WhoIsParadise

{{Multiple issues| {{advert|date=February 2022}} {{COI|date=November 2022}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}} {{Use British English|date=May 2017}} {{Infobox musical artist | image = Marcus Paradise Dawes at RfO Awards 2012.jpg | image_size = | landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank --> | alt = | caption = Marcus Paradise Dawes at RfO Awards 2012 | birth_name = Marcus Paul Duane Dawes | alias = Paradise [The Prolific One]<!-- Please do not add any other aliases without a reliable source --> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|02|23|df=yes}} | birth_place = Brent, London, England | origin = NYC, U.S. | genre = Hip hop, spoken word | label = [http://www.discogs.com/label/23818-Fas-Fwd Fas Fwd Entertainments]<br>Prolific Entertainments | current_member_of = The 57th Dynasty | website = [http://www.whoisparadise.uk/ whoisparadise.uk] | occupation = {{flat list| * Rapper * poet * songwriter * community activist * philanthropist}} | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 1996–present }}

'''Marcus "Paradise" Dawes''' (born 23 February 1973), also known by his stage names '''Paradise''' and '''whoisPARADISE''', is a British rapper, poet, songwriter and community activist. He is the co-founder and frontman of the Brixton-based hip hop group, the 57th Dynasty.

Raised in the United States, he spent his childhood and teenage years in New York City. Mentored by the Black Panthers as a youth, Paradise's lyrics frequently use social and political themes inspired by personal experiences. During The 57th Dynasty's early years, Paradise's lyrics contributed to their rebellious and spiritual tone. His debut and sophomore albums with the group, ''The Spoken Word'' (1996) and ''Boro 6 Vol. 2 - A Dynasty Truly Like No Other'' (2002) are considered landmark albums.

Outside the group, he is former Director at Young People Matter charity and resides as its Senior Project Coordinator. As a label executive, brand consultant and songwriter, he has worked with artists such as Amplify Dot, Coldsteps, Noni Zondi, Estelle and JJC. His writing & production credits include Alan Kasirye, Arrow Benjamin, Big Brovaz, Krafty Kuts, KRS-One, Omar, Silvastone, Skinnyman, Sounds of Blackness, Stereo MCs and DJ Tim Westwood. Paradise is widely known for his community activism and concern for youth. He has organized and performed in several benefit concerts and at high-profile events including the African Music Awards. In British press, Paradise is referred to as {{blockquote|text=A musician who uses his creativity to inspire young people.<ref name="slp: our heros nomination">{{cite news|last1=Burns|first1=Lindsay|title=Positive messages from the Prolific One|work=South London Press|date=October 2010|page=6|quote=Marcus Dawes, whose stage name is Paradise the Prolific One, has been nominated for the campaigning work he has done to offer positive messages to young people through music.}}</ref>|sign=Lindsay Burns|source=''South London Press''}} He has received several awards and nominations for both his music and community work. He is a philanthropic performing artist, having worked with the YMCA, Black Cultural Archives, VH1, RESEO (the European Network of Opera Education), The Metropolitan Black Police Association, British Black Music and the Sickle Cell Society.

== Early life == Born in London, England, Dawes is of mixed background—his mother is of Jamaican descent, while his father is of West African descent, hailing from Sierra Leone. He often states his ethnicity as "Westward - West Indian, West African and being born and raised in the two major cities of the West [London and New York]".

An only child until his teens, Dawes was raised by his mother and grandmother after the family migrated to the United States from the United Kingdom in 1979. The family originally settled in the ethnically divided Jewish and Italian neighborhoods of the East Bronx. Dawes graduated from Martin L. King High School in Manhattan. He previously attended John F. Kennedy High School, Evander Childs High School and Harry S. Truman High School, none of which he remained at for longer than one semester. In Junior High School, Dawes adopted the name "Paradise", a nickname received for his exploits with women.<ref name="Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | 57th Dynasty Interview">{{cite web|title=Low-Life: UK Hip Hop Story - 57th Dynasty Interview|url=http://www.ukhh.com/bhh/artists/57th_dynasty.htm|website=UKHH.com|accessdate=24 June 2014|page=1|quote=I got my name from when I was like 13 and dealing with older women.}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> At Martin L. King High School, Dawes was accepted into the Academy of Finance programme which upon completing, he accepted an internship at accounting firm Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company (KPMG). In his music, he refers to having been kicked out of school, involved in selling illicit drugs, and serving time in prison. He has also referred to his introspective style of rap as prison poetry.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

== Music career ==

=== Beginnings === Paradise's entertainment career began in the late 1990s, upon returning to the UK after 18 years stateside. Paradise met producer/label owner, Charlie Parker in Brixton and the two began production work, creating the singles "M.O.N.E.Y.", "Et Tu", "Boomerang" and "Crown Jewels". Together, they laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the award-winning 57th Dynasty. Their rapper/producer combination achieved chart success and rave reviews. The two performed throughout the UK and Europe releasing singles under Charlie's fledgling record label, Fas Fwd Entertainments.

