Today we’d like to introduce you to Dante’ Pride.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a unsigned Christian Hip Hop Artist born and raised in a small town called Decatur, Alabama. Growing up a Preacher’s kid, a preacher’s grandson, a preacher’s nephew. (You get the point) all I grew up around was gospel music, and since I grew up baptist, I swore I was going to be a quartet singer. But I loved Artist such as Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, and Detrick Haddon etc. because their music was so energetic, different, and urban. I remember being in the back of my uncle’s truck hearing him blasting hip hop music, I heard the beat, and it was insane, then I heard the name Jesus, and my first question was “This is gospel?” Thank you Canton Jones, Lecrae, and The Cross Movement, just to name a few. Me being a church drummer and not being crazy about gospel music? Don’t worry, I love it now. But I believe that one encounter to Christian Hip Hop in the back of my uncle’s truck was God planting the seed to get me to where I am now.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I’ve had to embrace being eccentric. I’ve struggled with Anxiety, rejection, and strongly caring about the opinions of other people. Wanting to please others always to avoid being disliked. I remember in school knowing I had a calling over my life, I struggled with trying to be “normal” and fitting in, and standing out and being chosen. Later, in my music journey, I discovered the difference between religion and relationship. I began to speak out on things such as church attire, about how God is perfectly fine with us dressing urban for church. The ripped jeans, the fitted/dad caps etc. and some tables were definitely turned that left some offended. Even made a song about it! But having courage to step forward, that particular song became the most pivotal thing of my career. Anxiety still may come to visit, but I’ve made it my priority to cast it down.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I believe God has blessed me with the gift to speak into your future. That a bad place that you may be in now, is not your forever. If you have ever experienced a Dante’ Pride concert, it is insane. A lot ask, “Where does all this energy come from?” because I’m a pretty chill guy. That all comes from knowing what God has done for me, and is going to do, and it excites me even more knowing that he can do the same thing for each and every person that is willing to let him in. What makes me different? There are so many songs in that are being released that are just great songs with titles. But as for Dante’, I just want to make great songs with an impact. If just one life is touched from my music it’s all worth it.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Do not stop! The only way you will fail is if you stop! We live in a generation where we all want fast results. The journey is what makes it all worth it.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me is experiencing a dose of heaven on earth before I get to heaven. I want my Wife and I to be able to establish generational wealth for our bloodlines, I also want to change the lives of people that think there is no hope. But most importantly, success is never fully accomplished until we leave here. I want God to be able to say you used every single talent that I’ve given you to uplift my kingdom.
What’s next for you?
What’s next for Dante’? I recently just released a single entitled “I DON’T GIVE A WOAH” that encourages you not to care what others think! Also a tour is in the works! So yep, that means we are taking inquiries for fall 2022 dates!
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can follow me on all social media platforms @iAmDantePride Also for bookings contact management at DantePrideBookings@gmail.com