My State of Mind...

Oktayne, Rapper

Born: October 10th 1987
Birthplace: Rochester, New York
Best Known As: Dash


Name at birth: Dennis Clay Jr

Dennis "Oktayne" Clay's 2005 album State Of Mind was a local, but well known masterpiece. Propelled by the hit song "Streets Talk", Oktayne went on to pursue his dreams in the music industry. Through his hardships growing up, he always felt like there was something missing from his life. He quickly understood that his life
was very similar to alot of mainstream hip hop lyrics; he lived what others rapped about. Selling drugs, incarceration, committing crimes, violence, and later on in his life being homeless, he's seen all the streets have to offer.

After being imprisoned for possesion of cocaine, he turned away from a life of hustling which proved to be lucrative, and decided to tell the world about his experiences. "I know I'm young, but life doesn't care about age. It hit me harder than most (people) over the age of 50. I just want people to know that age has nothing to do with being a man. I overcame what was presented to me like a man. I took responsibilities for my actions like a man. Just like my father taught me."

In his lyrics, he talks about many things almost anyone can relate to, such as the fear and results of feeling lonely. He also talks about his near death experiences, including the death of his close friend Richard. For Oktayne, being signed to a major label would truly be a rags to riches story for centuries to come.