'America's Got Talent' Features DC Street Drummer Malik DOPE

WASHINGTON, DC — D.C. street performer Malik DOPE will be showing off his acrobatic drum skills Tuesday night on one of the biggest stages in the country, NBC's "America's Got Talent."

The former D.C. resident and graduate of Northwestern High School in Prince George's County, Maryland, got his first drum set when he was just 6. But it wasn't until he discovered go-go music at the age of 12 that he really fell in love with the instrument.

"What I love about drumming is that it frees me in all angles," Malik said. "I feel good bodywise doing it. It's like a meditation and also a workout at the same time. I'm able to get therapy and stay fit from drumming. I also get to connect to the world through rhythm and those frequencies."

After playing three years in the Howard University marching band, Malik began performing on the streets of D.C., entertaining crowds in Gallery Place, Chinatown, and "Black Broadway" — the 14th and U Street neighborhood. He then took his talent on the road, making stops in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Virginia Beach, and the Ocean City boardwalk.

Malik's performances in the Los Angeles area, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier, helped to get him noticed and led to his auditioning for AGT.

For his tryout performance in front of AGT judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara, Malik did a set featuring "Mi Gente" by J Balvin and "Look at Me Now" by Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes. The judges voted him onto the show's quarterfinals.

On Tuesday, at 8 p.m., Malik will compete against 10 other performers, who will be judged by a nationwide audience. The five winners will be revealed on Wednesday night's show. They will go on to the semifinals and compete for the $1 million grand prize.

Malik described his AGT experience so far as "amazing," from interacting with the crowd and celebrity judges, to hearing from new fans from across the world who share their love and support.

"Also, back home, I've been able to make all of Washington, D.C., and the DMV area proud," he said. "My family is extremely proud, of course. They always supported me since day one, and now they feel like their support wasn't in vain."