Dee-1 doesn’t have time to waste. Rather than watching from the sidelines, he’s chosen to make history as he journeys into the crazy world known as the music game. Failure is not an option.
Often described as “a mix between Common and T.I.”, Dee-1 is one of few Hip-Hop artists who specialize in making music that is lyrically profound while still appealing to the masses. Born & raised in the heart of New Orleans, Dee-1 shares the same struggles as the legendary artists that put the 504 on the map, but he is determined to represent the city with a different viewpoint by using insightful and thought provoking rhymes in his music.
After graduating from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree, Dee-1 began teaching middle school in Baton Rouge by day to help fund his music projects. The strong bond he formed with his students inspired him to be a powerful leader, but it also made it hard for him to leave. Finally, he decided that his passion for hip hop was too much to ignore and that being “Dee-1″ gave him a much larger platform to be heard than being “Mr. Augustine.” Sleepless nights being a full time teacher and part time rapper were replaced by sleepless nights being a “full time dream chaser,” as chronicled in his courageous song “The Announcement.”
It is impossible to box Dee-1 in because he is truly one of a kind. No, he does not use profanity. Yes, his subject matter is bold and unapologetic. With Dee-1, its more than just music. Its about a lifestyle, a frame of mind that empowers people to live with purpose and to maximize their potential. That’s where Dee’s nickname “The One Man Army” comes from. “Everyone has a mission, and everyone is their own One Man or One Woman Army. Together there’s no stopping us,” says Dee.
Having already built a solid street buzz with his mixtapes Still We Rise and I Am Who I Am, Dee-1 has catapulted to another level with the release of his critically acclaimed independent album “David & Goliath,” which is available on iTunes, at dee1music.com, and at select Best Buy stores. “David & Goliath” was nominated for Hip Hop album of the Year by Louisiana’s #1 music publication, Offbeat Magazine. From top to bottom, the album contains timeless bangers fully equipped with Dee-1′s N’awlins accent, clever rhymes, and catchy hooks, mixed with his untouchable swag. The world famous producer Mannie Fresh even gave Dee a personal phone call praising him after hearing his music. Most recently, Dee-1 has performed alongside nationally touring acts such as Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Drake, Trey Songz, Akon, The Roots, Mya, The Clipse, Musiq Soulchild, Fat Joe, Lil Boosie, Juvenile and more. Dee-1 also became the first hip-hop artist ever to win the annual Louisiana State University “Battle of the Bands Contest.” The charismatic MC also has performed and collaborated with Dr. Rani G. Whitfield M.D., a.k.a. “Tha Hip-Hop Doc” and frequently mentors youth alongside the board certified physician on the lecture circuit. Their dynamic partnership ultimately led to major news outlets like CNN and Billboard Magazine picking up on their story.
Dee-1 recognizes that his music resonates with almost anyone “first and foremost because its real”, and as Dee-1 says “that’s why people from the hood all the way to the classroom feel it.” Dee-1’s music creates an atmosphere that welcomes all listeners from nearly any background. His positive message extends well beyond the stereotype of the traditional conscious rapper, because as he says,”real recognizes real.” If you have never seen a live Dee-1 show, you’re missing out! Dee has the rare ability to perform in nearly any environment, from arenas to nightclubs to schools to churches; and the response is always the same. Outstanding!! As Dee-1 says “When I win over an audience, I feel that’s more of a testimony than just bragging on how good I am. I’d rather prove it to you.”
All of this progress has left Dee-1′s die-hard fans asking “What’s next?” No one knows for sure, but as his fan base continues to grow throughout the nation, Dee-1 is certainly poised to become one of Hip-Hop’s next great superstars. However, don’t expect him to get satisfied anytime soon. Ask Dee-1 how he feels and he’ll explain it in his classic words
March 7th, 2011
Hey Dee-1, I just wanna say thank you for your inspiring music. I just saw your One Man Army video on TV today and immediately went on the computer to listen to more of your rhymes. You are truly gifted and talented and i just want you to keep up the good work !.
Stay true to your dream !
March 7th, 2011
I love your music. You don’t find too many like you.
March 9th, 2011
This morning I saw your “One Man Army” video and immediately loved it. Later on, I got online and listened to some of your other rhymes. I like how you rap with a purpose and I think you are amazing and will go far. Continue to persue your dream. (:
March 9th, 2011
as a former new orleans resident, i would like to thank you for finally representing the city in a way that i am proud of. keep it up!
March 11th, 2011
Seriously fam, you are my favorite artist of the newer crop of lyricists, MCs, rappers, etc. I’ve been waiting to hear somebody bring it in a way that you do, and you are in a class of your own. “I Hope They Hear Me Vol. 2″ was the first project that I heard of yours, and it’s one of the few albums, mixtapes or projects that I’ve heard in a long time that I could listen to straight through and feel like I left a better person after listening to it. As an artist, you are truly an inspiration and I will definitely be “diggin’ in the crates” for all your material–including buying your album. PLEASE keep that hunger and integrity because the game desperately needs that.
