Davion Blessing (born 2000), known professionally as Dave Blunts, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and Internet personality from Davenport, Iowa. He is affiliated with Los Angeles independent record label Listen to the Kids. His trap and emo rap inspired music has been described by Complex as extreme, humorous, and outrageous. In 2024, he gained viral attention and support from prominent figures such as Lil Yachty and Snoop Dogg on social media.[1]

Dave Blunts
Birth nameDavion Blessing
Born2000
OriginDavenport, Iowa
Genres

History

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Blunts grew up in Davenport, Iowa, facing various hardships, including losing his father and living in shelters with his mother. Despite these challenges, he found solace in humor and online communities, often sharing memes and photos on Facebook, which helped him build an initial following. As a teen, he began to use music as an outlet, recording on his phone and eventually upgrading his equipment after a friend suggested he improve his sound quality.[1]

Dave Blunts met his close friend and frequent collaborator, Jesse Jones, during his early days in Davenport, Iowa. The two became fast friends after bonding over their shared love of music and similar life experiences. Jesse, who had been a longtime supporter of Dave's musical ambitions, played a significant role in encouraging him to continue pursuing his passion when things seemed stagnant. According to Blunts, Jesse was one of the few people who consistently believed in his talent, often joining him in the studio and helping him work through creative blocks. The duo's dynamic has since become a staple of Blunts' career, with Jesse accompanying him to shows, social media posts, and interviews, solidifying their tight-knit friendship. Their chemistry is evident in their work together, with Jesse often offering both moral support and creative input. Despite his own low-key presence, Jesse has been a crucial part of Dave's journey, providing a steady foundation as Blunts navigates the rise to fame.[2]

Career

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2018: Career Beginnings and Struggles

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Blunts began pursuing music seriously in 2018 but faced years of limited success. In his early days, he recorded with a friend, but when that friend became unavailable, Blunts hit a six-month low, even contemplating quitting music. Frustrated by his lack of progress, he taught himself mixing from a five-minute YouTube tutorial and started producing his own songs, building a raw, DIY sound that became central to his style.[2]

2023: Breakthrough on TikTok

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In late 2023, disillusioned with his stagnant career, Blunts deleted all his music, preparing to abandon his dreams. Friends and fans flooded him with messages asking why, which motivated him to give it one last try in 2024. This time, he turned to TikTok. Despite initial hesitation, Blunts posted videos of himself listening to his tracks and casually sipping drinks. In less than a week, his posts went viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and sparking interest from record labels and major artists like Lil Yachty.[2]

Musical style and influences

Blunts’ music style blends emo-rap and trap, featuring blunt humor and references to his small-town life. His unapologetic use of real names and locations in his lyrics adds a raw, autobiographical layer that resonates with his listeners. He considers his music “like a diary entry,” capturing events and people as they happen in his life. This authenticity, combined with his unassuming appearance, has endeared him to fans who appreciate his everyman approach.[2]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Details
Bigger Than I Ever Was
  • Released: October 13, 2023
  • Label: Self-released (initial release); Listen to the Kids (re-release)
  • Format: Streaming
You Are Not That Special
  • Released: February 1, 2024
  • Label: Self-released (initial release); Listen to the Kids (re-release)
  • Format: Streaming
I Can Do What You Can Do
  • Released: March 7, 2024
  • Label: Self-released (initial release); Listen to the Kids (re-release)
  • Format: Streaming
I Would Like to See You Try
  • Released: March 28, 2024
  • Label: Self-released (initial release); Listen to the Kids (re-release)
  • Format: Streaming
Well Dude Here's My Thing
  • Released: June 28, 2024
  • Label: Listen to the Kids
  • Format: Streaming
If I Could I Would
  • Released: October 18, 2024
  • Label: Listen to the Kids
  • Format: Streaming
Title Details
FTBZ
  • Released: November 30, 2023
  • Label: Self-released (initial release); Listen to the Kids (re-release)
  • Format: Streaming
Jayce and His Undying Quest to Find His Dad
  • Released: December 15, 2023
  • Label: Self-released (initial release); Listen to the Kids (re-release)
  • Format: Streaming

References

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  1. ^ a b "Meet Dave Blunts: Interview About Going Viral, Life Story..." Complex. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  2. ^ a b c d "Get to Know Dave Blunts [Interview]". sheeshmedia.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.