Published on December 14th, 2015 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who is DeLon? #OfficialHype

DeLon is no stranger to the stage. Starting off as a DJ, he found his passion for music at a young age and started learning the skills of music production while MCing along the way.

DeLon is an American rapper/producer/DJ from Los Angeles, California. He’s worked with notable talent including Ty Dolla $ign and Iggy Azalea was featured in one of his music videos. DeLon toured with Lindsey Stirling, and in 2012, he opened for Lil Jon and the Chemical Brothers.

Utilizing his multi-cultural knowledge and identity, DeLon is innovating a music niche by fusing electronic beats and synths with hip-hop to create a unique style that cannot be sonically compared with any other rapper in the game. Authentic, unique, diverse, progressive and entertaining; DeLon strives to achieve a level of international greatness, positive influence and inspire change for humanity through his music, while at the same time, staying true to his roots.

DeLon is the first Sri Lankan artist to place on the U.S. Billboard Top 100, charting two hits. He also won “Best Rap Performance” at the Derana Music Video Awards in Sri Lanka.

DeLon learned at an early age the importance of hard work and humility, but he wanted to achieve a level of greatness never thought of by someone from his island. DeLon made his musical debut at the young age of 12, DJing for local parties and clubs around his hometown of Pasadena, CA, which began his love affair with hip-hop. A perfect match from the start; DeLon soon made a name for himself performing at clubs throughout Hollywood. DJing gave DeLon the chance to study music and gain a stronger perspective of how people responded to certain beats and melodies.

At the age of 18, DeLon began writing and producing his own music and perfecting his skills on the microphone by regularly attending local rap competitions. Due to his engaging personality, performing and entertaining came as second nature. After his graduation from college, DeLon decided to expand his horizons embarking on a worldwide journey to 40 countries, during which he collected knowledge and indulged himself in music from all over the world.

In 2004, a devastating tsunami hit Sri Lanka and during that time DeLon’s single “Jeevithe” (which means life) became one of the featured tracks on YesFM’s official tsunami release CD. In 2009, he stood up for his country by actively supporting the end of a civil war that had been ravaging Sri Lanka for more than 30 years. After the war, the Counsul General of Sri Lanka, Dr. Hector Weerasinghe, praised DeLon, calling him an “artist of peace,” and stating that his music was “instrumental in bringing global attention to our country and our efforts to rebuild and re-establish democracy.”

His first EP S.O.N. (Something Out of Nothing) was released in 2011, and marked the unveiling of DeLon and his artistic mission of mixing hip-hop and experimental electronic sounds for the first time. The album featured a mix of funky electronic tracks, upbeat melodies and hip-hop lyrics about growing up, falling in love and chasing your dreams. DeLon’s upcoming album is similar to this style, but will take S.O.N. to a completely different level.

This kind of musical innovation, combining a hip-hop performance with a DJ set, allowed DeLon to start touring internationally, from South Asia to the UK. In 2012, DeLon was an official artist at South by Southwest, the second largest music festival in the United States.

DeLon’s specialty was always in the underground hip-hop scene, but in 2012, he began pushing the boundaries. He focused on meshing hip-hop with electronic and dubstep, resulting in up-tempo beats – different from any other MC and/or DJ. Now, he’s creating his own lane by mixing rap with electronic.

2015 marks the beginning of a new era for DeLon. He has two new singles coming out this summer and his EP “Awake” will be released in September. DeLon is a musician, producer, businessman, innovator and creator; an inspiration to many.

As you see yourself, who is DeLon?

Great question. It’s so hard to see yourself, isn’t it? I’d start with that I believe I can make a difference in the world with my music. Music is a powerful conduit, and I try to use it as such. As a lyricist, I have a chance to tell a story or express an idea, and if those ideas or stories can help put another young man back in school or make another young women more secure and empowered then I feel I have accomplished something. I really enjoy blending genres of music and bringing harmony amongst those genres as well.

Tell us about your current project?

“Awake” is a raw unfiltered project. It’s a really stripped down effort —I wasn’t trying to make an EP that met with traditional expectations. In fact, I wanted to just open up and explore my thoughts with my fans. I think a lot, and I believe everyone has thoughts like mine — things like what’s next, who’s really in charge, is this Earth all we have or is there more? It felt good to start these conversations. In terms of musicality, the album is a mix of electronic beats and hard 80’s married with stories of my past experiences. It was a true journey for me, and I hope my new fans enjoy it.

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

It was the moment when I saw my country of origin (Sri Lanka) rally behind a song I made to protect the rights of the people there. It was called “We Struggling” and after writing it, I collaborated with Bathiya and Santhush and they brought it to a whole other level of impact with their remix in which the hook was in Sinhalese. I am super grateful for that collaboration at a time when Sri Lanka was going through such confusion.

What makes you the next great happening?

Whoa, that’s pretty big! Honestly, as a Buddhist, I don’t know if I am or if that’s the plan. I just work hard to try to inspire others through my music and write thought-provoking lyrical content. I don’t think it’s up to me to determine what would make me a great happening. In fact, I think it’s my fans that make me the next great happening? Wouldn’t you agree?

Are you currently signed to a label or have any situation in the making?

I am an independent artist — putting this EP out is an investment in hip-hop as a genre and music as a category of entertainment. I believe these are the conversations we should be having in music right now. I think everyone is ready for a new dialogue in hip-hop and in music, and I am bringing a new sound into the conversation too.

Who and what are your influences?

I always have a hard time answering this specifically as I have been a DJ since I was twelve. It’s difficult to think of a genre of music that wasn’t a part of my influence throughout — from Top 40 in every genre and generation for the last 10+ years, really. Everything from The Eagles to Black Thought. I am influenced by it all.

What should people expect from your upcoming 2016 projects?

They should expect to hear music that is provocative and really makes their head nod and body move. Hopefully they’ll hear something that will bring a smile to their face as they sit back listening to the grooves and think about what I am sharing.

Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

Yes, I am doing “The Awake Collaboration” next. This album will be designed to engage artists who are out there having real conversations. My management and I will be doing outreach and selecting artists for the project. In fact, if you want to nominate someone to join me in the studio, go to my website and let us know. “The Collaboration Collaboration” is set to release in the summer. This first EP was a jumping off point and the next will continue the dialogue. I love every facet of making music: producing, writing, DJing. It’s something that gives me unrestrained drive. Because of that, I am all about working with artists who share the same sentiments of love, respect and honor so this project will be a passion project for me. I am really excited to embark on that next.

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

I remember riding on army tanks in Sri Lanka during the height of our civil war in 2009 with a bullet proof vest on and interviewing ex-child soldiers and ex-suicide bombers who escaped from the clutches of the rebel group. I remember walking through the streets of my homeland thinking freedom is ahead and feeling like I may have, in the smallest way, been a part of this revolution through my music.

Interviewed by: Just Jay

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