Underground Rapper Dee-1 Signs With RCA Inspiration

You know, quite often people stop us and ask us why we think it’s so important to go hard for underground artists and today’s announcement is the perfect example of why it is that we do things the way we do them! It truly means something to us when we are able to lend voice to those who deserve to be heard. It’s complete satisfaction and excitement when we get to see those artists move up through the ranks. We knew Dee-1 was special a while ago and we were very excited to hear that the phenomenal talent representing the N.O. is finally going to be heard in a major way!

Rapper Dee-1 has announced that he just inked a deal with RCA Inspiration. A New Orleans native, Dee-1 burst onto the national scene with the mix tape “I Hope They Hear Me Vol 2”, which featured the wildly popular single “Jay, 50, Weezy”. The record proved to be a viral juggernaut spawning a YouTube video that to-date has over 600,000 total views, spins on MTV Jams and radio airplay.

The “Dynamo From The N.O.” (As we like to call him) had this to say about his big win,

“Signing with RCA is a life-changing partnership that I’m excited to be a part of. I know we’re about to make history together so I’m motivated to work harder than ever. Coming from New Orleans, I realize that my success is bigger than me. It’s a symbol of hope for others who want to chase their dreams and make a difference in life. So I’m going to make sure that together we all win. #MissionVision.”

Says RCA Inspiration General Manager,Geo Bivins,

“We are truly excited about Dee-1 joining the RCA Inspiration family. In the current marketplace, where people are listening much closer to artists and seeking music that is authentic with a ‘real’ message, we believe Dee-1’s music will resonate with today’s diverse Hip Hop and Inspirational music consumers and beyond.”

Dee-1 is a proud graduate of Louisiana State University, after college Dee-1 could not settle into a life of normalcy and ultimately left his position as a middle school teacher to pursue a full time career in music. The decision proved to be a smart one and before long the educator turned rapper – and aspiring role model – caught the attention of Grammy award winning producer Mannie Fresh, who hosted Dee-1’s “The Focus” mix tape released in 2012. That successful release was followed by the “Psalms of David” mix tape (2013) which brought Dee-1 to the attention of the label. The follow-up to that project, “Psalms of David II” will drop on November 19th and includes features from Master P, PJ Morton and more to be announced with production duties being handled by Mannie Fresh, KLC and C. Smith.

Check out this freestyle from the upcoming release: “New Orleans Freestyle”