Born and raised in Houston Texas, Daraja Hakizimana (a bridge to salvation) of the Shrine of the Black Madonna is bringing the new hip hop to Poetry, Jazz, and R&B. Coming from Sterling Highschool, then Graduating from Lamar High School, and later persuing music at San Jacinto and HCC Colledge gives Daraja the rich and profond sounds that we hear in his music today along with lifes experiences. At the A-Bar in 98 was Daraja’s first debut with his group Kamakazae, a soulful duo group involving sweet love longs reflecting pain, work life, and love . From their performances Daraja was able to strike a deal with nations, Cardinal Mbiyu and the Shrine of the Black Madonna in taking over Shades of Blackness, the longest open-mic venue in Houston (later renamed My Block Speaks). He also formed a staff of poets, musicians, and artist that he could depend on throughout his showcases. And with everything moving strong the next year Blackwater was established. A design of music that caters to your B-side, non-radio listener. The music is original, electric, and extremely unique.
Coming from the sounds of Paul Hardcaslte, Jodeci, 2-Pac, Hall n Oates, Devin The Dude and Sade. Blackwater needed an home. So in the beginning of 2000 Daraja formed S.O.B Records in reference to the show Shades of Blackness. By this time Daraja could finally Step out and do the first official business move for his new company. “Street Jazz & Love 95”,the first only independent electrica Jazz album of 2000 in Houston, Texas. The first night all 50 Cd’s were sold. And ever since, Blackwater has been pumping out underground poetry, grooves, and instrumentals.
With the success of S.O.B Records and Blackwater Productons Daraja was able to step out once more again on an business venture. And this time he would have extra help. Combining with Artist P.O.W and Real Estate Investor Gerald Womack, together formed The Concious Room. An open-mic venue setup more for professional showcasing. Its sweet atmosphere consisted of high tech filming and recordings all taking place on Gerald's G’s and Z’s coffeshop rooftop. Later Daraja left the Concious Room and started working on the Kamakazae's album "Tha Bootleg Appeal". From this album Daraja would continue to perfect the Blackwater sound and branch out working with other artist and poets such as Angie G, Z-Ro, K-Rino, Dope-E, Shan-No, Point Blank, The SPC Family, Mo-Lew, Devin The Dude, Murder 1, 144 Elite, Jugg Mugg, Rob Quest, 2 Die 4, Se7en, Smit-D, 14K, Trae, Scarface, Lil O, Wickett Crickett, Lady Pariah, That Boy Cayse, Rapper K, Odd Squad, and Many More!!!!

By 2003 Daraja partnered with another new Shrine member Dakar and began advancing on the open-mic scene. Later that year the two partnered with a 3rd-friend, Harol Johnson aka Black Lotus and expanded the vibe by adding a second show called My Block Speaks. From that point, My Block Recordz was born. The scene, the shows, and the sessions produced a varied genre volume of music and an equally eclectically mixed group of fans. However, Daraja recalls, "I was in constant need of a label to release my music".

By 2005 Daraja had 7 albums that were ready to go in the stores, but wasn't signed. So instead of waiting for a label to discover him, he started releasing all the music under My Block Recordz, in conjunction with my My Block Speaks, and started pressing the music on his own. With the help of Dakar and Janna Hurd of Optimum Career Management, Daraja would now have to play the artist, musician, producer, manager, and owner of the label. Although he relates that wearing so many different hats has been a ride, a very slow ride, there has been a no-doubt undeniable benefit. "I 've learned to kill the middle man. By me doing most of the leg work, when the money comes, I have more to play with and more to spend on my artist than most labels can. Its definitely a better business move doing it yourself if you have the time and patience."

And in 2007 Daraja was featured on Devin The Dude's new group “The Coughee Brothaz – Waitin Our Turn” LP, which put Daraja and the My Recordz family name further in the Hip Hop scence and in the streets. With the success of the Coughee Brothaz, Daraja, That Boy Cayse, and a few label mates were featured again on Devin The Dude's – Smoke Sessions Vol. 1 and on Devin The Dude's – Waitin to Inhale (Devin's last album on Rap-A-lot-Records).

By 2009 Daraja took My Block Recordz to the forefront of the web when he teamed with CDBABY, BLASTMYMUSIC, SNOCAP, and a few other internet distribution companies, and has thrived living through the Internet. With shows still continuing every 1st Friday of the month, My Block Speaks is still known as one of the longest open-mic venues in Houston, Texas. With my My Block Recordz along side, Daraja has been able to produce a multitude of albums in diversified genres including Poetry, Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop. As of today, the shows, the sessions, and the scene assures that there's more coming. Daraja Hakizimana will no-doubt be a force in the music industry to last over these new digital years.

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