Johnnie Doswell, a.k.a. daPorkchop, has just recorded his first solo single, "Da Nite." Since 1985 he has been rapping and touring internationally, dazzling audiences with energetic performances. When audiences see daPorkchop on stage he is larger than life. He moves with more energy than an eight-year old on a sugar rush.

His new single CD release contains the hip-hop tracks entitled "Da Nite," "Unda Pressure," and "Big AC Material." His opening performance at Club Twilight Zone for Def Jam recording artist Onyx, impressed Def Jam President Kevin Lyles so much he asked him to open for the Def Squad, DMX, and Onyx at Club Paradox. Over the past six years daPorkchop has performed all over the world. His vocal assist on "Sordid Streets" (Jazz album by PRG recording artist Gary Thomas) gave him the opportunity to perform on jazz tours in places such as Australia, Milan, Germany, Warsaw, Deuseldorf, and Italy. Also, he has opened in the U.S. for acts such as Redman at Delaware State and the Wu-Tang Clan in Petersburg, Virginia. Furthermore, in 1992 daPorkchop attended the Berkely School of Music where he learned to play the trumpet, oboe, piano, drums, and bassoon.

The single is produced by J-Funk of Funky Ave Productions, and Decompose of World War Ill beats. J-Funk and daPorkchop have been making music together for over seven years. J-Funk and Decompose are currently some of the most in-demand producers in the Baltimore-Washington area, recording with artists such as Kool G. Rap, Pat Leach, Concrete-Wiz foundation, and Dru-Hill to name a few.

In addition to his vocal skills, daPorkchop is also a talented deejay and dancer. Every weekend he can be seen either mixing, dancing, performing at The Breakroom Club, or freestyling during open mic night at The Redwood. He believes that this fine form of art has descended into a bottomless pit of mediocrity, and needs to be brought to light. Wherever he performs, audiences compare his voice to that of the late Notorious B.I.G., with the charisma and presence of Busta-Rymes. Although daPorkchop may be compared to these great lyricists, his wit and in-your-face flow are all his own.

The name daPorkcop provokes unusual conversation and thought. As a child, his family said he reminded them of a porkchop. As a result, the name stuck with him throughout childhood, ultimately becoming his emcee name, meaning Poetic Overseer Ruling Kind Causin Havoc On Poets. So, will daPorkchop be able to take hip-hop to the next level? He answers assuredly, "An emcee is a brother (or sister) who can move the crowd with lyrical skills, who can create a cinematic feel with vivid pictures so they can take the listener through new channels, whether it be the streets, suburbs, clubs, colleges, or prisons. I plan to combine them into one, he elaborates. Today's music is lacking emcees. It's lacking reality, creativeness, and originality. I plan to bring it back."