David Augustine Jr., better known by his stage name Dee-1, is an
American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Augustine started rapping while attending LSU. After graduating
from LSU in 2007, he began teaching in Baton Rouge. By the end of
2008, he had released three mixtapes: "It's Only Tha Beginning," "Still
We Rise," and "I Am Who I Am." One of his main projects
was a collaboration with Dr. Rani G. Whitfield M.D., a.k.a. “Tha
Hip-Hop Doc,” with whom he toured schools on the lecture circuit.
Dee-1 has been featured in national media outlets such as CNN[1]
and Billboard Magazine.[2] He has also received attention from Louisiana
newspapers and music magazines.[3] After two years of teaching, he
resigned prior to the 2009-2010 school year to focus on his music.
He is a very positive change in the hip hop industry.
2009-present: David & Goliath
His first studio album, "David & Goliath," was released
April 13, 2009. In August 2009, Dee-1 released a Saints-themed song
with trumpet player and rapper, Shamarr Allen, titled "Bring
Em To The Dome". The song was noted in an article by ESPN columnist
Wright Thompson.[4] Additionally, Dee-1 has performed alongside nationally
touring acts such as Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Drake, Trey Songz, Akon,
The Roots, Mya, The Clipse, Musiq Soulchild, Fat Joe, Lil Boosie,
Juvenile, and Big Boi. In October 2010, he was named Artist of The
Year at the NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards.[5] The video for his
song "Jay, 50, & Weezy" was released October 11, 2010.
It has received attention for its content and mention of Lil Wayne,
50 Cent, and Jay-Z. The video has also aired on MTV Jams and according
to program director Tuma Basa has received a lot of positive feedback.[6]
His fourth mixtape, "I Hope They Hear Me," was released
on April 20, 2010. It has received positive reviews.[7]
He released a follow-up entitled "I Hope They Hear Me Vol.
1.5" in December 2010. It combined several new songs with a
collection of tracks from the original mixtape. Vol. 1.5 served as
a prequel to his next mixtape, "I Hope They Hear Me Vol. 2," which
was released on March 1, 2011. Prior to its release, Dee-1 leaked
a track online, available for free download, in early February titled "It's
My Turn". The track has received positive criticism from various
notable hip-hop websites, including XXL and 2dopeboyz.
In April 2011, Dee-1 will be touring with Atlanta rappers Killer
Mike and Young Dro, as well as the southern California-based rap
group Pac Div.[8]
ONE MAN ARMY MOVEMENT
Discography
Independent albums
David & Goliath (2009)
Mixtapes
It's Only Tha Beginning (2004)
Still We Rise (2006)
I Am Who I Am (2008)
I Hope They Hear Me (2010)
I Hope They Hear Me Vol. 1.5 (2010)
I Hope They Hear Me Vol. 2 (2011)
Singles
"Jay, 50 & Weezy" (2010)
"One Man Army" (2010)
"It's My Turn" (2011)