Desiigner: The Rapper Behind the Viral Hit "Panda"
What He's Known For
Desiigner is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame with his 2015 debut single "Panda", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's success led to him signing with
Kanye West's GOOD Music, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings, and releasing several other popular tracks.
Early Life
Born Sidney Royel Selby III on May 3, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York City, Desiigner is of Afro-Barbadian and African American descent. He grew up in the
Louis Armstrong housing projects in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, where he was exposed to music from a young age. His grandfather, Sidney "Guitar Crusher" Selby, was a blues musician, and Desiigner began practicing vocals in school choir and church.
Career Highlights
Desiigner started his music career under the alias "Dezolo" before switching to "Designer Royel" and eventually dropping the "Royel" part to become simply "Desiigner". In December 2015, he released his debut track "Zombie Walk", followed by "Panda", which gained viral status online. The song's success led to him signing with GOOD Music in February 2016, and he went on to release several other popular tracks, including "Tiimmy Turner", which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Major Works
- "Panda" (2015) - debut single that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- "Tiimmy Turner" (2016) - peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100
- Featured on Kanye West's tracks "Pt. 2" and "Freestyle 4" from the album "The Life of Pablo" (2016)
Awards and Honors
Desiigner has been nominated for several awards, including the BET Award for Best New Artist and the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Hip-Hop Artist.
Personal Milestones
In 2019, Desiigner departed from GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, marking a new chapter in his career. Despite being labeled a "one-hit wonder" by some critics, Desiigner remains a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry.
Quotes and Memorable Sayings
"I'm not a one-hit wonder. I've got a lot of hits." - Desiigner on his career trajectory
Impact on Pop Culture
Desiigner's music has been featured in various TV shows and films, including "Black-ish", "Ballers", and "Fences". His song "Panda" has also been remixed and covered by numerous artists.
Fun Facts
- Desiigner's name was inspired by the fashion brand, Louis Vuitton.
- He was 14 when he started his music career.
Legacy
Despite facing criticism and setbacks, Desiigner remains a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry, known for his unique style and energetic performances. His music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans alike.
FAQ
What is Desiigners real name?
Desiigners real name is Sidney Royel Selby III. He was born on May 3, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York.
What is Desiigners most famous song?
Desiigners most famous song is Panda, which was released in 2015 and became a massive hit, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Which record label is Desiigner signed to?
Desiigner is signed to G.O.O.D. Music, a record label founded by Kanye West. He was one of the labels flagship artists before leaving in 2019.
Has Desiigner collaborated with any notable artists?
Desiigner has collaborated with several notable artists, including Kanye West, Pusha T, and Gucci Mane. He has also worked with producers such as Mike Dean and Mensah.
What is Desiigners current status in the music industry?
Desiigner has been relatively quiet in the music industry in recent years, with few releases and public appearances. He has been focusing on his personal life and has hinted at a possible comeback in the future.
