Early Inspiration and Musical Journey
D21, a rising star in the hip-hop/rap scene, began his musical journey at the age of 17. It was the iconic Jay-Z album “Magna Carta Holy Grail” that first inspired him to start rapping and making music. “It’s cool for me to draw inspiration from the best that have come before me so that I can aspire to be like them in my own way,” D21 reflects on his early influences.
Musical Influences
Two of the biggest influences on D21’s sound and style have been Travis Scott and Kanye West. Their energy and passion for music have driven him to hone his craft relentlessly. “I draw inspiration from them to be who I am today as an artist,” he says.
D21 also looks up to other hip-hop titans such as Drake, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert. He believes these five artists have set the standard for modern hip-hop. “Add in a mix of Drake, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert, and you get one, D21,” he adds, emphasizing how these influences shape his unique sound.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many artists, D21 faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted his plans and collaborations. Despite these setbacks, he remained focused and dedicated to improving his sound and overall image as a music artist.
Recently, D21 dropped a new single called “Barbie” on all music platforms, which is currently gaining traction. He has also released multiple singles available on Spotify and other music blogs.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments in D21’s career was filming his first music video, “Have Fun,” with Fr0di. “I put in a lot of work in the studio for 5-6 years before linking with Fr0di to shoot the first video, and from that point on, it made me even hungrier than ever to break into the industry,” D21 recalls.
Upcoming Projects and Performances
Currently, D21 is working on his first-ever mixtape, “4nem,” which is a nod to his crew, including Dagi, Jiggy, Franglo, and N@ughty. While the release date is yet to be determined, this project marks a significant milestone in his career.
D21’s upcoming single, “Different Sides,” is set to drop on September 13th across all music platforms. Fans can also look forward to seeing him perform in Texas on August 15th and August 25th, though these dates may be subject to change.
Future Aspirations
With a clear vision and unwavering determination, D21 is focused on rapping and continually improving his craft. He occasionally produces music but is currently dedicated to establishing himself as a rapper. His journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for music, and he continues to draw inspiration from the best to carve out his own unique path in the hip-hop world.