Born in Kingston, raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica, and currently residing in the Bronx, NY, Dwayne Domonick “D-TECK” Grant admits that music was of little interest to him during his early years. A self-proclaimed “boring” kid, his interest in music took a 360 degree turn around 1997 when friend and mentor, Biggie J, introduced him to the song “I'll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy, featuring Faith Evans; a tribute to the late, great Notorious B.I.G. Soon, he found himself listening to a variety of artists from the hip hop genre - DMX, JayZ & Eminem (among others) – and was soon falling head-over-heels in love with music.
Inspired by the rise of 50Cent and G-Unit in 2001, D-TECK decided to take music seriously. He began writing, singing, rapping and learning more about the industry. In 2004, he met Christopher “Spida” Boswell, former member of the Refugee Camp and now, of Konvict Yard Muzik. Spida soon became a close friend and influence. Thanks to Spida and, in part, his girlfriend, Dwayne was given the name D-TECK. The seed had been planted and a rising star was born.
Exploding onto the music scene in 2004, D-TECK recorded his first two tracks: Can't Stop, Won't Stop ; featuring Spida and Thanks. D-TECK soon gained popularity and recognition in his own community and was asked to join the Galarush Productions family, where he began working on projects with recording artists such as Biggie J, Ripley, Ice Bergz, Izula, Singa Mac and Monique.
During this time, he discovered the incredible talent of Richieloop, whose unique beats and industry quality sounds were sure to make him “the next big thing.” Introducing Richieloop to the CEO of Galarush productions in 2005, D-TECK predicted that Richieloop would take the market by storm as a producer and recording artist within the next five years. Sure enough, Richieloop released the hottest party track in Jamaica in 2010. Richieloop formed his own company, Dumstruck Productions, which provides the beats for D-TECK's own music.
While attending University of the West Indies in Jamaica, D-TECK met Damian “Cryptic” Gray, thanks to actor and Dub poet Yuri Stewart. Their campus performances brought much popularity and recognition among those in their college community. He has since collaborated on tracks with Enza of the 50/50 Konvict Muzik family, and following a performance at John's Grill in Manhattan, D-TECK met Rick Threat, a Canadian rapper who was previously signed to the A&M label. Rick Threat realized the talent that D-TECK possessed and featured him on the album The Loveolution.
Many people, to whom he is forever grateful, have influenced and played a role in D-TECK's success. He has learned much about the industry, lyric writing and music production, having set up his own studio on the college campus, he began mixing vocals and harmony and began singing more as well. He is the founder of his own label, D-TECK Management/Records and is currently managing several talented recording artists. He has a great ear for music and a talent for both performing and directing the production of music.
D-TECK believes that nothing is impossible and has decided not to lock himself into one particular genre. While he has an affinity for Jamaican music, rap and hip hop, he feels that the heart and soul of music comes from following the desires of one's heart, rather than a particular genre. He will rap and sing, whatever the genre, as long as he feels the music in his heart and soul. Through his performances in New York, D-TECK's popularity has grown and he has expanded his reach. His industry network has expanded as well, including many well-known and rising stars; both recording artists and those in the production end of the business. Having a knack for the marketing and promotions side of the music industry, D-TECK is not only a recording artist, performer, producer and manager of other artists; In late 2010, Qwes Kross, who he met through his association with Enza, invited D-TECK to become a member of the 50/50 Konvict Muzik family, where he now serves as the online marketing director, A&R and also a recording artist.
D-TECK's talent has served to bring much success already, but this is only the beginning. D-TECK is going places. Expect nothing but greatness, as this rising star continues on his upward path. From Konvict Yard Muzik to 50/50 Konvict Muzik, There is still much more to come.
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