=== 1998–2001: ''Boro 6 Mixtape'' and ''The Spoken Word'' === {{main|The 57th Dynasty}} <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|left|The 57th Dynasty -->In 1998, Fas Fwd Entertainments released the ''Boro 6 Mixtape'' which debuted a talented roster of Brixton artists who, under Paradise's watchful eye, were forming into a supergroup. With no major label deal, the fledgling label and group set to selling the mixtape themselves. The eight-track recording features The Fas Fwd Allstars' "BORO 6 freestyle (4,3,2,1)" over LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1" instrumental, the result was a hit with local pirate radio. The ''Boro 6 Mixtape'' served as a sampler showcasing the talents of the Fas Fwd Entertainments roster many of whom would become members of The 57th Dynasty. Popular songs, "Pattern 57", "Lil Bro", and "Words, Power & Sound" featured on the mixtape which began as an EP.

In 2001, Fas Fwd Entertainments released the highly acclaimed debut album, ''The Spoken Word'' by The 57th Dynasty. Headed by Paradise, the group were nominated Best Hip hop Act at the 1999 MOBO Awards. ''Echoes'' called the album a British landmark whilst CD Universe called it an extremely impressive debut album.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kinetic|title=Code of the Streets – 5 Phat Flavaz|journal=Echoes|date=23 January 1999|page=10}}</ref><ref name="cd universe album quote">{{cite web|title=57th Dynasty - Spoken Word CD|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1386604&style=music&setpref=none|website=CDUniverse.com|quote=An extremely impressive debut album which follows the highly acclaimed single,"Boro 6/Lil Bro."}}</ref>

=== 2002–2004: ''Boro 6 Vol. 2 – A Dynasty Truly Like No Other'' === {{See also|The 57th Dynasty#2002 – 2003: Boro 6 Vol. 2 – A Dynasty Truly Like No Other}}

In 2002, The 57th Dynasty released their second album, ''Boro 6 Vol. 2''. The album featured notable appearances from Estelle, Ace (Ace and Vis), Funky DL, and Scor-zay-zee (Out Da Vil). ''Boro 6 Vol. 2'' delivered on a unique hi-bred production value dubbed 'mix n blend'; a fusion of Hip hop, Reggae and Jazz. Noteworthy hits from this album included "Brethren and Sistren", "Rough Life", "If", "Hooligans", "Ghetto Gold", "Break Free" and "Hold Strong", the latter two both featuring Estelle. The group appeared on BBC Radio 1's DJ Tim Westwood's ''UK Hip Hop 2002 Vol. 1'' album as well as embarking on a national tour. In 2003 the group were nominated, Best Hip Hop Act at the Urban Music Awards.<ref name="UMA nomination">{{cite web|title=Best HipHop Act Sponsored by HipHop Connection|url=http://urbanmusicawards.net/past-winners/|website=UrbanMusicAwards.net}}</ref> It was around this time that group members began to cite creative differences. The group's third album, ''DIY Ethic'' was ever released.

