DDG: The Viral Star Who Moonwalked To The Charts

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Editorial Staff

2 February, 2021

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DDG successfully transitioned his YouTube stardom to the Hip-Hop industry. Growing up in Pontiac, Michigan, he always knew he would be somebody. As a kid, he did not know what he would be doing, but the viral star knew it would be great. DDG was born a couple of hours from the legendary city of Detroit. Although the Motor City was near, DDG grew up inspired by music from all over the country. It’s funny, the same internet that provided him the information to succeed became the same platform to share his talents.

Standing out with his sharp signature flow, DDG put his city on the map as an undeniable presence online and force behind the mic. He broke through to mainstream popularity by teaming with Famous Dex for “Lettuce.” Capitalizing on this momentum, he dropped the 2018 independent project Take Me Serious, which catapulted him to the forefront of rap’s next era. The standout track “Arguments” racked up 27 million YouTube views. He also grew 13 million streams on “Givenchy” with 22 million YouTube views and 12 million streams. Inking a deal between his own DDGEntertainment and Epic Records in 2019, he’s positioned to pop off from Pontiac and onto the global stage in 2019.

DDG’s Growth!

The YouTube sensation has a ridiculous fanbase that includes over 4 Million followers on Instagram. DDG’s masterful use of social media has given him the perfect opportunity to showcase his music passion. As of late, his hit single, “Moonwalking In Calabassas,” featuring Blueface, earned him his latest Gold plaque. Today, the VALEDICTORIAN rapper is gearing up for his collaboration project with famed producer OG Parker. The pair have connected for hits before and are looking to create a project full of them. DDG cannot wait to show the progression he has made sonically this year. He knows that 2021 is the perfect time to take advantage of the wave he has created.

Check out our lit conversation about DDG’s growth, new music, and plans for 2021 below!

Ahmad Davis: First things first, please introduce yourself to those who do not know who you are?

DDG: I go by the name of DDG. I am from Pontiac, Michigan and I am an artist and entertainer.

AD: Detroit is only about 35 minutes away from Pontiac, Michigan. Would you say there sound inspired you?

DDG: I am not going to lie like, of course, I listen to them but not only them. I was more so tapped in with the global sound. My goal was to pay attention to things that were next level.

AD: Moonwalking in Calabassas landed you top 100 on Billboard. You had remixes with YG and Blueface. Can you talk about how those came about and what hitting Billboard means to you?

DDG: The fact that it was on Billboard that felt big. Out of all of the songs in the world, it was one of the top 100. The song being on Billboard felt better than having a Gold record, to be honest. I still can’t wrap my head around how great the feeling is.

Both of the verses were just good vibes. Most of the time, when I am doing these songs, it is all relationships. I understand that it is sometimes forced in this industry, but I do not like to work like that. I was with both YG & Blueface in the studio in their verses.

Photographer: Wanthy Dimaren

AD: You have over 1 Billion views on YouTube! Is this crazy to you or did you always know you would be a star?

DDG: Yeah, that’s huge to me and feels amazing. I will be thinking like man, I know I am a good person, but I still wonder why me? I always knew I would be a star, though. This is Plan A for me, and I won’t give up on this because I always dreamed about it.

AD: TikTok is another app you have found a way to dominate. How do you stay consistent with all of the different social media platforms?

DDG: Honestly, I did not know much about it at first. I just got on there and started playing around with it recently. Their algorithm is so fluid that your videos go viral easily. If you post some funny videos, it will take off. It’s the best app for any genre. It could take off easily.

AD: How do you believe you separated yourself as an artist from your first EP to VALEDICTORIAN?

DDG: I feel like VALEDICTORIAN doesn’t necessarily represent my current state as much. At the time, I was trying to feel out being signed as a new artist at a label. My new project with OG Parker will be a better representation of who I am as an artist. The project will be feature-heavy because I did not really have many on the first one. It is coming very soon, and I am excited for people to hear it.

AD: If you had dinner and could only invite 5 people whose work you enjoy(DOA) who would those people be?

DDG: Steve Jobs, Floyd Mayweather, Drake, Tupac and Michael Jackson!

AD:  Based on your music it’s easy to assume you enjoy having fun and turning up. What’s your personal favorite track and why?

DDG: Lately, I am more of a chill guy. When I was making that, I was partying all the time. My older music was a bit more childish, but now it is way more mature. I am 23 now, and I am getting old, you know.

As far as favorite records, I would say for a woman to listen to “Let You In.” For a new male fan, I would say they should listen to “OD.” Those are two of the records I feel like would be a good introduction to my sound.

Photographer: Wanthy Dimaren

AD: Do you have any dream collaborations?

DDG: I like to create real relationships before I lock in with them. I used to have those but now the relationship is important to me.

AD: Lastly, is there anything you’d love for the world to know about you that they do not already?

DDG: Many people do not know that I was actually valedictorian in high school. I do not think people understand how difficult it is to get a 4.0. I went to college and all of that. The only reason I dropped out was that I was making a lot of money on the internet.

If I were to go back to college at this point, I would probably go to Clark Atlanta University. I went to a PWI at first, but I would want to be around something soulful. My school only had a small pocket of black people. If I went back to school, I would want to be around my people.

DDG’s musical wave is just getting started. His progress as a musician will be documented as the years go on. His next project with platinum producer OG Parker is slated to drop this year. Be sure to follow him on social media to stay tuned for any updates in 2021.

For now, stream his last project below!


Author
Editorial Staff

2 February, 2021

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