David Stones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Stones
Stones performing in 2012
Background information
Birth name	David Blake
Also known as	Stones, S.T., Rollin Stones
Born	(1988-07-31) July 31, 1988 (age 37) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper songwriter
Years active	2006–present
Associated acts	Buckshot, Smooth Da ..., Boot Camp Clik, Willie The Kid

David Blake, born on July 31, 1988, is a talented American rapper known as David Stones. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York. David also helped start a music group called District of Hip Hop, or DOHH Squad.

David Stones first became known in 2010. At that time, he was using the name Stones. He made a new version of Diddy Dirty Money's popular song "Hello Good Morning." He also released a music video for it. Websites like Spike.com showed his video. After that, he released another music video for his song "Steppin Out." This video was even shown on rapper 50 Cent's official video blog, BooBooTV. HipHopLead.com called him a "HHL Co-Signed Artist" and featured him in their "Unsigned Spotlight" section that same year.

David Stones: Early Life and Music Journey

Growing Up in Brooklyn

David Stones was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn. This area is known as a tough neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. David started rapping as a hobby. He learned by watching his cousin, Kenyatta Blake. Kenyatta is better known as Buckshot from the famous 90s rap groups Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik. David sees his cousin as a guide. He can ask Buckshot for advice when he faces challenges in his music career.

Starting a Rap Group

When David was a freshman in high school, he formed a rap group. He teamed up with his childhood friend, Dominick Bunch. Their group was called Styxx ‘N Stones. They often took part in rap battles and cyphers in their neighborhood. This helped them build their reputation as good emcees. They recorded many songs together. However, they never officially released any music 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.

First Mixtapes and New Name

In 2006, David released his first mixtape called "The New Stone Age." He was still using the name Stones then. This project did not spread far outside the Tri-State Area. This was because it did not have much promotion. However, it did help 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 the attention of the CEO of Gallic Wars Mixtapes. This led to a management deal. He then released his second mixtape, "The 2009 Collection." This mixtape included songs, freestyles, and interviews from that year. It was released on New Year's Eve.

David Stones took a break from music in late 2010 and all of 2011. He changed his management team. He also decided to change his stage name from Stones to David Stones. He said the name change showed "progression" and was "a new chapter" in his career.

David Stones: Music Releases and Style

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'. This mixtape featured other artists like Buckshot, Mark Jonas, and Willie the Kid.

One popular song from the mixtape was "Why I Love It." This song caught the attention of No Malice from the rap group Clipse. No Malice even tweeted his appreciation for the song. Hip Hop blogger 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 featured "Triumph 2012." In this song, David made a new version of 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 for remaking such a classic song. She said it took "real guts" to remake Wu-Tang’s "Triumph." Ashley praised David for this bold move. She said he "held his own" and described it as "that 90s New York [she's] been longing for."

Another important song on the mixtape was the title track, "All Or Nuthin." In this song, David talks about his challenges. He also remembers his friend and rapping partner, Styxx. The blog 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 said David's "flow is consistent" and that he raps about real issues. He also called the mixtape's production "really good." He noted that there were "some ride in the whip worthy tracks." He named "The truth," "Live @ The Ramada," and "Systm Bumpn" as the best songs on the project.

Recent Music (2013–Present)

From 2013 to 2014, Stones released only one song. It was a new version 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: Musical Style and Inspirations

Influences on His Music

In an interview, David Stones said his hometown greatly influenced his music. He explained that Brooklyn's "fast-paced" lifestyle gave him the "experiences and the insight" that show in his songs. When asked to describe 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 called it "super original." He specifically mentioned Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Nas, AZ, Boot Camp Clik, Dungeon Family, Snoop, and Dr. Dre as some of his "all time favorites."

Discography

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)