There's more to offer from the Derty South, as Carolina Derty Den aims to put the Carolinas back within the National spotlight. Not since the days of Peety Pablo has Carolina made a splash in the Industry, but the splash is coming as an eruption led by GDA head honcho Derty Den. Towering at an enormous 6'3", 320lbs, Dennis Brinkley a.k.a. Derty Den, was born and raised in a small North Carolina town. But the town was no different than most major cities where poverty and education is rampant, drugs, violence and alcohol was on the daily menu, but Den looks to reflect on the goodtime in the hood, instead of "what you see on TV".
Dennis first grabbed the Mic when he was about 16 years old just to have something to do. Chillin at the park rapping with neighborhood guys, it was never about money and fame... Just something he was well at doing. "At first, I used t sit back and listen the older guys rap then I would go home at night and write little rhymes and recite them over the Buck town instrumentals by Smiff-n-Wesson. That was the only instrumental I had and I loved writing to it". With studios too far to access, he took 2 radios and recorded his first song titled, "Verbal Assassin". Going to school with his own song recorded and skills peaking, Den would be rapping at the lunchroom table battling other aspiring rappers. At one such battle, the session got so big they thought a riot broke out in the cafeteria and security was called for back up. This is when school administrators and others knew this kid was going to be a success. The victories allowed Den to improve his confidence and as his reputation grew, so did the challenges of the urban plight. "I still had to feed myself, and there aunt much to do in small towns but get in trouble," Den explained. Finding a older brother in his soon to be manager Trent who played key component in keeping Den out of harms way, took Den to the party and club circuit where his catchy punch lines, huggable teddy bear physique and crowd control made Den a huge success. Bumping into industry producer City Sid (won Grammy for 1st rap female artist for Latifah/ Black Reign LP, last to work w/ Myles Davis and other hits), Trent agreed to a deal with up and coming indie label Gettin It Together Records. "Den is a remarkable talent who is a star w/ Superstar potential", stated Rikers, Co-Founder/ Ceo of GIT Records. Appearing on numerous mixtapes and venues throughout the State, bought the attention of mixtape producer DJ Skillz who agreed to host his 1st mainstream mixtape. "I pressed 3500 of my 1st mixtape (GDA Gang) and moved those in less than two weeks, and that was with poor art quality." Den explained, "Working with GIT allows me to receive expert advice and consulting I lacked to really take it there." Killing shows on the weekly basis, bought the attention of NC radio station Soul 92, where Den was profiled and won a listeners call in addition of Battle of the Beats for his club hit "I Be Chillin." Where he uses the hook from an Audio 2 song 'Top Billin'. I Be Chillin, Bump it in Your Ride, GDA Gang has given the fans such hope that Den's success will open the door for others in what they dub "Down east/ Top of the South".
Den's swagger and flow reminds many to the late Biggie Smalls as he is comfortable with his size and his ability. A great story teller, who has ability to create a dope song once he vibes to the beat, there is no wonder why he opens shows for other acts, and when he leaves the stage...
The fans usually exit with him, "It is because I studied to be a great Master of Ceremony, I want to show the south is more than screaming, yelling and steryotypes. As Eminem opened the market for Detroit, NWA for west coast, Slip and slide in Miami, Luda in the A... I wanna do for the Carolina's and Virginia."
At over 6'3", 320lbs... Den plans to put Carolina back on the map even if he has to go at it alone. The future is bright for this young star.