Audacious and brave.
These are the two words that best describe the rapper and musical innovator Kwaku DMC.
Regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of drill which is locally referred to as Asakaa in Ghana, Kwaku DMC has grown into one of the beloved rappers in the West African Region. As his ascent to the top continues, Kwaku DMC's success story began a decade ago in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.
Born Derrick Okyere Brobbey, Kwaku DMC started writing rap lyrics in 2009 but it was not until 2016 when he found his voice. After joining forces with Sean Lifer and Rabby Jones Life Living Records, the label that has helped define and propel the now dominant hip hop subgenre locally called "Asakaa" (or drill music) while unearthing new talents such as Jay Bahd, O’Kenneth, Kawabanga, Skyface SDW & City Boy.
After putting out singles, Kwaku DMC would release his debut mixtape, "Road to TrApHouse", the project boasted of tracks like "Breaking Bad", which helped win the burgeoning rapper some level of attention in Kumasi. By the release of "Road to TrApHouse 2", his profile was being recognized beyond Kumasi and its environs. The single "Off-White" would grab the attention of renowned fashion designer and Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh, subsequently helping the song go viral. The friendship between Kwaku DMC and Virgil Abloh resulted in a collaboration on a limited edition of Off-White Louis Vuitton sneakers.
What sets Kwaku DMC apart from other rappers is his lyrical abilities and street tales. His lyrics are often descriptive and picturesque; something along the lines of the legendary Stanley Kubrick movies. His anecdotes smack of honesty and are a reflection of his own lifestyle - a brilliant combination of street narratives pegged alongside high end luxury tales- a ghetto fabulous story.
King Kong Gorilla’s connection with his fans is highly linked to the honesty in his stories, either on full songs or guest verses. Songs like "Barima", ‘’N.O.D’’, ‘’Oh Please’’, ‘’Ay3 Hu", ''Sinner `` and ''Condemn '' are some notable examples.
At present, Kwaku DMC has three mixtapes - the road to TrApHouse series- and countless singles and guest verses.