User:Nelson D. Walker

Composer-Music Producer

Nelson D. Walker also known as Nelson "Solchild" Walker grew up in Brewerville, Liberia. His study of music began at an early age. His parents noticed that he had an interest in drumming at age one, and began experimenting with the piano, rock and rhythm and blues music at age three. By age four Nelson started learning hymns, and gospel music at church, filling in for the church pianist on occasional Sundays. Studying the piano at church and performing at other events sparked in him an appreciation for all kinds of music and an interest to learn other instruments as well. He began studying the recorder, the bass guitar, the rhythm guitar, the drums and the flute to name a few, and was a member of bands and groups through high school. In 1989, He relocated to the U.S.A., to attend John R. Buchtel High School, in Akron Ohio, at age sixteen and became a member of a group in Akron, Ohio as keyboardist and songwriter. He also joined Buchtel’s bell choir. The group composed, and wrote lyrics for a song entered into a music composition contest, the winners to be selected from several contestants from three major cities; Nelson's group won a third place award. Later on that year the group performed as an opening act for the rhythm and blues group, Troop, in Akron, Ohio.

After graduation from high school, Nelson enrolled into the University of Akron in Ohio, and later relocated to Raleigh, NC. He began working with rap groups in the city and local artist as a composer and music producer. While in North Carolina at which the rap group, Lords Of The Underground were students at the time, desiring compose rap music while in college, He acquired an understanding of rap music, and a greater desire to write rap songs and decided to pursue a professional career. He was asked to become a member of a rap group called Rugged Since Birth. In 1993, He joined the group as Nelson “Solchild” Walker, the group’s producer and co-writer. The group performed at local venues and booked as an opening act for an H-Town concert in Raleigh, NC. While recording the groups first compilation in New Jersey and performing at clubs and showcases in Raleigh, New Jersey and New York, He met producers Jerry Duplesis, Wyclef Jean and Pras. A group of determined musicians, that played a vital role in his understanding of a professional career in the rap music industry. Later that month, Jerry Duplesis and Nelson recorded and successfully completed the groups compilation at the Booga Basement in East Orange, New Jersey; DJ Lazy K also contributed to the success of the compilation. The group R.S.B, lost its cohesion, but he decided to continue to pursue my songwriting goals.

Based on his vision he will continue to take pride in the rap music industry and the study of trends, as we approach the future. Musicology as it applies to rap has been a very interesting experience. Committed to my craft I know success is sure.

Thanks so much for taking an interest in my work and me.

Nelson D. Walker