Dyme-A-Duzin

Donnovan Malik Blocker, known by his stage name Dyme-A-Duzin, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor from Brooklyn, New York.[1] Dyme-A-Duzin is a former member of the band Phony Ppl. From 2008 to 2013, they performed with popular acts such as Erykah Badu, The Roots and Talib Kweli. His song "New Brooklyn" was listed on Spin's 50 Best Rap Songs of 2013[2] Dyme made his debut with Warner Bros. Records which caught the eyes of not only the industry but fans around the world. Among the many artists and producers Dyme has worked with Fabolous, Joey Bada$$ and Plain Pat.

Dyme-A-Duzin
Birth nameDonnovan Malik Blocker
Born (1992-05-13) May 13, 1992
Brooklyn, New York, United States
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • Actor
Years active2003–present
LabelsIndependent. Atlantic (former)
Associated acts
Websitedymenyc.com

Life and career

Early life and musical beginnings

Dyme-A-Duzin was born on May 13, 1992 and grew up in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.[3][4] Dyme showed an early interest in music, writing his first song at the age of 11 and producing his first music video at the age of 14. He grew up listening to artists such as 50 Cent, Eminem, Kanye West and Jay-Z. Between 2008 and 2011, he released his first three mixtapes via DatPiff, the latter of the three being hosted by Plain Pat.[5] Since their initial release, the mixtapes have gone on to receive over 60,000 views.[6][7][8]

2012–2013: Phony Ppl, Warner Bros. Records & A Portrait Of Donnovan

On January 17, 2012, Phony Ppl released their debut album titled Phonyland which was critically acclaimed. The album's sound is characterized as having an eclectic sound that borrows from jazz, hip-hop, R&B, funk, soul and rock. In September 2012, Dyme-A-Duzin signed a recording deal with Warner Bros. Records.[9] In January 2013, Dyme-A-Duzin released his fourth mixtape titled A Portrait of Donnovan. The mixtape featured collaborations with Joey Badass, Capital STEEZ, CJ Fly, Plain Pat, Harry Fraud, Sheriff P and Elbee Thrie.[10] In April 2013, Dyme-A-Duzin, became the East Coast Brand Ambassador for the sneaker and apparel brand Puma; his endorsement was renewed in April 2014.[11][12] In April 2013, Dyme-A-Duzin performed a 10-country European Tour.[13]

2014–2015: Hip Hope, Independence, That Chicken

In April 2014, Dyme-A-Duzin was feature in Puma’s ‘The Shoestring Xperience’ along with international pop group/producers We Are Twin.[14][15] In September 2014 Dyme-A-Duzin released his fifth mixtape titled Hip Hope.[16][17] The mixtape featured collaborations with Casey Veggies, Raz Fresco, Kehlani and more. Dyme-A-Duzin signed to Atlantic Records in 2014.[18] In 2015 Dyme parted ways with Atlantic. Regaining his independence he released one of his top streamed singles to date "That Chicken". The song/video received praise from many fans & media outlets. Premiering on The Fader in September and airing on BET JAMS shortly after. The song served as the first single to his debut album "Crown Fried"

2016 - 2018: That Chicken (Remix) Ghetto Olympics, Crown Fried

In 2016, during the success of the newly released single "That Chicken" Dyme began the "2 Piece Tuesday" series. Releasing 2 songs every 2 weeks via SoundCloud in anticipation of his "Crown Fried" album from Feb-July. The collection of songs ultimately ended up becoming a mixtape of fan favorites called "2 Piece Tape". That summer, Dyme's music was brought to the attention of veteran rapper Fabolous. The two Brooklyn natives collaborated for a remix version "That Chicken". "That Chicken" (Remix) quickly gained blog and media traction from outlets such as Rap Radar, XXL & Complex. The record also played frequently on late night radio NY radio shows for Hot 97 & Power 105.1.. The music video was recorded in Dyme's hometown of Crown Heights and premiered on WorldStarHipHop. It received over 1 million views its first week. On July 14, 2016, Fabolous invited Dyme out to perform along side him during his headlining set at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Discography

Extended plays
  • Nothing Special (with Phony Ppl) (2012)
  • Ghetto Olympics (2017)

Albums
  • Crown Fried (2018)
  • GO2 (TBH)

Mixtapes
  • Shut Up 'n' Listen (2008)
  • The Orientation (2010)
  • 20=X (2011)
  • Phonyland (with Phony Ppl) (2012)
  • A Portrait of Donnovan (2013)
  • Hip Hope (2014)[19][20]
  • 2 Piece Tape (2016)

Guest appearances
List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Artist(s) Album
"Track 4" 2009 Capital Steez, Jakk the Rhymer, Elbee Thrie The Yellow Tape
"You" 2012 9th Wonder, Buckshot The Solution
"New Brooklyn" (Remix) 2013 Peter Rosenberg, Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers The New York Renaissance
"4get About It" Peter Rosenberg

References
  1. Ahmed, Insanul. "10 New NY Rappers To Watch Out For". Complex. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  2. "Dyme-a-Duzin – "New Brooklyn"". Spin. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  3. "DyMe-A-DuZin Talks New Mixtape and 'New Brooklyn' at BK Hip Hop Festival". Kevin Nottingham July 20, 2013. Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  4. "Kreep NYC Interviews Dyme-A-Duzin". Kreep NYC August 21, 2013. Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  5. "DyMe-A-DuZiN â – 20=X (Mixtape)". The Source June 18, 2011. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  6. "Dyme-A-Duzin =X Shut Up N Listen". Dymez513 via DatPiff July 1, 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  7. "Dyme-A-Duzin = The Orientation". www.enliten.me via DatPiff July 29, 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  8. "Dyme-A-Duzin = 20=X". Dymez513 via DatPiff June 26, 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  9. "Dyme-A-Duzin Signs to Warner Bros. Records". Dyme-A-Duzin via YouTube September 19, 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  10. "Mixtape: DyMe-A-DuZiN "A Portrait of Donnovan"". Complex January 16, 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  11. "XXL Presents Dyme A Duzin". XXL February 17, 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  12. "Interview: DyMe-A-DuZin Talks Brooklyn, Latest Mixtape, and His Favorite Sneakers". Complex September 11, 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  13. "Dyme-A-Duzin: Swank the Lord – European Tour April 11 – 26". houseofnotoi.re April 14, 2013. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  14. "Dyme-A-Duzin Featured In Puma's 'The Shoestring Xperience'". XXL April 10, 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  15. "Dyme-A-Duzing – Child (New Again)". RapWave.net April 11, 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  16. "Dyme-A-Duzin – Hip Hope". POTB September 23, 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  17. "Interview: Dyme-A-Duzin Talks 'Hip Hope,' Atlantic Records and More". Respect Magazine. November 4, 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  18. "Atlantic Records: Dyme-a-Duzin". Atlantic Records. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
  19. Kujundzic, Petar. "HYPETRAK Premiere: DyMe-A-DuZiN – A Portrait of Donnovan (Mixtape)". Hypetrak. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  20. "The Come Up: Dyme-A-Duzin". XXL Mag. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
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