Journey of a Student Rapper

Jackson Mac Dean may seem like your ordinary college student, but when he's not writing essays, he writes poetry. He is a rap artist, living his dream while pursuing a degree at Menlo College.

Music has been a part of Dean's life since he was a child. At a young age his dad surrounded him with guitars and music books in his hometown of Carlsbad, California. By the age of 6, Dean was banging on drums and wailing on his own guitar.  His musical journey continued as he started his first band with close friends in his garage.

"Although we weren't any good it still pushed me on to doing more things with music," Dean explains.

Rapping came easily to Dean, especially when he started going to parties during his freshman year in Carlsbad high school. Dean threw down free styles and people listened with open ears. Soon he generated a humble fan base.  What started out as just fun and games became of real interest to Dean. He found himself not only free styling, but also writing his own poetry and songs. Close friends took interest in Dean's work and eventually he was able to record in boarding school.

"That's where all the inspiration and influence came in for me," said Dean. "Boarding school changed everything."

It was in Saint Paul's boarding school that Dean began to write and re-write songs about the ups and downs of life. Julian Apodaca, a staff member at his boarding school, opened more than just classroom doors for Dean. He provided Dean with recording equipment and an extensive list of contacts allowing Dean to get his music out. With the help of Julian and his slowly growing fan base, Dean was no longer known as Jackson, but "Jack3d".

"I figured, I would be stupid to pass up this opportunity and kind gesture he gave me," said Dean. "I haven't looked back since."

'Jack3d' doesn't keep to one particular sound. Depending on his mood, his music can change. He not only throws in emotional songs but also likes to mix things up with songs that get people dancing. Artists he has collaborated with to produce tracks also influence his music. Over the years, 'Jack3d' has worked with producers such as Dwreck Dmillionair, Kid Drisco, Lex Lugar, Affluent Music Group and Huggy. You can follow him on his Facebook page "Jack3d".

"Jackson connects with his listeners on a personal basis when he throws down his rhymes," explains Menlo College student Joel Lomotan.

Currently, 'Jack3d' is working on a mix tape, "Under Street Lights" and an upcoming album that is expected to release in 2012. With a few more years at Menlo College, he continues the balance for school and his passion as a rapper. His main focus is to keep his grades up and his fans happy. Becoming a rapper is no ordinary walk in the park. New artists such as Dean struggle to make a living.

"More than half these artists are starving right now. So am I," says Dean, "but that's what brings out the best in me."