Brantley Elementary School teacher and recording artist Daryll Blakely, also known as D. Blake, recently won an underground artist showcase in the Big Apple.

D. Blake and his dancers Larry Thomas and Chris Harris journeyed to New York for the Underground Artist Showcase in New York City, which was sponsored by Choo Biggz from G-Unit Records and featured Atlantic Records A&R Riggs Morales, the vice president of A&R, known for signing 50 Cent.

Choo Biggz is the artist who won the showcase last year, and signed with G-Unit Records.

Blakely said he was excited when he arrived in New York, but had no clue what was really in store for him and his team.

Blakely beat out 200 performers from New York winning first place, and the top prize of a recording agreement and major distribution.

A meeting is being setup with Blakely and Morales in the near future.

“This is a prime example that dreams come true,” Blakely said. “There were so many people from New York and New Jersey in the building, but we made them love us on their home turf. I am still in a big wow. No matter where you are from, dreams can come true. You just have to go out and get it. I still need someone to pinch me.”

Blakely released his first album “Cater 2 You” this summer.