It’s not a strange thing to hear a new rapper say they’re going to be the next big thing in a few years. Some have succeeded in accomplishing those lofty claims, while others have missed the mark, but DDG is on pace to reach that goal. As it was made clear in his conversation with HipHopDX, DDG doesn’t keep all his eggs in one basket.
Hometown: Pontiac, MI
Notable Co-Signs: Blueface, Tyla Yaweh, G Herbo
Notable Projects To Date:Valedrictorian (2019)
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Accolades To Date: 2017 single ‘ARGUMENTS’ certified Gold; 9.2 million YouTube subscribers (combined through various accounts) 1 billion YouTube views (combined through various accounts), Signed to Epic Records
[This post has been updated. The following was originally published on February 2, 2021] Read updates below.
Musical Style
Branding is an important part of being successful in Hip Hop. DDG has been putting in the work in his brand when he began making a name for himself entertaining fans through his official YouTube channels, which currently has over 9 million subscribers combined. The DDG name became such a brand in itself that the young rapper tried his hand in a number of fields. He even briefly ventured into acting, appearing in Wally Got Wasted in 2018 but left the film industry because he didn’t like “waiting four to five hours just to say three lines.”
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DDG already had a music background as a child thanks to his father being an engineer for local artists and his brothers being singers. He began releasing diss songs on YouTube for fun, including a diss aimed at Lil Yachty called “Big Boat,” which caught a slight buzz on social media. He would get views in the millions for his rap-related videos and soon found himself collaborating with Famous Dex, Zaytoven, G Herbo, Black Youngsta, Queen Naija and more.
And while he doesn’t necessarily brandish himself as an R&B virtuoso, his duet with aforementioned songstress Queen Naija “Hold Up” displays an undeniable knack for melody and holding a tune.
Rising Star Power
His entry on HipHopDX’s Rising Stars 2021 list follows the hard work DDG has already put into his music career. Along with a major label deal with Epic Records, DDG has two EP’s, a studio album, two certified-Gold tracks with “Arguments” and “Moonwalking In Calabasas (Remix)” featuring Blueface and a bevy of singles released since his debut “Balenciagas” dropped in 2016.
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“I think in the next few years I’m going to be one of the biggest musical artists out,” DDG continued to tell HipHopDX.
That’s a huge statement to make, but with a resumé like DDG’s, it’s not hard to believe him. His latest single, “Moonwalking in Calabasas Remix,” featuring Blueface, entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 82 and peaked on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs and US Rhythmic charts at No. 26 and 33, respectively. And with an upcoming album opposite platinum producer OG Parker, expect his stock to soar even higher this year.
HipHopDX's Rising Stars 2021: 10 New Rappers Shaping Their Legacy
If there’s any indication on where DDG’s music career can go, just look at what he’s done in the other fields he’s tapped into already. He has over 3.9 Instagram followers, 9.5 million subscribers and 1.2 billion total views on YouTube and, lastly, 5.5 million Spotify monthly followers.
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“In the next two years, I feel like I can really take off,” he continued to tell HipHopDX on The Thought Box. “I just know how to adapt. I’m an adapter. If it doesn’t work, I know when to get out of it before it gets bad.”
Congrats to DDG for making HipHopDX’s Rising Stars 2021! HipHopDX will closely follow his movements as he continues to make high quality rap songs and high-tech power moves.
DDG is one of 10 up-and-coming rappers named to HipHopDX’s 2021 Rising Stars! For more info on DDG and the rest of the talented Hip Hop bunch, read about them here.
DDG’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS SO FAR
- Dropped “Treat Me Right” music video co-starring by Rubi Rose
- Rolling Loud Miami 2021 performance announced
- Dropped “Impatient” video featuring Coi Leray trending at No. 4 on YouTube [May]
- “No Favors” single featured on EPIX original series Godfather of Harlem soundtrack
- “Moonwalking in Calabasas” gets certified Platinum status!
- DDG is recruited to Kendrick Lamar-headline festival Day N Vegas
- Wins Social Gloves boxing match against Nate Wyatt
- Drops The Last Dragon inspired music video for “No Kizzy”
- Drops The Last Dragon inspired music video for “No Kizzy”
- Performs Rolling Loud Miami
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DDG’S SET BACKS SO FAR
- Feuds with fellow 2021 HipHopDX Rising Star Toosii over girlfriend Rubi Rose
- DDG accused famous TikToker Taylor Holder of racist comments made during a press conference.
- Calls it quits on YouTube again, this time deletes all vlog videos.
