Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Tall.
D. Tall, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I basically grew up doing my thing rapping and producing in the Midwest. It’s a small city called Dayton, OH. I started to pick up a bit of a following once I moved to the DFW. In particular, when I had a song back in 2014 with Bay Area Rapper & Legend E-40 called “Dem Heels” people really started to pay attention. I started to get club and radio play in different markets around the country which allowed me to get face time and perform in front of people in different regions. Those shows in other states and cities are the ones that are most important because it becomes more real to the fans after they see you in person instead of just on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
I’ve just tried to put out dope content and continue to grow my fan base. We’re living in the digital age, the social media climate whereas artists, we don’t necessarily need a record label anymore to get our names or brand hot with the people.
One thing I can say for sure, I’ve been blessed to work with some of the most talented people in the game right now. My songs “Dem Heels”, “Recruitin”, “Got it” and “Have you ever” were all produced by Grammy Award Winning Platinum Producer J-White Did It. He’s best known for his Platinum singles “Bodak Yellow” and “I like it” for Cardi B. Honestly, he’s probably one of the most popular producers in hip-hop and pop right now. Also, my studio engineer, John Claborn who recorded my entire First Album ‘Real Real’ also won a Grammy this year for working on Ariana Grande’s album. Seeing the success of those two considering they’ve been involved in most of my music is just incredible and inspiring.
I feel like Dallas is in a good place as far as the current music scene. I think more support of the DJ’s is definitely something that can afford to increase but overall the scene back on the comes up. As far as me personally, I’ve dropped 4 video’s already this year and I have my new single out called “Flex 101” featuring Kirko Bangz. I’m just working to make sure I position myself to hopefully be in a Grammy conversation myself one day.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely haven’t been a smooth road. I don’t think there’s many Artist (especially in hip-hop) that will say it’s a smooth road in the music business. For one, you don’t get a manual or a ‘how to guide’ showing you what moves to make or what moves not to make. It’s most definitely challenging. So many people rap or want to be rappers, lol. It kind of over saturates things and makes it hard for the fans to filter thru the garbage stuff to get to the talent. Then, sometimes we have to deal with the crabs in a bucket mentality. I always say “People want to see you do well, but not better than them.”
Sometimes, that can be one of the biggest obstacles dealing with the hate from people locally who feel like they should be in your position or further than you career wise. I’m not complaining though, I feel like the struggles and obstacles just add to the story, at the end of the day. I feel like, at the end of the day, a music career is a distance run not a sprint.
Please tell us about D.TALL.
I feel like what I’m most proud of to this point in my career is just how far I’ve come. Everybody’s interpretation of success is different. For me, being a kid from the inner city where the odds of making it to the big stage aren’t likely and being where I am now is something I’m proud of. I will forever be associated with Grammy Award winners, not a lot of artists can say they’ve collaborated with mainstream artists or have gotten radio play in different places around the country. Not so many artists can say they’ve gotten paid shows or paid to host or simply be at a venue. Regardless of what happens going forward for me. I’ll always be proud of how far I’ve come.
I think my mindset is what sets me apart from others. It’s so much deeper than just music. I feel like I’m a well rounded human being lol. I have other business endeavors I’m locked into, I’m a college grad and at the end of the day, I’m trying to touch people’s lives, make a difference and be a positive energy in my community. It’s not just rap to me.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would probably be just the holidays, in general. My family is crazy, lol. I remember a lot of good times with family growing up. It’s too hard to pick just one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DTALLMUSIC.com
- Instagram: instragram/d.tall
- Facebook: facebook/d.tall
- Twitter: twitter.com/dtallmusic
Image Credit:
M.Clint James Photography, Charlie Collier, Sherilyn Powell, Shortney. Slays
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