We all decide where we invest our time and money. Some choose stocks & bonds, some choose clothing & “poppin'” social lives; Maryland rapper Dunson decided to invest in himself.

At 24 years old, Dunson left the financial world and quit his position as a financial advisor at a Baltimore firm to commit full time to his passion and first love music. A step not many in his position could have taken.

This multi-musician started playing instruments at 8 years old and began producing beats when his mother bought then 12-year-old Dunson a sequencer in middle school so that he could live out his desire to produce tracks like Timbaland. In addition to playing the drums and piano, Dunson likes to sing, but his Grammy nominated production team Phat Boiz endearingly encourage him to stick to rhyming.

Dunson believes he’s different from many other rappers because of his interesting background. Dunson grew up in humble beginnings, but due to perseverance and a strong support system, he went on to be the first person in his family to obtain a college degree. He feels he produces music for well-rounded, refined people, much like himself. “I know ratchet. I know that side, but that’s not really me.”

During our interview hang-out session, Dunson mentioned that he’s interested in moving into acting. “I think I’d make a great a ‘bad guy,’ but they’d probably make me a cop. The light skin guy is always a cop,” Dunson says through laughter. I guess I understand the “bad boy” thing, as he mentioned how his production team calls him “The Raging Bull” when he gets his hands on a bottle of Maker’s Mark Whiskey.

Technology has been one of Dunson’s greatest assets, allowing him to interact with and attract new fans. “I think the people want to feel connected to artsits and technology allows that in a way never available before. Before record labels would use smoke and mirrors to produce their artists, but the people want to feel like they’re your homie.” Though he feels technology has helped him, he wants to remind other emerging artists that with any great tool, if abused, creates another problem. Over-saturation of the market has Dunson working overtime to stay fresh and unique since “people can create an entire album right from their bedroom,” Dunson says, “So study those who are successful.”

I guess that means you guys should watch the moves of Dunson. His current single “Spotlight” from his 2012 release “The Investment” is in rotation in various markets. Most notably, you can hear it on WKYS 93.9 here in The DMV.

Check out this freestyle Dunson kicked for me right after he declared that he will sell out The Fillmore in Silver Spring in the next 5 years. Opening for acts like John Legend and Chrisette Michele, I don’t doubt him one bit.

http://youtu.be/1QOMCVUvcEI

Keep up with Dunson:

dunsonmusic.com

Twitter: @KentonDunson

Instagram: @KentonDunson

Facebook : Facebook.com/DunsonMusic

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