March 18th, 2011
yo wat up dee 1 music is great i like wat ur doin with it i am an up and coming rapper and i was wondering if u can give me a few pointers on how 2 be a lyricist
March 18th, 2011
hey dee listen the first video i saw of you was jay,50 and weezy video…and i said hmmmm interesting so i you tubed you and saw more of your videos from before you had the long hair…you are a truely talented artist and continue to do you..much love
March 21st, 2011
i really want to thank u for inspiring teens and children to dare to be diffrent. You have inspired me and many to do better and that there is no limit to our greatness.
Thank you.. Keep doing you
March 22nd, 2011
Big ups to you for the strides you’ve made in your career. I remember when you used to perform in BR a few years ago. I got your CD David & Goliath as a gift from a friend when it first came out. I always wondered what you were doing after that and then I saw an article about you on globalgrind.com today so that answered my question, lol. I love your message, your style, and your music. Keep doin what you been doin and before long you’ll be right up there with 50, Jay, and Weezy. Young artists such as yourself give me hope that maybe Hip-Hop ain’t dead after all.
March 23rd, 2011
I listened to your music up from “I Hope They Hear Me Vol. 1″ to now. I say you are improving and I like the fact that you are not like all the other artist in the game. I see that you are a rapper that do not curse because you wanna be heard by everyone. Thank you for the easy access to your music. Ima make you be heard round J-ville. One question though Brother to a Brother, Why wasn’t “Hope They Hear Me Vol. 2″ an album because i heard it was an album? You got my email just hit me up on that.
March 28th, 2011
I am a parent that love your message and I will support you in every way I can. I have you on my FB and I also send your videos out to everone I know,I will also talk to the raido stations to ask way do they not play your music more.
March 28th, 2011
-#1 Fan-
PEOPLE SAY TO BE A #1 FAN MEANS TO KNOW ALL YA BUSINESS
NOW I DONT KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT U, BUT I DO KNOW THIS
I KNOW YOUR MESSAGE IS WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO HEAR RITE NOW
AND HOW U CHANGIN THE GAME, ALL THESE OTHER RAPPERS NEED TO BOW
YOUR MUSIC IS SO INSPIRATIONAL AND DEEP
YOUR WORDS SO SWIFT, THEY SWEEP ME OFF MY FEET
THE YOUNG AND DUMB IS WHO U NEED TO REACH
THE IGNORANT AND BLIND IS WHO U NEED TO TEACH
I HOPE U FEEL THE WORDS THAT IM POURING OUT OF MY SOUL
FROM UR #1 FAN, SOMEONE U DONT EVEN KNOW
BUT BEFORE I GO THERE’S JUST ONE THING IM ASKIN
TO NEVER, EVER FORGET YOUR #1 FAN <3JASMINE
Continue to do God's will. The way you've inspired me is just fenomenal. Ive been able stop a couple of addictions that i thought i would never break from. And i owe that to, not only you, but God because he aloud me find someone to listen to that can encourage instead of discourage. And now i dont even feel right listening to worldly rappers because i feel that i've been cleansed from that unGodly mindset.
Stay positive and continue to stand strong. Love you, and like i always tell u on Facebook…im praying for ya!!
-Jazzy
April 9th, 2011
Hey Dee-1, I think it’s great that your not only rapping for yourself but your rapping for a cause. Being from New Orleans( born and raised) myself, I understand everything. It is your turn and your going to make, take it one day at a time and let God lead you. Best wishes and good luck, Your day is coming
- LexusHaha
April 12th, 2011
good stuff my dude thats all i gotta say
April 19th, 2011
yea man your music is fia keep doin what you do the sky is the limit man i wanna hear lots and lots of more from you and f.a.y records wants 2 work with you and thats real and you need 2 come do a show in duval county/jackandkill ,fl i know my city we feel ya bra so do dat for i never seen you live in concert and i need 2 cause im a big fan
April 19th, 2011
D,
My cousin n I are coming to see you on Bourbon St. this month. I was just about to buy him David and Goliath when I saw you were on tour
So I’ma wait on buying that and grab some tickets for now instead. I’m new to your music but when I realized you don’t use any substance it made me listen closer. We are a family packed wit addicts. We’re all on different walks of it…some in recovery, some tryin, some lyin. We are also all Seventh-Day Adventists. Crazy, I know. I won’t say precisely where I am in my struggle but just know you’ve brought joy to me in yours. I hope to meet you in Bmore…be careful out there in the industry brother.
-C
April 19th, 2011
Oh n ps, if while you’re in town you wanna come have some dinner at the house, our door is open. I’d love to meet you. I think you could make a difference in my life, and we all fun ppl to be around so come through if you get hungry-you don’t have to resort to mcdonald’s when you’re in the DMV man!
