UVM senior Dan Batista is a new generation hip-hop rapper and songwriter. Going by the name “Chosin,” Batista strives to make a change in his community.

“I spell my [rap alias] ‘Chosin’ with an ‘i’ instead of an ‘e’ because I’m a part of this generation; I have a chance to be a leader and take this generation to the next level,” Batista said.

The New York native first came on the scene by winning rap battles in his hometown of Ballston Spa, New York and has moved on to upload singles and albums onto SoundCloud and Spotify.

“We are a chosen generation, we are movers and shakers who will do more and have more than anybody has ever had before,” Batista said. “We will make these moves that previous generations couldn’t even dream of doing.”

Batista admitted rapping is not about the fame or money. To him, it is all about making friendships through networking and making connections with those in the industry.

“My whole end game with my music is positivity. If you listen to my music, there’s no cursing or dropping f-bombs; I believe I am eloquent enough in my word play and speech to get my point across without needing any filler words,” Batista said. “You won’t find any misogynist tones, vulgarity or anything sexist or racist. I don’t want my music littered with these subtleties.”

Every verse Batista composes is done carefully and cautiously, ensuring that his image is kept in check. He said the messages woven into his word choice and analogies are all purposeful.

“The best songs are the ones that you feel you’re going through and need to get it out of your system and talk about it,” Batista said. “Those real experiences that you’ve been through or trouble you make for the best content, music is that undertone that gets me through it all.”

To Batista, music is most effective when it is personally relatable. He chooses to appeal to college students who have similar daily lives.

“Since I met Dan and started listening to him freshman year, both the person and the rapper have been all about positivity and enjoying life,” senior Cal Novelli said. “His music is great whether you want to party or are having a bad day and want to cheer up. I hope to see him go big places with it.”

The whole notion of “blowing up” is not satisfying for Batista; it is not solely about gaining popularity or expanding the fan base.  He wants to inspire the next generation of dreamers just like him.