Born and raised in Harlem New York, Dakota iCan always had a passion for music. He was heavily influenced by the hip hop culture in which he grew up. Dakota began writing and recording as a hobby by age 11. He would find instrumentals and record himself rapping with a handheld recorder. Outside of regular childhood activities, his life revolved around music and basketball.
Dakota became a deejay during his sophomore year of high school. He received his own deejay set as a Christmas gift. Most of the time he would save his lunch money and buy records at the end of the week. He would make local mix-tapes and give them out to his friends and classmates. He also played the flute in the school band during his 4 years. In his junior and senior year, he would play in concerts and parades. This would give him a great foundation for when he eventually made the move into music production.
Dakota moved to Providence RI to attend Johnson & Wales University. After his 2nd year of college, he temporarily moved to Memphis TN. His intention was to work for the summer but ended up working at a hospital lab for 6 months. Inevitably he also ended up recording and performing shows with an independent label (4 Life Ent) while out there. He never signed due to his short stay but he did enjoy the experience. He took most of the money he saved and purchased studio equipment upon his return home.
Dakota eventually started producing his own songs and would give out beats to friends and other local artists. In the early part of the 2000’s, he and childhood friend Shoo Brown formed a group called 9 Inningz. They released an album titled Bottom of da 9th which he produced from start to finish. Shortly thereafter, Dakota signed to independent label Tycoon Records as a full time producer. He gained invaluable experience. He often rubbed shoulders with movers and shakers in the industry but did not enjoy the politics.
A few years later Dakota relocated to the DMV area. At this time he started to gain an interest in personal development and success. He would read any and everything he could get his hands on when it came to personal development. He studied from teachers such as Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Bob Proctor, Eric Thomas and the list goes on. He developed a passion for studying the ingredients of success and achievement. That passion matched the same passion he had for music. He later thought to himself “What if I could blend the two?” It was here that he discovered his purpose. He coined the phrase “Flight Musik” which means up-lifting. His music consists of a mainstream sound with inspiring messages. He decided to add the “I Can” to his name which is a great reminder and motivator. Dakota iCan’s mission is to motivate and inspire others whether it’s through music, writing or speaking. So always remember.......”Never say you can’t........Always say I CAN!!!”