Peaking through an external lens, it’s impossible to deny how much pure talent and star potential Pontiac’s own DDG has. From transitioning as a prolific and popular content creator on YouTube to a full-blown artist with features from G Herbo, Blueface, Queen Naija, YBN Nahmir, and more, the multifaceted DDG proves to be in a lane all his own whilst exemplifying the true definition of the word versatility. Delving through his concise but impactful discography, DDG has ascended with every subsequent release with his latest album, Valedictorian, truly being the stepping stone to a new echelon. The album, named as an ode to DDG being named valedictorian of his high school class, features some of his most successful singles to date with “Hold Up” and “Run It Up”.
Furthermore, his success has only continued to increase exponentially this year with the remix to his latest single “Moonwalking in Calabasas” featuring his friend and collaborator Blueface catching fire. With the music video garnering over 13 million views in a little over a month, anticipation continues to build for DDG’s forthcoming project. Touching base on a variety of topics, we had the opportunity to chat with the Pontiac star about how “Moonwalking in Calabasas” came together, how life after the pandemic has been treating him, and more below.
How did the "Moonwalking in Calabasas" Remix come together?
Blueface reached out to me hop on the song with how crazy it’s been going after I dropped it. The remix has taken off also, which has been cool to see.
How has the process of putting your forthcoming album together been thus far?
I’ve really just been solidifying everything and locking in the basic structure for the project. Coming off my last album, I’m really lookin’ to show people the progression and growth that I’ve undergone the past year. In terms of the features I got, everyone on the album are people that I’m close with, and am overall really excited to share the album with the world.
What was the transition like from Youtube to Music? Looking at the number of content creators on the platform who have attempted a transition to music, you are definitely in a league all your own being as respected as you are in the industry.
It was a difficult transition, but I feel like I definitely put the work in to be where I’m at today. I feel like I’m the first male artist to really transition from Youtube into being a legitimate artist, and truly have a real talent for making music.
How do you feel about a lot of artists transitioning to content creation due to the pandemic limiting a lot of revenue streams that would have otherwise been viable?
It’s funny because that’s something I started off doing, and it’s been interesting to see everyone going into that lane.
Discussing your hometown of Pontiac, how do you feel about the city, and what was the transition like once you moved to LA?
Having been in LA for a minute, I’ve pretty much been adjusted to living here for a while now. Moved my family out here as well with my mom living down the street from me matter of fact. I do definitely want to give back to Pontiac and help the community more once COVID is over though.
In terms of your life subsequent to COVID-19, what have you been up to?
Really just been bored at the crib. Having a love for traveling, it’s been difficult not to be able to go out and see different parts of the world. Not being able to perform has been tough too, but I’ve really been very much focused on music during quarantine time.