What’s your stage name and where are you from?
Dee Collins, originally from Waterloo, IA, currently reside in Charleston, South Carolina
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Its honestly a shorten version of my real name DeShannis Collins, tried to keep it simple.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
Been writing, rapping and singing since I was 10. Decided to go public with music when I was 28. Just took a hiatus for 5 years ready to drop my first EP.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
I spent weeks listening to OG storytelling lyricist. It gave me inspiration so I wrote this song in 4 hours. I wanted my daughter to hear my music now that she a teenager so I made sure not to use profanity in this song and my upcoming album.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Honestly to show lyricism is still alive, music with substance can still be popular. Not everything has to be TikTok ready. During my hiatus I got baptized and in tune with my spirituality. So I’m trying to incorporate more of that experience into my music. So not gospel rap, I’m not a gospel rapper. Just a rapper that loves God.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
The only issues I faced were writers block, and trying to avoid making music with no substance. Want to show my audience my growth musically since my last release in 2020.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Jean Grae
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I have no plans on going mainstream, if it happens I’d turn it down. I just love music and want to share my experiences through my projects
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Next big step would be to create a substantial LP album after the release of my EP. Perhaps get a podcast running as well. The sky’s the limit at this point.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
My lead single Fruit of Deception is out now on all streaming platforms! Apple Music, Itunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, you name it!
