You remember when they said we should fall back
Academics too stellar
Resume was looking hella 
Good. Every app got interviews and call backs
They said art as a career was a tall task
While at our packed out shows sipping Cognac
Decade later and we see that it was all cap


We just listened cuz we were timid
Fearful of perpetuating another image 
Of a young black 
Brainiac
With a lot of promise
Full scholarship to his flagship college
Ending up wasted potential
Jaded while washed up in an office
But reality has been the oppo
Site. Wish more people had been on me bout the topic
And when I showed fear they’d admonished
And reminded
Me 




You can start now
What are you waiting for
Recognize that it's hard as your heart pounds
Then step right through that door


It's worth the grind
Just know you could fail today
Get right back up
it's your time
Keep up, it will go your way




Two sold out shows last three days
Got me tapping in my story on my IG, stay
Viewing my clips like I’m watching Mahomes replays


Name might be ubiquitous in my town
But don’t forget that we could easily be feeling down
This grind’s an emotional roller coaster that abounds
With highs and lows even if you try to focus on the “now”


So next time an opinion makes you think of giving up
Come back to this moment and remember that you’re enough
Give the negative emotions place but never erupt
Cuz channeling that into inspiration is tough


You know how this can go
Put yourself in position to inspire your own flow
Remember the Ws and push through to your goals
And when the spark hits your spirit
Speak these affirming lyrics to your soul




You can start now
What are you waiting for
Recognize that it's hard as your heart pounds
Then step right through that door


It's worth the grind
Just know you could fail today
Get right back up
it's your time
Keep up, it will go your way

VPC7 Round 5

Deshko [Kadesh Flow, Ryako] - Go Your Way

"A propulsive emcee, a bold songwriter, a skilled trombonist, an auspicious producer and an enterprising artist" - 90.9 The Bridge

Kadesh Flow is a rapper with an MBA, a trombone Super Saiyan, and a Billboard Charting recording/ performing artist. He brings all of the above together, both on tracks and on stage, in riveting form as he actively blends his jazz and hip hop backagrounds. Desh's most recent project, Now, has been hailed as visceral, real, and boasting astounding energy. Kadesh blends personal, candid lyrical moments and storytelling with callouts to history, social issues, anime, video games, and anything else that may inspire him at the time.

At age 11, 'Desh, as many of his listeners call him, began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. Now, he can be heard playing on records with hip hop stars like Jidenna and underground stalwarts like Strange Music's Ubiquitous and JL. He also boasts performances supporting artists such as Rakim, Janelle Monae, Dave East, The Revivalists, Tech N9ne, Naughty by Nature, and numerous other prolific acts.

Kadesh is a member of the NPC (Nerdy People of Color) Collective, through which he is working with Founding Member Mega Ran and fellow NPCs such as EyeQ and Richie Branson to both collaborate on fun, relevant content and foster a community for underrepresented nerd enthusiasts. Currently he is lighting up stages around the country, gracing such events as Official SXSW Showcases, MAGFest, PAX West, Anime Expo, Momocon & Otakon, as well as various other music festivals and venues throughout the continental U.S.

Deshko [Kadesh Flow, Ryako] - Go Your Way

NerdcoreVPC