Portland's Hip-Hop Scene Gets More Inclusive with the Emergence of misterBADD

In the vibrant music scene of Portland, Oregon, there’s a new artist pushing the boundaries of underground hip-hop. misterBADD, a Deaf and disabled creator, is not just about the beats and rhymes but also about the community he represents and serves. Through his lived experiences as profoundly Deaf with multiple disabilities from a traumatic brain injury five years ago, he seeks to tell his story, through music, of living in and navigating a world designed to marginalize and frustrate him - an unlikely approach for an atypical Deaf dude. BRAINWORM, a new music label fostering creativity in underrepresented communities, represents misterBADD and is supporting his artistic development.

misterBADD’s inaugural release, “lesson,” is a raw, introspective track that confronts the listener to examine their internal prejudices when interacting with a Deaf person they happen to encounter in public. "Why do I do it?", he asks in the opening line, immediately orienting the listener to his self-questioning frame-of-mind. What follows is an acerbic monologue filled with self-doubt, frustration, Deaf pride, and humor, set to a head-nodding beat that samples The William Tell Overture infused with moody keyboard riffs and deep bass. “The song is an unsolicited response to everyone who has met me with bewildered and exasperated looks while standing in the checkout line at 7-Eleven,” misterBADD explains. “It’s a reminder to check your ego and expectations when communicating with others and try to approach one another with curiosity and compassion.”

"lesson" EP can be streamed on Soundcloud and purchased on Bandcamp. All proceeds from “lesson” will benefit BRAINWORM to help the organization continue identifying and nurturing Deaf and disabled artists. BRAINWORM provides resources for creators to develop their craft and share their work with audiences through mentorship

programs, grants, and events. misterBADD is the first of several up- and-coming artists to be promoted by BRAINWORM. By empowering creators like him, BRAINWORM is helping build a more inclusive music community where everyone can be recognized and celebrated. Stay tuned for more from this groundbreaking artist as he shares his story, his music, and his message of empowerment

About BRAINWORM: BRAINWORM is a music label based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to fostering creativity in underrepresented communities within the music industry. We believe all humans, regardless of ability, have a powerful story to uniquely express.

BRAINWORM: https://brainworm.io

misterBADD: https://misterbadd.com