Doug E. Fresh is dubbed the “World’s Greatest Entertainer” and the “Original Human Beatbox,” but over the course of his 30-year career, he has established himself as so much more, including: global icon, artistic trailblazer, television personality and producer, successful businessperson, and activist. Fresh has forever etched himself into the annals of music history with his creation of the beatbox art form, whereby he vocally simulates the sound of drums and other musical instruments with stunning accuracy. Today, his skill and talents have resulted in an enduring international hip-hop legacy that continues to break new ground.
Among the many awards Fresh has accumulated over his career, he is an inaugural Hip Hop Hall of Fame inductee, Source Awards’ Lifetime Achievement honoree and a BET Hip Hop Awards Icon honoree. A mentor and inspiration to hip-hop and R&B artists alike, Doug’s prolific career is still going strong with hundreds of live performances and personal appearances in film and television each year.
As a pioneering entertainer, Fresh possesses the unrivaled ability to captivate an audience with or without a musical backing track and has performed at the request of Saints, foreign dignitaries, and US Presidents. As a television personality and producer, he has appeared as a performer and musical mentor on Fox’s “American Idol,” hosted HBO’s “Bad Boys of Comedy,” served as one of three celebrity judges on BET’s “Showtime at the Apollo,” and earned three consecutive executive producer credits for his work on BET’s newly reprised “Soul Train Awards.”
To date, Doug E. Fresh stands as one of the most actively touring musicians across all genres, averaging a whopping 200 live, domestic performances per year for the past two decades. A tireless artist who remains highly relevant and on the pulse of innovation, Fresh will continue to expand his empire. In the process, one thing is certain – he will always remain true to giving back through his gift. “I always lived my life saying I don’t want to be financially rich and spiritually bankrupt,” he says. “So most of my decisions lean toward what’s better for the spiritual growth of others and for myself, and toward creating the best celebrations of life. When I make music, I’ve always been about trying to elevate the culture. Hip-hop is supposed to uplift, to educate people on a higher level, and to make change.”
Doug E. Fresh’s Memo® gives a never-before-seen look at Doug writing in the book where he writes lyrics for his songs. Check out his Memo® Story video to hear the story behind this photo from Doug E. Fresh himself.
A portion of proceeds from Doug E. Fresh’s Memo® will benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