=== Solo career === Throughout his career as a solo artist, Paradise writes and independently releases music. In 2001 he worked with Krafty Kuts to create "Who's Da Man" for the Vinnie Jones starred, Mean Machine film soundtrack.<ref name="Who's Da Man mp3">{{cite web|title=Who's Da Man (OST: Mean Machine)|url=http://mp3.pm/song/4936454/Krafty_Kuts_-_Who_s_Da_Man_OST_Mean_Machine/|website=MP3.pm|accessdate=2 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="AllMusic.com Mean Machine OST">{{cite web|title=Original Soundtrack Mean Machine|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/mean-machine-mw0000524641|website=AllMusic.com|publisher=All Media Network, LLC|accessdate=2 February 2015}}</ref> He recorded and co-executive produced the critically acclaimed "U Must Learn, UK", featuring KRS-One, Skinnyman, and MCD, produced by Charlie Parker.<ref name="contactmusic uml review" /> Paradise wrote and recorded the UK Garage song "2 Step Flavas" with chart topping producers Trick Or Treat who previously charted at (#16) with a remix of "Let Me Be Your Fantasy".<ref name="2Step Flavas">{{cite web|title=Trick Or Treat Featuring Paradise – 2Step Flavas|url=http://www.discogs.com/Trick-Or-Treat-Featuring-Paradise-2Step-Flavas/release/352078|website=Discogs.com|accessdate=2 February 2015}}</ref> "2 Step Flavas" was exclusively purchased by Go! Beat sublabel FTL and received rave reviews.<ref name="discogs.com 2 step flavas">{{cite web|title=FTL|url=http://www.discogs.com/label/4394-FTL|website=Discogs.com|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref name=Review>{{cite web|title=Trick Or Treat feat Paradise - 2 Step Flavas (FTL)|url=http://www.oocities.org/funkyfashion/ukgaragereviews.htm|website=Oocities.org|accessdate=2 February 2015|quote=Featuring Paradise from Brixton hip-hop act 57th Dynasty this mixes a credible, vibe-heavy rap vocal with tough, fast and kinky 2 step programming. and it's one of those tracks that could find itself in a variety of DJs' boxes.}}</ref> Paradise recorded a PSA for VH1's Music First in addition to filming a pilot programme for MTV entitled Bite Size.<ref name="VH1 Filming">{{cite web|title=WhoIsParadise - VH1 COMMERCIAL [HD]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4sONSh1Lk|website=YouTube|accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref>

Paradise worked with JJC and various artists to craft the UK remix of the "We Are Africans" Afro beats song-series which featured Sway and Femi Kuti and showcased regional artists from the US, UK, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Ghana.<ref name="We Are Africans UK Remix">{{cite web|title=We Are Africans UK Remix|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb2pEQ9L7cA|website=YouTube.com|accessdate=21 January 2015|date=3 November 2009}}</ref> He has worked with a wide range of artists from across Africa including award-winning afro beats producer Silvastone (Sierra Leone / Ghana), Sha (Ghana), Noni Zondi (South Africa) and Magnum (Nigeria). In 2012, Paradise executive produced ''#Two4Se7enEP''. The accompanying Black History themed music video was screened at Latimer Creative Media's Youth Film showcase, UK Urban Webfest and Tight Shorts.

== Philanthropy == right|thumb|Marcus Dawes at the 2012 RfO Awards, London The recipient of numerous leadership awards, Paradise lends his voice, time and expertise to many worthy causes. He remains a powerful advocate for social inclusion, intervention, education, youth and community in and around the world. He has worked to build a stronger Britain by advocating for curriculums of inclusion within a quality education system, partnering with like-minded organisations to strengthen the socio-economic conditions of BAME communities, and striving to make London a sustainable city for generations to come. His VH1 PSAs typify his passion and spirit towards Hip hop [culture] and education, in which he says the future of our next generation that's very important to me.<ref name="vh1 music first video">{{cite AV media | people = Al-Issawi, Omar (Director) | title = VH1 Music First | medium = Television production | publisher = VH1 | location = London | date = 1999 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4sONSh1Lk }}</ref>

Paradise trained and mentored emerging talent from the surrounding Nairobi slums as part of documentary power-house, Roundtable Films' social issues and political entertainment documentary series, Kenya Rise Up. His voluntary work to raise the profile of the conditions and increase the demand for services for people with sickle cell and thalassaemia saw him invited to the Houses of Parliament with Dawn Hill and Baroness Howells.

=== Hip H'opera === In 2006 Paradise teamed with Glyndebourne Opera House for the critically acclaimed hip hopera, School 4 Lovers.<ref name="Glyndebourne's Reviews">{{cite web|title=Hip H'Opera|url=http://www.glyndebourne.com/education/past-projects/commissions/hip-hopera/|website=Glyndebourne.com|accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph Review">{{cite news|last1=Adam|first1=Sweeting|title=Nothing dozy about this hip-hop Così|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/3651066/Nothing-dozy-about-this-hip-hop-Cosi.html|accessdate=23 January 2015|agency=The Telegraph|date=22 March 2006}}</ref><ref name="The Independent Review">{{cite news|last1=Michael|first1=Church|title=School 4 Lovers, Glyndebourne, Sussex|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/school-4-lovers-glyndebourne-sussex--none-onestar-twostar-threestar-fourstar-fivestar-470593.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208172903/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/school-4-lovers-glyndebourne-sussex--none-onestar-twostar-threestar-fourstar-fivestar-470593.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 February 2015|agency=The Independent|date=20 March 2006}}</ref> The production premiered at Glyndebourne and toured Finnish National Opera and Estonia. Hilary Finch of ''The Times'' said Paradise controlled a Cosi fan tutte such as Glyndebourne has never seen before. In ''The Independent''{{'s}}, four-star review, Michael Church wrote Donnie is played by the charismatic Paradise, who sets up exactly the right buzz of expectation. {{blockquote|text=But Donnie, played by a man known only as Paradise, formed the pivot of the action as narrator and instigator of the drama. In his black hat and neck-chain, Paradise made a suspiciously plausible pimp and hustler, rhyming his way sleekly through the twists of the plot.|sign=Adam Sweeting|source=''The Telegraph''}}

