This video features an interview with Demetric Walls, a former tech manager and hip-hop artist known as D Walls, who shares his journey from incarceration to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mentor.
Who is Demetric Walls?
Demetric Walls is the founder of Motive Music Therapy and the owner of the Turkey Heaven food truck. At 16, he was sentenced as an adult for a crime that resulted in a loss of life 09:30 .
During his time in prison, he developed a severe stutter, which he eventually overcame through music and rapping 11:34
After being released, he worked as a systems test manager in the tech industry for 13 years while keeping his past concealed 26:09 .
profit and food truck 33:03 .
Key Takeaways from the Interview
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Healing Through Music: Demetric discovered that while he struggled to speak due to a speech impediment, he did not stutter when rapping 12:15 . He now uses music therapy to help incarcerated individuals and youth heal their “inner child” 55:13 .
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Motive Music Therapy: His nonprofit creates a bridge between those on the inside and the youth. He takes songs written by incarcerated people about their life mistakes and plays them for youth in “critical listening sessions” to help them identify emotions and avoid similar paths 55:03 .
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The Power of Environment: He discusses how growing up in the “crack era” in Detroit shaped his early insecurities 06:40 . He emphasizes that true peace in a community comes from the “presence of light”—mentors and examples—rather than just removing “darkness” 53:27 .
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Entrepreneurship and Resilience: Because of the barriers formerly incarcerated people face (like being denied housing or travel), Demetric advocates for creating one’s own opportunities 44:04.
How to Connect with Demetric Walls
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Instagram: @motive-musictherapy22 58:20
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Food Truck: @turkeyheavenftt 58:34
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Relationship Talk Show: He co-produces Heart to Heart, which airs every last Wednesday of the month 58:46.