Photo by Dylan Wilson

People in the News: Darius Weems


Photo by Dylan Wilson

The last seven years have been crazy for Darius Weems. The Georgia native has gone from starring in the documentary Darius Goes West to becoming a rising rap star and national advocate in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Darius Goes West follows Weems and 11 friends as they embark on a cross-country road trip with the goal of getting his wheelchair customized on MTV’s Pimp My Ride. MTV didn’t customize his chair, but the story of Weems living life with Duchenne became a sensation. The film has raised $2 million dollars for Duchenne research.

Last summer, Weems traveled to 11 states on his “Believe” tour, speaking to schoolchildren about his disability and music. His message is a simple. “I just wanted to show people that even though you have a fatal disease or any disability, there’s a way you can do anything with your life,” he says.
Weems is humbled by the support he has received. “We would have never made it this far without our fans,” he says. “I would have definitely never made it this far without my friends showing me there is hope in life.”

Weems has been busy in the studio putting the final touches on his soon-to-be released album, My Life in This Chair. His first single “Thank You For 23” reached number 36 on the iTunes Hip Hop chart in September.

For more information visit www.dariusgoeswest.org


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