Rapper D Heartless shares how he survived Hurricane Katrina, got a college degree and gives back
Hurricane Katrina left an indelible mark on the lives of so many children in and around the New Orleans area. Many ended up in different states struggling to adapt to a “new world.” New school systems meant new rules, new friends, and sadly, new enemies. Everything that they knew was gone. The support system and community considered as family was no more.
The children whot survived Katrina are now young adults. Each has a unique story of their 10-year journey after Hurricane Katrina.
Daniel Heartless is just one of many. Daniel grew up in Marrero, Louisiania, which is in Westbank, an area on the west bank of the Mississippi River of New Orleans. He was a typical child with a talent for music and a love of football. He attended Edna Karr High School. Unfortunately, he would never walk the halls as a student there again. Katrina changed everything. Daniel ended up finishing his education in Atlanta, and then attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The road back home was bittersweet, but rewarding. Recently, Daniel earned a bachelor’s in rehabilitation counseling. He is also a local artist creating a big buzz in the South, as artist DHeartless. –shamere demolle
How were you affected by the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, professionally and personally?
I can only speak on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina from a personal aspect because I was only 13 years old when Katrina made landfall. My family and I evacuated to Houston. We stayed in a hotel for quite some time. Being separated from my family and friends and not knowing their whereabouts was difficult and depressing. I was homesick after just a few days. I really wasn’t used to being away from Marrero or the Westbank for that long. So I’d just sit on the steps at the hotel and write raps. That’s what really got me through the process.
What is the name of your business/your profession?
My record label is This $h!t Real. I’m a music artist.
Are you in the same business you were in before Hurricane Katrina? If no, what were you doing before?
Rapping is my passion, I started performing in schools talent shows and fairs at the age of five. I told my mother at the age of three, I was going to be just like Eazy E! Dealing with the issues that came with Katrina, changed my point of view on the world. I wrote from my heart and expressed those feelings to cope with daily life. So I was building my character and skills over the years.
What is the most noticeable difference in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina — socially, economically and physically?
Socially, the biggest change I’ve seen is the way people interact. Before Katrina, neighborhoods were more social. Everyone was always outside and involved with one another. Now, everyone is hooked on social media. Social media is a great platform for different things, but it limits socialization. Economically, the biggest issue would be the cost of living. Rent is expensive. People are paying double the price they paid pre-Katrina. My family was even evicted, and that was one of the toughest things I’ve had to deal with. People are still trying to rebuild their lives and replace their belongings while struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
Physically, the places and people you used to know are no longer there. The people who live in your neighborhood no longer live in those houses, if there is even a house left. Also the demographics of the people have changed. We have more Hispanics on the Westbank than before.
Did you receive emergency relief?
Yes.
Was it sufficient?
According to my mother, it barely was enough assistance. But, she made it work.
How did you make it work?
My mother received government assistance such as housing, Food Stamps, FEMA, Red Cross, and unemployment assistance. My mother lost her job due to the hurricane. My mother is a strong independent woman. She made sure all my basic needs were met (like food, shelter, clothing etc.). We stayed in the hotel for a very long time in Atlanta. My mother focused on making sure that I was okay and making the best of the situation more than anything.
Are you hopeful that things will continue to improve?
Yes. I’m very hopeful. There is new interest in the city and its people. There’s a growing film industry and New Orleans remains one of the top tourists cities. More importantly, I trust and believe that God will see us through.
Are you active in the community?
Yes.
How?
I’m active in the community. I talk to the youths in the communities and in my church about the importance of getting an education, saying no to drugs and sex, and other peer pressure issues they’re dealing with.
Are you active politically? If yes, how?
Yes. I make sure to vote in every election. Elections and politics affect our communities. I make it a habit of knowing who and what I decide to vote for. I also encourage other people to exercise their right to vote.
