Optikz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
21 February 1983
- Rapper
- singer
- songwriter
Optikz | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Darren Gregory Piper 21 February 1983 Cairns, Queensland, Australia |
| Origin | Guelph, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Hip-hop |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Labels | Royal City Records Systematix Records Lions Heart Records |
| Formerly of | RCR |
| Website | optikzofficial |
Darren Gregory Piper (born February 21, 1983), known professionally as Optikz, is an Australian–Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter.[1][2] Active since the late 1990s, he began his career in the underground hip hop scene in Guelph, Ontario.
Born in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, Piper relocated with his family to Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in 1990.[1] During his teenage years, he became involved in local hip‑hop and skateboarding cultures and was active as a breakdancer. A severe ankle injury sustained while skateboarding, followed by a spine condition that required reconstructive surgery, ended his plans for a skateboarding career. During his recovery, Piper began writing lyrics and adopted the moniker Optikz.[3][4]
In the late 1990s, Optikz co‑founded the independent record label Royal City Records and the hip‑hop group RCR in Guelph. In 2001, RCR performed as the opening act for Canadian hip‑hop artists including IRS, Concise, and the Juno Award‑winning hip‑hop group, the Rascalz.[5] The group released their debut album, Royal City Records Presents… RCR, in 2002 and later disbanded.[6]
After the dissolution of RCR, Optikz pursued a solo career. He enrolled in the Independent Music Production program at Seneca College in Toronto, graduating in 2006.[3] He subsequently founded Systematix Records to release his own work.[7][8]