Sorry world…… Dee-1 does not fit into a box….. He is a college graduate and a middle school teacher. He is a product of New Orleans East and grew up entrenched in all the street elements that trap so many of his kind. He is one of a small number of hip hop artists that can make music that is thought provoking and lyrical while still appealing to the masses. Most of all, Dee-1 is Dee-1. His motto is “I Am Who I Am.” He grew up like most New Orleanians, idolizing No Limit and Cash Money Records, as well as rappers like Nas, DMX, and Tupac. After starting college, Dee-1 switched his passion from basketball to rap, and he has not looked back since. “I’ll be honest, no one has ever represented New Orleans like I will. I’m rapping to entertain, influence lives, and help my people-- I’m not doing it for any selfish reasons. Honestly, real recognizes real, that’s why real people feel my music… black, white, young, old, whoever!” -Dee-1 His N’awlins accent, educated rhymes, clever metaphors, and catchy hook