April 27th, 2011
YO MY DUDE KEEP DOING YOUR THING. I LIKE WHERE YOU ARE TAKING THIS AND I HOPE TO JOIN THE SAME CAUSE AND PASSION YOU HAVE. I’M BUILDING A COMPANY THAT ONE DAY WILL DO BUSINESS WITH YOU. KEEP IT GOING. WE NEED MORE ARTISIT LIKE. “MV LIFESTYLE”
April 27th, 2011
YO MY DUDE KEEP DOING YOUR THING. I LIKE WHERE YOU ARE TAKING THIS AND I HOPE TO JOIN THE SAME CAUSE AND PASSION YOU HAVE. I’M BUILDING A COMPANY THAT ONE DAY WILL DO BUSINESS WITH YOU. KEEP IT GOING. WE NEED MORE ARTISIT LIKE YOU. YOU NEED TO BRING THIS MUSIC TO THE DC AREA TOO. “MV LIFESTYLE”
April 27th, 2011
What’s up Dee-1? It’s good to see more positive vibes hittin’ the masses. I’m praying that u go madd far in this musical journey. I appreciate the 50, jay and weezy single and video, cuz there ain’t too many folks out there going hard to teach the youngin’s the truth beyond what they’ve been led to believe by the media. This generation has indulged way too far into the negative stereotypical portrayal of successful African American men and women in movies, tv, etc. And I’m glad that God is using to you to equip the next generation with a sense of dignity and purpose. As far as the music is concerned the mixtapes are crazy hot. Keep honoring God first, and keep makin’ heads listen to intelligence over ignorance. U represent the 504 well. U and Gifted the Flamethrowa are two of the dopest emcees from N.O. in the game right now. Hopefully, you’ll bless us with a track w/both of ya’ll rhyming together. Grace and peace to u in Jesus name.
May 18th, 2011
Yo dee, foreal Pleaz get signed soon, i know they lookin at u sayin they wanna sign u. So just do it! I hate bein the only 1 at my skool who knowz about u cuz i want every1 to learn wut real iz. Stick to wut u been doin!
May 19th, 2011
Ima 16 yr old rapper from Covington Louisiana looking for a chance to pick my family up and change the lives of the people around me,i speak from my heart and maintain my ground better than alot of older more experienced rappers,but age is my biggest setbakk…my only choice is to keep posting better and better music until someone,somewhere hears me and reaches out to my talent.My music page is http://www.youtube.com/user/oxcide333?feature=mhee ,listen and get back at me….
May 31st, 2011
What up fam? Maan this is my first time actually visiting your website and I’m feeling it. I recently had only heard your IHTHMvol2 and a select few songs from David & Goliath. Now that I’ve heard more material, it’s set inmy mind that you are hands down the best emcee outta Louisiana and quite possibly the south in general. I’m talking up there with Face and Bun B seriously. No other artist in the game is combining lyrical talent and substance like this cat maan…none. ONly other artists I can compare him to is Nas & Common seriously. Look man keep up the work and positive message. Show these naysayers that hip-hop isn’t all guns, drugs, sex, and partying…we’ll let rock & roll keep that.
Louisiana all day homie.
-J-Rich…..@JWillGetNDatAzz or @JRich_NDatAzz i switch back and forth lol
June 14th, 2011
how u doin Dee- 1? i really like ur music how can i buy ur cd? i really like the way u come across. its about time we got someone who isn’t a cookie cutter ignorant rapper. i pray tha u have a long and successful career. i look forward to hearing from u. have a blessed day…..peace
July 7th, 2011
i am a 14 year old singer from jacksonville florida and i jus so happened to come around to ur music wen i heard its my turn on mtv. then i went on youtube to see wat else u had going on and i love no applause and one man army remix u are a very inspirational dude and i would like to hear from u personally because i jus need that advice on how to make it and be heard u have my email and i will be trying to get u on fb so please try and get in touch wit me also keep doin wat u doin and stay true to wat u do cause the world aint ready for u!!!
July 31st, 2011
yo dee im from new orleans man, just wanna say i aint never heard of you til i came back down to new orleans for mardi gras march 2011 an heard jay 50 an weezy on Q93 an was like who is this dude, got back to tx an aint stop listening to you since bruh. stay postitive an true. not to many rappers an spit hard without cursing, that’s rare bruh. i but alot of my rounds on your music. i gotta buy me a one man army shirt off this site. keep it up bruh. you need to blow asap.
November 27th, 2011
dude you are real af like your music just speaks to my soul and i myself am a musician like whoa your lyrics speak the truth in a time where we as people need to hear it
February 5th, 2012
Yeah boi i jus ain’t nathin to say!!!bah i jus say congrats boi!!!for real ya’ll music sound bera to ma ears when lisnin to it!!!dis is wo we need in music!!!na jus abah damn n hell songs!!!u do de best!!!keep well