The world’s first deaf rapper who has an international record contract and a released album is stomping his way through the music industry, by rapping in sign language.
Signmark, born Marko Vuoriheimo, made headlines back in 2006 when he released “Signmark”, the world’s first rap album by a person who is deaf.
In 2009, he became the first deaf rapper to ever land a record contract and released the single and video “Smells like Victory”.
“Those two words, music and deaf, they’ve never gone together,” signed Signmark.
Born deaf, Signmark performs alongside a rapper called Brandon, who puts his voice to the lyrics, so both the deaf and hearing can hear it together.
The Finland artist recently braved New York City as part of International Deaf Awareness week, during his tour of the U.S.
He started out by translating Christmas carols so the whole family could sing together. He wanted to bring his hearing grand parents and deaf parents together through music.
“There’s still a lot of people that need to come together like my family did,” he signed.
It is reported, that Signmark was drawn to the rap style of music as a teenager because he identified with rappers feelings of having no voice in society.
“They want equality, they’re fighting for rights from the government, fighting for information, that was right up my alley and I said that’s what I want to do,” said Signmark.
And even though he can’t hear the music, he feels it through the beats.
“You can go to a concert with earplugs and you’ll feel it, you’ll then notice that you feel it in your body,” said Signmark.