Shadik is an Alaskan singer-songwriter, poet, music producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Dubbed "Alaska's Best Kept Secret", he is regarded as one of the most original cultural music artists of Alaska. His sound and style have influenced artists of various genres, and his contributions to music made him a well-acknowledged icon. The oldest of 3. Recording his first demos at Def Lab Studios courtesy of the founder and owner Ron Da Don. Shadik made his professional debut in 1996 with local artists Baby J, K Macc, Ginsu, and Sandman aka Alaska Thunderfunk. His father, Tommy Newkirk, is of Bahamian and Choctaw Indian descent who grew up in the notorious Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pa. Shadik's mother, Ruth Angela Lee, is an African American and Irish descent who worked as a Postal Worker and Mary K consultant for 30 plus years. His parents met in high school. His grandmother Mamie Lee was a well known local singer in Pittsburgh and also was the first African American to lead Meals on Wheels. Shadik was raised in Anchorage neighborhoods. He lived in Woodside Village (Fairview) where he played football for Romig Junior High and studied Kenpo Karate. He spent most of his teenage years street hustling in Mountainview and Fairview. The only thing that has never left him, has been his love for music.