LOS ANGELES, CA – There once was a time when gaining fame through YouTube was a rare feat.
Thanks to Soulja Boy for setting the tone in the mid-00s, we now have a plethora of vlogger-turned-recording artists to listen to. (Thanks, Big Draco!)
DDG is one of the more successful YouTube pioneers of his generation. Putting his home city of Pontiac, Michigan on the map, the soon-to-be 23-year-old is streaming thousands of views with every YouTube video he uploads, and more recently bought a multi-million dollar mansion in California off the strength of his grind.
In the midst of inking a deal between his own label DDG Entertainment and Epic Records in 2019, DDG took off with popularized track “Run It Up” and since then, he’s been putting in major work with features from promising sensations like Lil Baby, G Herbo, Queen Naija, YBN Nahmir, and more.
View this post on Instagram1 Million ??? @bluefacebleedem ?: @junofiles
More recently, DDG collaborated with Blueface, the guy who’s reputation for being “off-beat” resulted in him even titling his last LP Find The Beat. The two paired up for a smooth remix to DDG’s “Moonwalking in Calabassas,” which currently stands at 8.1 million views and counting, off of DDG’s upcoming project with OG Parker. The break-out hit gave DDG all the momentum needed to solidify why he’s one of the hottest artists coming up today with multiple streams of income.
The “Hold Up” rapper conversed with HipHopDX about teaming up with Blueface, beating him in basketball, and how the Blueface jokes about “finally rapping on beat” didn’t phase him one bit.
“We seen each other around before, but never worked on anything together,” DDG told DX. “He heard the original track and wanted to jump on it. He came through for the video, and it was crazy … he’s a cool dude.”
The “Moonwalking In Calabassas (Remix)” video shows off a mansion filled with girls, DDG, and Blueface of course, as they toss money all over the floor and pay homage to the legendary footwork coined by Michael Jackson. Although the visual shows a super-lit house party taking place in the middle of a pandemic, DDG is spitting real-life bars about how he came to be as successful as he is in life. Blueface’s flow is much different than what we are used to hearing from him since he debuted with his smash hit, “Thotiana.” Many credited DDG for creating a song that made Blueface rap “on-beat”for once.
“I wouldn’t say I made him rap on beat,” DDG admits. “I’m sure he rapped on-beat before me.”
View this post on InstagramMoonwalking in Calabasas Remix ft. @bluefacebleedem ????? Music video drops tomorrow ? @lewisyounasty
The chemistry exhibited in the music video shows both rappers love to have fun and don’t take themselves too seriously. DDG, who is known for playing many YouTubers and celebrities in basketball, said, “I could beat anyone in basketball because I’m the greatest,” when asked if he would ever challenge Blueface to a game. He’s already played against Chris Brown, Blueface, and other YouTubers during celebrity basketball tournaments.
View this post on InstagramI did some LeBron/Steph Curry shit on @liltjay & now I see why rappers be duckin me in this hoopin shit ? Steal to the layup to the half court buzzer ??♂️ full video on YouTube
DDG is currently pushing Moonwalking In Calabassas (Remix)” to its fullest potential while he gets in gear to drop more music. He’s even created an OnlyFans account where fans can see the uncut version of the video. DDG did mention that he isn’t interested in making his traditional YouTube videos in our full-length interview, which has left many of his fans confused.
Follow DDG on Instagram and check out the music video to “Moonwalking In Calabassas (Remix)” featuring Blueface below.