- Dalvin DeGrate, also known as Mr. Dalvin is still an active American R&B and soul musician popular for being part of Jodeci; an American R&B quartet formed in 1989
- The singer has released only 1 album since he went solo in 2000. His fans have however continued to feel his impact due to his periodic releases of various hit singles
- Despite his huge success as an entertainer, Dalvin has remained unmarried. He has nonetheless previously dated the famous musician T-Boz
Even though not many young lovers of R&B/hip hop may be well acquainted with his works and exploits, DeGreate’s recent hit singles like Inseperable (2021) and GOODTIMEZ (2020) have taken a lot of his old fans through a nostalgic ride back to his more active years in the 90s.
The singer recently reunited on a casual ground with his former girlfriend T-Boz and he is currently alleged to be not just a father but also a granddaddy. Keep reading to find more interesting details about the life of Mr. Dalvin.
Early Life and Career of Dalvin Degrate
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Degrate was born originally as Dalvin Ertimus DeGrate on the 23rd of July 1971 in Hampton Virginia USA. His parents are Mary DeGrate, and Donald DeGrate; a gospel musician and minister popular with his 1984 record I Know Who Jesus is.
Mr. Dalvin first made his professional debut in 1991 and has remained active in the R&B entertainment world since then.
Mr.Dalvin’s actually had his early music days in the Church choir. His impressive gift earned him a spot in his father’s gospel singing group. He later joined Jodeci before finally landing his own solo career. His early works with Jodeci include Diary of a Mad Band (1993) and The Show, The Show After Party, (1995). He however released his first solo album Met.A.Mor.Phic on the 18th of April 2000.
The singer was supposed to again release another album titled Met.A.Mor.Phic 2: The Rivalry of a Singer and A Rapper in 2010 featuring hip-hop giants Ludacris, Method Man, and Redman. The album was unfortunately not released following a dispute that erupted between him and his record label, Def Jam at that time. His resignation from Def Jam saw him forming his own record label which he called DeGreat productions.
In 2012, the entertainer said he was working on an album Titled Egomaniac. But Just like Met.A.Mor.Phic 2: The Rivalry of a Singer and A Rapper, Egomaniac was later shelved.
Apart from his record label, De Great He was able to join Cassandra Mills in forming another record label called Christo Chrome. Sources say he was working on another album in 2018 but nothing has been heard about it till now.
Still in regard to his career, the 54-year-old has written and produced a lot of songs for renowned artists like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Tupac, Jewel, and Flo Rida.
Here is Dalvin Degrate’s Discography
With Jodeci
- Forever My Lady – 1991 (Sold 1.2 million copies)
- Diary of a Mad Band – 1993
- The Show, the After Party, the Hotel – 1995
- The Past, The Present, The Future – 2015
Solo
- Met.A.Mor.Phic – 2000 (Album)
- GOODTIMEZ – 2020
- She Bad – 2021
- And I – 2021
- Inseparable – 2021
SEE ALSO: Susan Pwajok- Bio And Shocking Facts About The Young Actress And Model
Where is the Musician Right Now?
He is still in the United States and succeeding in his solo career many years after leaving Jodeci. Even though Dalvin is no longer with the quartet group, he continues to push the Jodeci brand. According to him, he loves Jodeci and it seems to him like they just built a magnificent house and then checked out of it. He said even though he has gone solo, he will never leave his foundation.
Is He Married?
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Between 1990-1994 Dalvin was Dating Tionne otherwise known as T-Boz. Since the duo split in the middle 90s, not much has been heard of his romantic life again. Be that as it may, rumors making the rounds say the singer has a daughter from his baby mama.
Similarly, a little girl is often spotted on the rapper’s Instagram page but he has not confirmed whether or not she is his daughter. Other media outfits have reported that the singer likely has more than one child and he also might be a grandfather now.
What is His Net Worth?
The American-born entertainer has made a huge sum through advertising and his vast sponsorship deals. He also earns a great deal of money from his endorsement contracts. Moreso, he has been a successful musician for over 3 decades now. All these have placed DeGrate at a projected sum of $4.5 Million.
Intriguing Facts about Dalvin DeGrate
1. He Had a Tough Start-Up as a Musician
The R$B Singer has said in an interview that starting up as a musician was really tough for him and his group. According to Dalvin, he had to stay with roaches and rats at a point in time when he left home in search of a greener pasture. He however said that he and his colleagues never gave up.
He said that he and Jodeci left North Carolina for New York with only $300 with them and of course their demo tapes. They kept begging people to listen to their songs until they were able to strike a deal with Uptown Records.
2. He is a Preacher’s Kid and He Started Music at Christ Tabernacle Pentecostal Church
Like many talented musicians out there, Dalvin Degrate started music in the Church. According to Him, His father Rev. Donald was pastoring Christ Tabernacle Pentecostal Church in Charlotte North Carolina.
Dalvin’s father was not just a preacher but also a televangelist with Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). He was again a singer who recorded I Wanna Be Ready in 1979 and also had a recording contract with Nashville, Tennessee-based WORD Records. His children who later became R&B singers used to travel and perform with him and this honed their musical skills.
Sources reveal that Dalvin’s parents have never listened to their children’s platinum-selling album. According to Dalvin, his parents would rather have their children be in the church than be successful out there. Dalvin said he respects his parents especially because they will not bend the rules even for their kids.
3. DeGreat and all the other Jodeci Members were Touring Gospel Singers
The 4 members of Jodeci comprising DeGreat, Devante Joel, and Cedric used to be choir boys. They also grew up under strict parents who were ministers of the gospel. Unknown to their parents, they had already begun listening to R&B tapes. This later change their music genre even though it was against the wish of their parents.
4. Dalvin Degrate’s Parents want Him to Return to Singing Gospel Music
At one point or the other, parents of not only DeGreat but also the entire Jodeci crew have lamented how their sons rose from being gospel choir boys to what they call sexy secular artists. Devante’s father particularly has expressed his desire for his sons to come back home and continue singing the gospel music that they began their music career with. It is said that Degrate and his brother had helped their father record at least 18 albums.
Similarly, The Haileys had recorded 3 albums with their father Cliff under the name Little Cedric and the Hailey Singers.
5. His Brother Devante Swing is the Leader of Jodeci and also an Accomplished Entertainer
Mr. Dalvin’s brother older brother Devante Swing is also an American record producer, singer, rapper, and songwriter. He has produced and mix-engineered several songs including Hi-Five’s I Just Can’t Handle It. He is not just a founding member of Jodeci but also the leader who wrote most of the group’s songs. Mr. Dalvin’s brother is also said to have been the one who discovered great hip-hop giants like Timbaland, Elliott, Static Major, and Stevie J.
Devante Swing was Nearly Murdered in 1993
Swing was attacked during a studio surprise birthday organized for his younger brother Mr. Dalvin on the 23rd of October 1993. According to Mr. Dalvin who narrated the incident in a youtube video, he knew his brother was a profound lover of parties and when he noticed Devante’s absence in the heat of the party, he suspected something was wrong.
Dalvin decided to pick a stroll down to his brother’s house only to discover that he was thoroughly beaten and tied with serious injuries on his head that left him bleeding profusely.
Devante who was already half-dead did not let the thieves go without a fight as he was able to bite the fingers of one of his attackers. The robbers were reported to have whisked away an approximate sum of $20,000 worth of jewelry. The robbers who carried out the attack were later alleged to be two cousins.
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