Gulfstream Public Junior                       North York, ON
November 2, 2012       SIlver Springs School                            Scarborough, ON
November 5, 2012       Cordella Junior School                          Toronto, ON
November 8, 2012       Barbara Frum Branch Library                Toronto, ON
November 8, 2012       Dennis Ave School                                 Toronto, ON
November 9, 2012       Earl Grey School                                  Toronto, ON
November 10, 2012     Chapters                                               Scarborough, ON
November 10, 2012     Ontario Student Co-Op Assoc               Peterboorugh, ON
November 12, 2012     Lumen Christi Elementary Catholic        Milton, ON
November 14, 2012     John G Diefenbaker Public School        Scarborough, ON
November 14, 2012     West Rouge, Junior Public School         Scarborough, ON
November 15, 2012     St. Joseph Catholic School                    Chatham, ON
November 16, 2012     St. Francis of Assissi Elementary           Georgetown, ON
November 19, 2012     Captain R Wilson                                  Oakville, ON
November 20, 2012     Clarkson Secondary School                  Mississauga, ON
November 21, 2012     Syl Apps Youth Center                          Oakville, ON
November 21, 2012     MM Robinson                                         Burlington, ON
November 22, 2012     St. Jerome  Catholic School                    Toronto, ON
November 23, 2012     Lakeshore Collegiate                                     Toronto, ON
December 3, 2012       Brookside Public School                         Toronto, ON