Darnell Williams – Coney Island

The Audio:

A charismatic Detroit native with a penchant for outrageously creative videos, Darnell Williams combines the grit of his hometown with the flash of his adopted city of L.A. Riding a halting cadence over a dramatic, speaker-knocking trap instrumental, Darnell stunts on “Coney Island,” his latest single. Named after a signature Detroit delicacy (a hot dog in a bun topped with a savory meat sauce and sometimes other toppings), “Coney Island” is an anthem for the casual ballers, who stunt without an expression on their faces. “Coney Island” is the latest single from Darnell, following the clip for “Yung Spike Lee,” which Pigeons & Planes premiered this summer.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Darnell Williams left home at 18 to attend Columbia College in Chicago, majoring in film. While in college, Darnell met Mike Waxx and Mike Carson, who would eventually form the acclaimed artist collective illroots. With illroots, Darnell helped direct several popular clips, beginning with “Too Fake” by Big Sean and Chiddy Bang, developing a sterling reputation as a music video auteur. In 2013, Darnell left illroots to pursue his dream as an artist, leaving himself homeless, sleeping on couches in South Central L.A. Darnell’s first success as a rapper came with “Boss Up Den Flex,” a short video that won critical acclaim and caught the eye of Travi$ Scott, who retweeted the video to his legion of followers. Since then, Darnell has been on a steady rise, earning praise from the likes of XXL and Pigeons and Planes, as well as a feature on HOWSLA, and a placement in the credits of an episode of HBO’s Silicon Valley for the electro-rap banger “Blown.” “Blown” can be found on the Silicon Valley soundtrack. Look for an EP from Darnell to hit stores later this year.