Burlington, Ontario has steadily been carving out its own space in the Canadian music scene, and one of the names making waves from the city is Zach Barton, better known as D.U.H (Death Upon Hoes). Blending genres, emotions, and raw storytelling, D.U.H is quickly establishing himself as an artist with both versatility and vision.
A Sound Shaped by Emotion
D.U.H refuses to be boxed into one lane. His music is an eclectic mix of melodic rap, trap, R&B, and emo-rock, heavily influenced by legends like Juice WRLD, XXXTentacion, JID, J. Cole, and The Kid LAROI. The result is a sound that combines emotional depth with hype energy — a balance of vulnerability and darkness that resonates with listeners who crave honesty in music.
Why He Started
For D.U.H, music has always been more than entertainment; it’s therapy. Struggling with pain, heartbreak, and self-doubt, he turned to songwriting and production as a way to cope. “Music became my outlet to turn struggles into art — and I wanted my words to help people going through the same,” he explains. That mission still drives his work today.
The Journey So Far
Starting at just 13 years old, D.U.H began producing and writing his own tracks. Over the years, he’s released around 20 songs, collaborating with artists such as D.U.H-T, WISHGXD, THE REAL BERT, and more currently in the works. While his performances have mainly been online and within local circles, he’s dedicated himself to releasing music and steadily building a loyal fanbase.
Building a Brand and a Legacy
One of D.U.H’s biggest accomplishments so far has been creating a recognizable brand around his music — something many independent artists struggle to achieve early on. His authenticity and refusal to shy away from dark themes set him apart in a crowded scene, giving fans something real to hold onto.
A Message That Resonates
To D.U.H, the message behind the music is just as important as the music itself. He reminds his fans:
“Stay true to yourself, even when life gets dark. Pain, doubt, and betrayal can push you down — but use it as fuel to build something greater. My music is proof that you can turn heartbreak into legacy.”
What’s Next
With more collaborations, projects in progress, and a growing fanbase hungry for his sound, D.U.H is positioning himself as one of the next major voices to emerge from Ontario. His ability to fuse energy with emotion makes his music more than just a vibe — it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever turned their struggles into strength.