While most of us go to college to fulfill our dreams Brandon Douglas is already living out his.
Known in the entertainment world as a rising rap star and entertainer by the name of Clippa Duh Dam Gorilla, or The Clip, Douglas is also a student that understands that an educational foundation is important to his success.
Douglas, 28, is a communications student at California State Dominguez Hills. By day you might catch him doing presentations in his advertising courses.
But at night he’s in the VIP section of a Hollywood nightclubs such as Colony or The Supper Club in the mix with anyone from the members of the electronic dance group LMFAO to rapper Too $hort. He has shared the stage with Grammy award winner’s Coolio and Sir Mix A Lot.
Growing up in Stockton, Douglas was like most ‘80s children who were fascinated by popular music and culture.
“As a child I wanted to rap, sing, and dance. Douglas says, “I could not wait to perform in front of my relatives during holidays and family gatherings. I would dance to Michael Jackson and would even dress like him”
He had his ups and downs as a teenager. At age sixteen Douglas was kicked out of his mother’s home for mouthing off and went to stay with his grandmother. He soon moved into his own place. He found ways to support himself by cutting hair. Through that experience he developed a new alias.
“My name became Clip after becoming known for cutting hair in the 209 area code for only $5,” says Douglas. I kept all my clippers in a Jordan shoe case, but it was respected because it looked like a brief case. I made a lot of money and received good clients.”
He developed his stage name in the U.S. Navy because of his gorilla like aggressiveness.
“I got into a lot of trouble while serving in the Navy, but I was disciplined.”
While serving Douglas was still writing, arranging and producing music for other artist. He was in a group called Shootin Starz and sold his music to hundreds of the sailors.
After completing his service Douglas continued to focus on his music while attending college. In 2009 he was talking to Capitol Records about a deal. He didn’t get a deal until the next year. He signed a distribution deal with the Island Def Jam label. That year he released his album, “Cali Pa$$ion.”
Douglas is a laid-back kind of guy but he’s experienced a lot on the entertainment scene.
“Once while club hopping with Too $hort we were leaving club Colony and TMZ captured me saving a female friend from being tasered in the face by an angry security guard, says Douglas. “TMZ captioned the clip “Hollywood Nightclub Brawl.”
Douglas says one of his best nights was out with LMFAO.
“Partying with LMFAO was unforgettable, says Douglas. There were excessive bottles of alcohol and women. The party buses were packed with beautiful people and each trip was more exciting than the last. I was truly exposed to the correct way of partying in Hollywood while hanging out with the Party Rock crew.”
Douglas uses his class lessons to further his career.
“The university broke down the importance how to handle an advanced budget for marketing purposes, says Douglas. “Networking is working, something I’ve also learned here at CSUDH. The internship program put me in the position to intern for Stevie Wonder’s radio station 102.3 Radio Free KJLH. I completed the required internship and was blessed to stay in the loop. I was given the position of stage manager for Tammi Mac’s Minute Microphone Mixer last year and performed in front of many Hollywood executives.”
Douglas isn’t interested in just being another artist but a well developed artist that understands the business of the entertainment industry. He plans to continue rapping, singing, acting and developing himself and his knowledge of the business. He is looking forward to many future performances and the release of his new album F.R.E.E.S.W.A.G. summer 2013.
“Ultimately the power of my music is to encourage positivity, unity, love and consciousness,” says Douglas.
