DeP (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids DeP
Background information
Birth name	Donald Paige
Born	Houston, Texas, U.S.
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	R&B pop soul gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer, actor, model
Years active	2005–present
Labels	MMG Elite Records Versatile
Associated acts	Beyonce Kanye West Chance The Rapper Alicia Keys Andra Day Yolanda Adams Kim Burrell Ne-Yo Sunday Service Choir ThinkDeP

Donald DeP Paige, known professionally as DeP (pronounced Deep), is a talented American singer, actor, model, and author. He has been nominated for four Grammy Awards. DeP is based in Los Angeles, California, and is a member of the Beta Beta chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

He released his first song, "For Me," in 2005. DeP is great both in front of the camera and behind the scenes in the music business. He is influenced by artists like Donny Hathaway, Missy Elliott, Yolanda Adams, and Tank. DeP has performed with famous artists such as Beyonce, Kanye West, John Legend, and Alicia Keys. He has also performed at the 2016 TV Land Awards, 2016 ESPY Awards, and the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

Early Life and Musical Start

DeP was born and grew up in Houston, Texas. He came from a musical family with strong connections to gospel music. Many of his family members were original members of the Southeast Inspirational Choir. This choir helped launch the careers of gospel singers like Yolanda Adams.

DeP began singing gospel music at his church when he was just 6 years old. His first acting job was in a Six Flags commercial. He attended performing arts schools from elementary school through high school. At the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, he studied both singing and piano. He was also part of the young performers at The Ensemble Theatre.

After performing non-gospel music in high school, he transferred to Westbury High School. During his second year, he realized he wanted to become a professional performer. After starting college at Texas College, DeP was offered a record deal with Versatile Records. He also developed business skills by working with various organizations.

Early Career Adventures

While at Texas College, DeP signed with Versatile Records in Washington D.C. This is where he first started releasing his own music. His first national release was an EP (Extended Play) called "For Me."

After leaving Versatile Records, DeP joined a male R&B group called Diehard in the mid-2000s. The group later changed its name to Signature. They signed with Blackball Records and then Elite Records. Elite Records helped them get their first big performance on BET's show, 106 & Park.

After a few years, DeP left the group. He took a break from entertainment to focus on his business goals and finish his degree in education. During this time, he started a program called Operation Clicks. This program taught computer skills to senior citizens. Later, DeP moved to Los Angeles to continue his singing, acting, and modeling career. He has appeared in commercials for companies like Beats by Dre.

Music and Acting (2005–2013)

DeP released his first EP, For Me, in 2005. In 2008, he released his first single, "Something More." This was a slow R&B song. His second EP, The Truth, also came out in 2008 with MMG Record Label. It included the popular song "Something More."

In 2010, DeP started his own marketing company, Think DeP Entertainment. This company helps artists with things like vocal coaching and social media. His second EP, The Truth, was also released that year.

He worked with Don Benjamin and released his second single, "Sugar Rush," in 2012. DeP's third single, "Contract," also came out in 2012. In 2013, DeP was featured as a singer in a commercial series for Dos Equis. This was his first major commercial in a lead role. He also released his fourth single, "Celebrate," in 2013.

Big Performances and New Projects (2014–2017)

By 2015, DeP performed with Beyonce at the Grammy Awards of 2015. This was for a special event honoring Stevie Wonder. DeP also voiced the role of Lawrence Huggins for a documentary called Selma: The Bridge To The Ballot. This film tells the story of students and teachers who fought for voting rights. It is now used in many middle and high school classrooms.

One of DeP's original songs, "1st Sight," was featured in the 2015 romantic comedy, My Favorite Five. In 2016, DeP released his first album, Think DēP Reloaded. This album included his older songs and new ones like "Red Light." The song "Red Light Pt. II" became a big hit from this album.

During this time, DeP performed at many events, including the 2016 TV Land Awards and the 2016 ESPYS. He also appeared in several music videos, including "Matrimony" by Wale and Usher. DeP was featured in magazines like Vibe and Rolling Stone. He also became a brand ambassador for Teddy Winston Brand jewelry.

Acting Success and Recognition (2018–2019)

In 2018, DeP worked with many new artists. He helped them release EPs and singles, often as a writer, co-producer, or performer. He was featured on Bianca Acosta's Christmas song "Ode To Mary."

DeP also started to have more success in acting. He got his first main role in a short film called This Side Up. This film tells the true story of Henry Brown, who escaped slavery by mailing himself to freedom. DeP also made guest appearances in TV shows like Will & Grace and The Rookie.

