Biography
Step District King | StepBoogie delivers imminent lyrics through his music; and, provides lyrical beats and production
Who Am I
Born in the winter of 1986 at Greater Southeast Hospital in Washington, D.C., Stefan Byrd records under the mononym of long-time nickname Step. He is an Oxon Hill/Temple Hills, Maryland recording artist, producer, and audio engineer. Originally, he became known as one of the lead members of a PG County/DC Rap group known as Goon Squad/District Kings. Due to personal differences amongst the group, Step decided to pursue his solo career.
Step first began writing lyrics in early high school, and by late 2004/early 2005 he was recording music alongside three friends (Preach, Al Haze, and Shad) making up the Goon Squad. In 2006, after the passing of their great friend Theodore "Teddy" Durbin, the Goon Squad released their debut street album The Lessons of Life. Shortly after, Al Haze disbanded from the group leaving just three members including Step. In 2007, the three member group released their street mixtape The District Kings Volume I. At age 22, Step had a setback when he was sentenced to one year in jail for possession of a hand-gun. Though the handgun was not his, Step decided to do a one year bid to keep his friend from doing a longer sentence. After his release in 2009, he teamed with the Goon Squad to re-release The Lessons of Life with bonus tracks. Both the re-release and mixtape earned the group Artist of the Month for www.LifeAtWar.net July 2009 issue.
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Currently, Step works as an audio engineer with Studio Blueroom, steadily writing lyrics, and has just released his debut solo album entitled Days of Reality.
A Conversation with Step
What demons and obstacles must you face in your pursuit of music?
My Music Is Promoting 100% Truth Whether Right Or Wrong. Satan Is A Liar So I Know He His Gonna Throw So Many Of His Demons My Way 2 Try 2 Discourage Me From My Mission Or Slow Me Up From Attaining My Goals. My Biggest Obstacle I Have 2 Hurdle Is My Lust 4 Women Which Causes Me 2 Waste Time When I’m In Pursuit Of SEX. I Believe The State Of Hip Hop Is Suffering Right Now From Gimmicks And The Public Seem 2 Accept It And My Music Does not Fit In With Anything That’'s Gimmick So I Hope The Public Is Ready 2 Embrace The Truth.
What is the one thing you like people to know about you?
I Love 4 People 2 Know My Thirst 4 Knowledge And My Hunger 4 Wisdom.
What are your pains? pleasures? and passions?
The Most Pain I've Ever Felt Was When Teddy Was Killed. I Thought That I Wasn't Going 2 Be Able 2 Function Anymore During His Demise. I Hate Oppression. Pleasures: I Love Beautiful Women. I Love 2 Be In The Presence Of Beautiful Women. I Love Sports And If I Had 2 Pick It Would Be Boxing. Passions: Music Is My Passion. Im In Love With Any Form Of Music As long As It Is Great Music.
When does religion become embedded in your music, if at all?
I Wouldn't Consider Myself A Religious Person, But Instead A Spiritual Person. I Believe That A Lot Of My Music Is Spiritual Because It Comes From The Heart And Allows My Listeners 2 Feel My Music Because Of My Spirituality.
Where does music and reality separate for you?
They Don't Seperate Because My Music Is My Reality. My Music Is Me Expressing My Reality And How I View My Reality Through Music.
How would you describe your music style in 5 words?
Contradictory, Real, Passionate, Soulful & Poetic
Why did music become you confidant? What was that turning point?
Music Was A Way 4 Me 2 Express How I Felt On Any Topic Without Me Having 2 Sugarcoat It. Or A Way 2 Express 2 The World How I Feel Instead Of Speaking 2 A Direct Source. The Turning Point Was The Death Of Teddy, When God Opened My Eyes About Time. Whatever U Want In Life U have 2 Attack Right Then And There With No Time Off.
Do you want fame or fortune? And how will either differ for you?
Actually, I Want Fame And Fortune 4 Different Reasons. I Believe If I Had Fame It Will Allow Me 2 Reach And Influence A Larger Sum Of People Oppose 2 Me Not Being Famous. I Definitely Want The Fortune Because I Can Help Myself And Others In More Ways Than 1. I Ultimately Believe That Neither One Of Them can Change Me But It can Change My Circumstances.