David Stones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Stones
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Stones performing in 2012
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | David Blake |
| Also known as | Stones, S.T., Rollin Stones |
| Born | July 31, 1988 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2006–present |
| Associated acts | Buckshot, Smooth Da ..., Boot Camp Clik, Willie The Kid |
David Blake (born July 31, 1988), known as David Stones, is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He is also a co-founder of District of Hip Hop, or the DOHH Squad.
David Stones became well-known around 2010. At that time, he was using the name Stones. He gained attention after remixing Diddy Dirty Money's song "Hello Good Morning". He also released a music video for it. Websites like Spike.com shared his video. Later, his song "Steppin Out" and its video were featured on 50 Cent's official video blog, BooBooTV. HipHopLead.com also recognized him as an "HHL Co-Signed Artist."
Contents
David Stones: His Life and Music Journey
Early Life and Start in Music (1988–2011)
David Stones was born in Brownsville, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. He started rapping as a hobby. He learned by watching his cousin, Kenyatta Blake, known as Buckshot. Buckshot was part of famous 90s rap groups like Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik. David sees his cousin as a mentor. He often asks him for advice about his music career.
In high school, David formed a rap group called Styxx ‘N Stones. He started it with his friend, Dominick Bunch. They often took part in rap battles and cyphers in their neighborhood. This helped them build their reputation as talented emcees. They recorded many songs together. However, they never officially released any projects as a group. Styxx later joined the US Navy, and David continued his music career. They remained good friends. Sadly, Styxx passed away in a car accident in 2012.
In 2006, David released his first mixtape called "The New Stone Age." He used the name Stones for this project. It did not spread far outside the Tri-State Area because there was not much promotion. Still, it helped him get noticed locally.
From 2007 to 2008, David released many songs and freestyles. He shared them on his Myspace page. In 2009, he got a management deal from the CEO of Gallic Wars Mixtapes. He then released his second mixtape, "The 2009 Collection." This mixtape included songs, freestyles, and interviews from that year.
David Stones took a break from music in late 2010 and all of 2011. During this time, he changed his management. He also changed his stage name from Stones to David Stones. He said this change showed "progression" and was "a new chapter" in his career.
The Steppin Stone: All Or Nuthin (2012)
On November 22, 2012, David Stones released his third mixtape. It was called The Steppin' Stone: All Or Nuthin'. The mixtape featured other artists like Buckshot, Mark Jonas, and Willie the Kid.
One popular song from the mixtape was "Why I Love It." No Malice from the rap group Clipse liked the song. He even tweeted David to say he appreciated it. A hip hop blogger named Tony Grands called the song a "piano-heavy anthem." Christopher Bryan of RapRise said David was "trying to bring the East Coast back in a real way."
The mixtape also had "Triumph 2012." In this song, David remixed a classic Wu-Tang Clan song. It featured Willie The Kid, who is the younger brother of Wu-Tang affiliate La the Darkman. Hip hop blogger Erin Ashley noted David's courage in remaking such a classic song. She said it took "real guts" to do so. Ashley praised David, saying he "held his own." She described the song as "that 90s New York [she's] been longing for."
Another important song on the mixtape was "All Or Nuthin." In this title track, David shared his struggles. He also remembered his friend and rapping partner, Styxx. Who Need's A Genre? praised David for the "raw emotion" and "knowledge" in the song.
Joshua Hendricks reviewed the mixtape. He praised David Stones for creating a project that was not just "a blabbering bunch of random words." He noted that David's "flow is consistent." He also said David raps about real issues. Hendricks called the mixtape's production "really good." He mentioned "The truth," "Live @ The Ramada," and "Systm Bumpn" as standout tracks.
Recent Music (2013–Present)
From 2013 to 2014, Stones released only one song. It was a remix of Drake's "0 to 100 / The Catch Up" single. Music journalist Skinny Friedman reviewed the track. He gave it a 70 rating out of 100.
David Stones's Artistic Style
Musical Inspirations
In an interview, David Stones said his hometown influenced his music a lot. He explained that Brooklyn's "fast-paced" lifestyle gave him "experiences and the insight" for his songs. When asked about his style, he said, "I always try to present a picture of what’s going on in my mind in a genuine way that people can relate to."
He also talked about '90s hip hop, also known as "The Golden Age." He described it as "super original." He named Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Nas, AZ, Boot Camp Clik, Dungeon Family, Snoop, and Dr. Dre as some of his "all time favorites."
David Stones's Music List
EP's
- "Less Talk - EP" (2016)
- "Goliath" (To Be Announced)
Mixtapes
- The New Stone Age (2006)
- The 2009 Collection (2009)
- The Steppin' Stone: All Or Nuthin' (2012)
Singles
- "I'ma Get It" (2015)