=== The Good Samaritan Music Project === Motivated to address rises in youth homicides, Paradise created his own philanthropic music endeavour, "The Good Samaritan Music Project" in 2005. In 2006 he recruited influential hip hop artists, KRS-One and Skinnyman to contribute to the project's debut single, "U Must Learn [UK]". The song was heralded as a hip-hop classic following in the traditions of Tribe Called Quest, Boogie Down Productions, The Roots, Public Enemy and Jurassic 5.<ref name="contactmusic uml review">{{cite web|title=Paradise - featuring KRS One, Skinnyman & MCD, U Must Lern|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/pages/paradisex24x05x06|website=ContactMusic.com|accessdate=5 July 2014|year=2006}}</ref><ref name="tgsmp in the situation">{{cite web|last1=Melisa|first1=Tang|title=TGSMP|url=http://www.thesituation.co.uk/ukartists/06/tgsmp/tgsmp.html|website=TheSituation.co.uk|accessdate=4 July 2014|year=2006}}</ref>

=== Black Cultural Archives and Stockwell Matters === In 2014, Paradise worked alongside members of the newly formed Black Cultural Archives' Youth Forum on their first event - "#Checkurselfie", which explored the past, present and future of campaigning through photography as part of a five-year partnership between the Victoria & Albert Museum and Black Cultural Archives titled Staying Power.<ref name="Event Listing Checkurselfie">{{cite web|title=#checkurselfie at London Southbank University|url=http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/checkurselfie-at-london-southbank-university-tickets-7784949995|website=EventBrite.co.uk|publisher=Black Cultural Archives|accessdate=8 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="checkurselfie storify">{{cite web|title=Black British Youth: Photobomb London Uni|url=https://storify.com/whoisparadise/black-british-youth-photobomb-london-uni-checkurse|website=Storify.com|accessdate=5 July 2014}}</ref> Later that year, he spearheaded "Stockwell Matters", a winning People's Millions, National Lottery campaign.<ref name="Stockwell Matters, Big Lottery press release">{{cite web|title=Stockwell Matters in ITV London secures People's Millions TV victory|url=http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/press-releases/england/251114_eng_pm_london-secures-peoples-millions-tv-victory|website=BigLotteryFund.org.uk|date=25 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="ITN Source Footage, Stockwell Matters">{{cite web|title=LONT: People's Millions 2014: Stockwell Matters wins|url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist//ITN/2014/11/25/T25111420/|website=ITNSource.com}}</ref> The partnership between Big Lottery Fund and ITV saw "Stockwell Matters" receive the greater number of votes in a televised public competition broadcast on the network's London regional news. Paradise's televised interview was viewed by approximately 150,000 people.<ref name="BIG-PMFinalEval"> {{Citation | last = Leavy | first = Hilary | contribution = Leisure Futures Ltd and Cranbrook Films | year = 2008 | title = Evaluation of The People's Millions | publisher = Big Lottery Fund | issn = 1744-4756 | contribution-url = http://biglotteryfund.org.uk/.../er_eval_peoples_millions_summary.pdf }}</ref><ref name="sm: storify">{{cite web|title=Stockwell Matters: A Better Tomorrow was Won Today|url=https://storify.com/whoisparadise/stockwell-matters-1|website=Storify.com|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> "Stockwell Matters" is seen as the sequel to "Our Place: Community Matters"; funding made available by the Department for Communities and Local Government also secured and successfully managed by Dawes on behalf of [http://www.youngpeoplematter.org/ypm Young People Matter Charity].<ref name="Our Place programme">{{cite web|title=Our Place programme|url=http://mycommunityrights.org.uk/our-place/|website=MyCommunityRights.org.uk|accessdate=5 February 2015}}</ref>

