Published on March 20th, 2016 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who is Daw$on?

Singer and Rapper Daw$on Inman aka “D Money” was born in Memphis,Tn on Oct 26th,1995. He started playing the drums when he was only 9. He started rapping in 2012 when he was 16. His mother Kelly Inman, had him home-schooled, because of all of the violence going on at the time in the American school systems. He graduated from home schooling in 2014. Daw$on added the dollar sign in his name because his entire life, people called him D-Money. So he added the dollar sign in his name so people that didn’t know him would see that he was about the dollars. He was hired as the camera guy for PTE Artist iHeart Memphis in Jan 2016.

In Feb of 2016 iHeart Memphis let the Ceo of Palm Tree Ent Ceo Miami Mike hear a song that he recorded with Daw$on called Snap Chat Jumping produced by PTE Platinum Producer Buck Nasty leaving a radio interview. Miami Mike was amazed by Daw$on’s talent and signed him to PTE the next week. Since then, Daw$on has been touring the country and promoting his single Snap Chat Jumping.

As you see your self, who is Daw$on?

Well, for starters… that’s my actual name. It’s on my birth certificate and everything, haha. Daw$on is the product of 4-5 years of hard work, diligent songwriting, and long studio hours. I went through a lot of different alias’ and different styles of music to just get to where I am, but I’m happy with where it’s headed.

What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?

I’ve always been surrounded by music. I’ve pretty much been singing my whole life. After I was in a couple of failed bands, I kind of gave up on music honestly. I had quit playing shows, started staying at home more and working on my designs. When I was 14, Wayne dropped No Ceilings and my friend showed it to me. I think I started writing raps that same week to be honest. It happened kind of fast. For a couple of years it was all a joke, I had a Macbook that I bought myself and my friends would come record songs with me, but by the time I was 16, people were telling me that I was actually good, and that’s when I started taking it seriously.

What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?

I listen to a lot of Jordan Hollywood, Alex Wiley, Earthgang type stuff. I try to keep my influences broad. iHeart has definitely influenced me to turn up more though. My newer music is going to be a reflection of that, no reason not to be excited about life and to get other people excited too!

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

I believe in fate. I feel like everything happens for a reason, and the way I met iHeart and Miami Mike is pretty crazy… so I think signing with Mike is my confirmation that I’m doing what I need to be doing.

What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?

My job. I worked like 50 hours a week and made music every night. I was worn out, started getting really out of shape, didn’t sleep much, etc. I finally shook my bosses hand and said “This isn’t for me” and left one day randomly. Honestly, I quit my job with no plan of attack at all. I signed with Miami Mike a week later.

What do you want people get from your music?

Positive Vibes. Not to sound corny or anything, but I want people to be able to turn up hard to my music. I want them to feel good. It would be dope for people to tell me one day that my music help them get through a breakup, meet a personal goal, etc.

Tell us about your current project?

I am a pretty scatter brained person, I have a lot of ideas… but I’m definitely working on an album right now, haha. It’s going to take people off-guard. I’m trying to team up with as many local Memphians as possible to make it happen. I don’t want to rush it, but I’d love to drop the project sometime after summer.

What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?

The process of getting signed was super awesome. I had to prove myself to everyone and I’ve never seen myself work so hard for something. That would be my greatest achievement so far… I’m gonna top it soon though. haha.

If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Lil Wayne without a doubt. He’s the reason I started rapping. My number 2 would be Ed Sheehan.

If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?

I’ve got this song from the album… it’s called Workin’ and that is probably my most honest track ever. I wrote it the day after I quit my job and everyone who has heard the joint loves it.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

Hmm.. Oh yeah, I was at this Waka Flocka Flame concert in Memphis one night. I think I was like 17 at the time. Either way, I somehow made my way into his green room where all his homies were bumping unreleased music, eating Hooters wings, etc. I was standing next to this chick… and Waka looks at me and says “You know she likes white boys?” and I was speechless haha. I ended chilling with him and his DJ for the whole night. We took a picture and all that… I’ll have to post it again one day.

Interviewed By: Just Jay

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