In 2019, D Mars Magazine named DeP one of the Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas. The US Congress also recognized him for his work in helping young talent and businesses. DeP wrote and performed the opening song for the Tom Joyner Foundation's podcast, HBCUbiquity.

Kanye West and Sunday Service

In 2019, DeP joined The Samples, a singing group that performs with Kanye West's Sunday Service. The group became famous for their performances and unique music. On Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, they performed at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This was the first time a spiritual group had performed and streamed on that stage.

This performance made The Samples and Sunday Service very popular. DeP helped organize two shows in his hometown of Houston for the Houston Correctional Facility. These shows featured Kanye West and the Sunday Service Collective. The Houston performances ended with a show at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church.

In June 2019, Kanye West and the Sunday Service collective were featured in GQ Italia magazine. DeP appeared on page 180 of the magazine. The Sunday Service Choir and Kanye West released two albums in 2019, "Jesus is King" and "Jesus is Born." Both albums reached the top spots on the Billboard charts.

Working with Beyoncé

DeP and other singers provided background vocals for an original song called "Spirit," performed by Beyonce. This song was nominated for a Golden Globe and two Grammy Awards. DeP was asked again to sing and perform "Spirit" with Beyonce for the Disney film, Black Is King.

Recent Projects (2020–Present)

In 2020, DeP performed with John Legend at several events. These included the BET Awards and the first virtual Democratic National Convention. DeP also provided background vocals for Beyonce to honor the basketball player, Kobe Bryant, after his passing.

He also helped manage the 50th anniversary concert for the Southeast Inspirational Choir. This concert featured the choir, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, and Kim Burell. On September 4, for his 38th birthday, DeP released a special photo collection called 'X-pression 38'. This collection had 38 limited edition photos from a two-year project.

In 2021, during the pandemic, DeP focused more on his company, Think DeP Entertainment. He worked with many rising artists, including Teamarrr. He also added "creative director" to his skills. He directed Teamarrr's performances at events like A Day in Vegas and The Governor's Ball. This time helped him refocus on finishing his book and his next music album.

"Fallback To Step Up" Book

In 2022, DeP published his first book, "Fallback to Step Up." This book is part memoir and part self-help. It encourages readers to be open about their struggles to reach their next level in life. The book talks about habits like putting yourself last or needing approval from others.

Readers have been using the tips to improve their thinking and actions. The book was released on Juneteenth (June 19, 2022). Many people were excited for its release after DeP had mentioned it on social media five years earlier. Headlines said, "Award Winning Singer - Songwriter Steps into the literary world." The book is available as an e-book and paperback. An audiobook version with special music will be available in 2023.

Upcoming Music

DeP's upcoming album is called Edibles and Elevation. He says this project has helped him feel more creative freedom. He feels free to explore different vocal styles and topics in his music. He explained that he was starting to lose his love for music because he wasn't making the kind of music he truly enjoyed. This new project helped him find that love again. The album will feature many guest producers and artists.

Southeast Inspirational Choir Connection

DeP remains connected to his gospel music roots. He believes that everyone can have a relationship with God. DeP's mom, Karen, is a main member of the Southeast Inspirational Choir. Many other family members and gospel stars are also part of it, including Yolanda Adams.

The choir had many hit songs like "My Liberty" and "Inspire Me." They toured and performed with legends such as Ray Charles and Kenny Rodgers. In 2020, the choir celebrated its 50th anniversary with a concert. DeP helped as stage manager and creative director. He also had a chance to direct one of the choir's major hits, "You Made The Difference."

DeP is now working with the Southeast Inspirational Choir as a co-producer on their final album. This album celebrates their 50-year career in gospel music. The project is planned for release in 2023.

Author

• Fallback to Step Up Published by Think DeP Entertainment (Juneteenth | June 19, 2022)

Fallback to Step Up is available in E-book and Paperback format. The audio book version will be available in 2023 with a few special musical additions.

Discography

Singles

• "For Me" (2005)
• "Something More" (2008)
• "Contract" (2012)
• "Celebrate" (2013)
• "Red Light" (2016)
• "Red Light Pt. II" (2016)
• "Ode To Mary" Bianca Acosta Ft. DeP (2018)
• "Fallback" (2019)

Albums

• For Me EP (2005)
• The Truth (2008)
• Think DeP Reloaded (2016)
• The Gift: Lion King "SPIRIT" (2019)
• Jesus is King (2019)
• Jesus is Born (2019)
• Edibles and Elevation (2022)

Filmography