Over the past three years, Academy of Art Music Production & Sound Design alumni Marlon Britton has skillfully transitioned from the physical track to laying down many of his own.

A four-time All-American with ART U track & field and 2018 graduate, Britton, who goes by the stage name "MarlonB!," is now fresh off releasing his sixth single, "81st Street," as a singer-songwriter.

Drawn to music in his youth, Britton grew up on the Southside of Chicago and shares his experience in the smooth trap-infused R&B tone of "81st Street." After excelling in track & field while at Leo Catholic High School, Britton was recruited to Academy of Art where he simultaneously evolved both his athletic talents and what started as an interest in rap.

"My passion for music started around 10 years old," said Britton. "I wanted to be a rapper, but I enjoyed writing love songs more than rapping. My process lately has been completely different. I work with a few select producers, but outside of them, I produce and write everything from scratch. It can start from a song lyric to a piano melody. I don't try to control it."

"81st Street" represents Britton's sixth official release, continuing a line of hits that began with "Good Time" and, one of his most popular pieces, "More To You." Both recorded while at Academy of Art, the first two singles introduced his raspy vocals that gently echo as they deliver honest and meaningful lyrics.

"All of my free time spent outside class and athletics while at the Academy was spent in the recording labs," said Britton. "Releasing singles while in school wasn't difficult, but being able to market myself how I truly wanted to because of my prior obligations was a slight problem back then."

In addition to progressing forward under the guidance of industry professionals in ART U's School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media, Britton worked to perfect his skills alongside others outside the classroom. He combined with track & field teammate Michael Houston as well as Kenivah Bockari, better known as "DJ Kenzo," to form a collective called "Black Epiphany."  Each talented in their own right, the group members worked together to provide a platform for showcasing their gifts.

"The skills I learned in the School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media have helped me tremendously," said Britton. "Being able to read music and understanding how to arrange sounds has crafted my style a bunch. DJ Kenzo and Michael Houston have had a huge influence on me as well. We've thrown multiple events where we've all performed and/or hosted. To create those opportunities with those guys has shown me that we can do anything we put our minds to. Which we hold true 'til this day."

Deeply instilled within Britton is his experience as a student-athlete. While collaborating and producing music, Britton's collegiate track & field career saw him earn four All-American honors, nine All-Region selections, and five All-PacWest Team awards. Academic All-PacWest on three occasions, his two ART U records that still stand today (60m hurdles, 4x100m) and numerous other top five marks epitomize the department's "Be Artist. Be Athlete." mantra.

"Track & field taught me to be disciplined for sure," said Britton. "I'm still competitive, but only within myself. I only want to be a better version of myself then I was yesterday. My career is a marathon, not a sprint."

As Britton moves forward in a world that sorely needs to listen to more Black voices, he will remain dedicated to his craft and speak from his heart.

"I'll continue to release music, build my audience, network, and grow independently," said Britton. "There's no plan B for me, this is what I'm going to do with my life. We didn't come this far just to come this far."

For more, check out MarlonB! on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or his website.

Photo credits: @photosbyphil_