=== One Spirit === Alongside fellow 57th Dynasty co-founder, Charlie Parker, Paradise is a mentor and facilitator on the Hackney Music Development Trust's (HMDT), BBC Children in Need sponsored, One Spirit project. The project supports young offenders, helping them towards successful rehabilitation and pathways to training, education and employment.<ref name="hmdt osp">{{cite web|title=One Spirit|url=http://www.hmdt.org.uk/community_oneprojects_1.html|website=HMDT.org.uk|accessdate=30 June 2014}}</ref> The project is delivered inside HMP Feltham Young Offenders Institute which Paradise likens to New York's own adolescent building on Rikers Island. The project has been featured in a televised BBC Children In Need Appeal.<ref name="BBC Children In Need News feature">{{cite news|title=Children In Need: Mentor programme helped|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-20325277|access-date=1 July 2014|work=BBC News|date=14 November 2012}}</ref>

== The Black Panthers == Paradise met imprisoned Black Panther/Black Liberation Army member, Teddy Jah Heath in Auburn maximum security prison. For the alleged kidnapping of a drug-dealer, Heath was serving life imprisonment, convicted by an all-white jury of 1st degree kidnapping and conspiracy, attempted grand larceny and 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon.<ref name=doclookup_teddy>{{cite web|title=Inmate Population Information Search|url=http://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/GCA00P00/WIQ3/WINQ130|website=NYSDOCCSLookup.doccs.ny.gov|publisher=NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="the freedom archives">{{cite web|title=Teddy Jah Heath|url=http://search.freedomarchives.org/search.php?view_collection=57&no_digital=1|website=Search.freedomarchives.org|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> Paradise describes Heath as a friend, mentor, political prisoner and revolutionary inspiration.<ref name="teddy photo auburn cf">{{cite web|title=Teddy "Jah" Heath|url=http://www.whoisparadise.com/#!teddy-%22jah%22-heath/zoom/c165y/imagemn9|website=Whoisparadise.com|accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="b-girl documentary interview">{{cite web|title=THE QUESTIONS - whoisPARADISE EDITION|url=http://b-girldocument.tumblr.com/post/46108614099/the-questions-whoisparadise-edition-mobo|website=B-GirlDocument.tumblr.com|accessdate=20 January 2015|quote=My comrade and mentor... Brother Teddy Jah Heath.}}</ref>

The political education received from Heath can be seen and heard in much of Paradise's music and social endeavours such as the Young People Matter annual Black History programme which takes at risk London youth to the International Slavery Museum, Liverpool. In 2014, Paradise joined forces with Brixton Pound to commemorate local hero and community activist Olive Morris.<ref name="whoisparadise.com true story">{{cite web|title=INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY|url=http://www.whoisparadise.com/#!story/c1va9|website=Whoisparadise.com}}</ref>

== Recognition == In 1999, 57th Dynasty were nominated for Best Hip Hop Act at the 1999 MOBO Awards.<ref name="1999 Mobo Nominees">{{cite web|title=Vote Roots Manuva!|url=http://ninjatune.net/mx/article/1999/sep/13/vote-roots-manuva|website=NinjaTune.net|date=13 September 1999|quote=The other nominees are Phoebe One, Funky DL and 57th Dynasty.}}</ref> Subsequent nominations came in 2000 and 2003 from the UK Hip Hop Awards and Urban Music Awards respectively, with Paradise's group winning Best Hip Hop Act (2000).<ref name="UKHHAwards winner">{{cite web|title=UK Hip Hop Awards 2001 - 19th September 2001|url=http://old.britishhiphop.co.uk/ukhiphop/artists/uk_hip_hop_awards_2001.htm|website=Old.BritishHiphop.co.uk}}</ref> In 2011, Paradise won Runner-Up "Community Campaigner" at ''South London Press''{{'s}} Our Heroes Awards. The following year, he shared a "Highly Commended" win with corporate partner, Hyde Housing at the Race for Opportunity, Business in The Community Awards for his leadership role in their diverse youth employment programme.<ref name="RfO Award 2012">{{cite web|title=Awards 2012 The Hyde Group Youth Partnership Award|url=http://raceforopportunity.bitc.org.uk/our-resources/case-studies/rfo-awards-2012-hyde-group-hc-youth-partnership-award|website=RaceForOpportunity.bitc.org.uk|accessdate=25 January 2015}}</ref> In 2013, the One Spirit project was added to the Youth Justice Board's effective practice library.<ref name="One spirit: Youth Justice Effective Library">{{cite web|title=One Spirit|url=https://www.justice.gov.uk/youth-justice/effective-practice-library/one-spirit|website=Justice.gov.uk|date=14 March 2013}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == *{{Official website|http://whoisparadise.uk}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:whoisPARADISE}} Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:English male songwriters Category:British community activists Category:Black British male rappers Category:Black British rappers Category:Rappers from the London Borough of Brent Category:Rappers from the London Borough of Lambeth Category:English male rappers Category:People from Brixton