Dior Velour
Daniel Carthane Jr, formerly known as DVNNY808 and "Gwalaboy DC", is an African American rapper, producer, and songwriter from Pontiac, MI.
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Early life
Dior Velour was born and raised by two musicians in Pontiac, MI. Always around music, his father being a well known jazz saxophonist, put him around the Metro Detroit music scene at a young age. His mother, a well known singer, would teach him how to sing along with his older siblings. On his 10th birthday he bought a CD player and played Tupac albums back to back. Later that same night he decided, he wanted to be a rapper
Career
At the ripe age of 13 years old, Dior and his bestfriends formed a rap group named "N.B.S" (Nothing But Swag). The same summer they began recording off of a laptop and karaoke mic they scraped together. They started dropping music on YouTube and Facebook where they gained attention from peers. Later on the group would be offered a marketing deal through a small Detroit based record label. However, the group broke up and never got a chance to take advantage of the opportunities.
At 16, the yaktown MC would begin battle rapping and gaining clout from his peers. This in turn would get the attention of older rappers from the city. He was introduced to Pontiac rap legend, "One B Lo", who suggested he finds a producer or start making his own beats. With offers from Mic Murderaz, Dior continued to perfect his craft while learning how to produce as a trade.
In his freshman year of college, he would pick up where he left off. Coincidentally, he would be living in the dorm with another aspiring rapper, "Vito Bell". Becoming bestfriends and mistaken for being twins, the duo would ditch courses to hit WiseGuy Studios in Detroit, MI. Eventually, Dior using his social media platform would start working with the super producer "Lil Keis". The connection Dior made ended up getting the duo featured on beats and the "Pothead EP".
That same year Dior would meet local and popular Detroit producer "RJ Lamont" and be featured on "Hood Tapes Vol. 2". In addition, Dior linked with "DJ Big Stud" where he got placements on several of Atlanta based mixtapes. This would land him on a feature with Detroit rap legend "Payroll Giovanni". The song titled, "C.R.E.A.M", a single from Vito Bell's mixtape, "Almighty". Hosted by CMG affiliate, "DJ Smallz", the tape put the duo on a higher social status around their hometowns and college campus.
After dropping out of college, the artist took rap more seriously. Dior linked up with Chief Keef affiliate, "DJ Hustlenomics" and also got featured on Detroit based platform, 4shoMag. Back in those days he went by the name of "Gwalaboy DC" and then would later change it to "DVNNY808".
In 2017, his childhood friend and fellow rapper "A.D" introduced him to Detroit rapper/producer "Rolando Soul". The two artists hit the ground running, sending each other beats and featuring on each others songs. This led to Soul connecting the Pontiac rapper to several of shows, including the "Grub and Groove Festival" recorded live by FOX 2 at the legendary Hart Plaza. The same summer, Dior met upcoming Detroit rapper, "Courtney Bell", through Rolando being the mutual friend. The trio would make a song for Dior's, "Project Dreamz EP" that would also feature Houston singer, "OhLordRoe".
The Yakistan rapper/producer would now consider himself top tier among his peers. New found confidence in the artist made a rift in the local music scence. Along with fellow rapper "Dell Gotti" and fashion designer "BHunt" of NewTrueMedia; they began the campaign of "No Wack Rappers". The city would take it as disrespect and a challenge with Dior being the prime target.
Aside from being public enemy #1, this didnt stop the controversial MC. After linking up with Pontiac producer "Dryce", he begin recording in Detroit producer "Helluva" studio. Also collaborating with Pontiac's very own "RAWMCLEX", "Nirvana Nash", and "TreOnTheBeat".
In 2018, he dropped a series of singles. One of them being the self-produced "Black $oul", caught the attention of local CEO, "Sin Crawford". The two would build a bond as Sin being a mentor. Therefore, Dior felt comfortable signing a distribution deal with "Friends and Family Entertainment" by way of "Orchard Sony Music".
Teaming up with Detroit engineer, "6soGood" and childhood friend/producer, "MIKEDMN.", Dior dropped singles and his second project titled, "Before I Wake EP". The project was the second installment of his debut. However, this would lead him to rebranding himself. In 2021, "DVNNY808" was retired and "Dior Velour" was born.
Personal life
He is the youngest of his siblings, having an older brother and sister. Daniel was an honors class student in middle and high school courses. He graduated from Pontiac High School in 2013. Being the first true class from the combined high school, he was in the band and played sports. He would also gain scholarships and be named "First Place Mr. Hero" by the Delta Fortitude Foundation. He attend Saginaw Valley State University where he made a name for himself before dropping out as a freshman.
Daniel currently resides in his hometown of Pontiac, MI. A rapper, producer, songwriter and model. He works closely with local designers and photographer/friend "Verb".
