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David Wallace III (born December 16, 2004), known professionally as Kashdami (often stylized as KA$HDAMI), is an American rapper from Prince George County, Maryland. He is known for his distinct melodic flow, melding distorted 808s with catchy hooks, and clever wordplay.[1] He initially rose to popularity in 2020 with his song "Kappin Up", which later received a music video from WorldStar. In 2021 he regained popularity on video platform TikTok with his songs "Reparations", "Look N The Mirror", and "14" which featured rapper tana. These songs lead to heavy amounts of traction and growth on Wallace's SoundCloud and TikTok accounts and helped pushed the Plugg sound to the mainstream. He released his first major label mixtape epiphany in June 2021[2]
Kashdami | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | David Wallace III |
| Also known as |
|
| Born | December 16, 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Origin | Prince George County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2018–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | https://kashwayz.com |
Early life
editDavid Wallace III was born on December 16, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He gained early experience with music through his father; who owned a home studio and managed Ne-Yo & KaMeelah Williams from the 702 (group). [3] He died when Wallace was seven. His mother became ill around this time as well. Due to circumstances, his mother moved to Southeast (Washington, D.C.) to be closer to family.[2] Wallace has a twin sister.[4]
Wallace recorded his first song around this time in his uncle's studio in Upper Marlboro, Maryland[5] Wallace relocated to Rosaryville, Maryland for elementary school but due to unstable housing was transferred. Wallace attended King George High School.
Wallace began to skip classes due to altercations with teachers, once even caught on camera;[6] and would label school "a waste of purpose" in a 2021 tweet.[7]
Wallace would later drop out of public school and graduate from an online academy.
Career
edit2018: Beginnings
editWallace started making music at the age of eight, recording freestyles through the now-defunct video chat app ooVoo. At thirteen, after being gifted a Blue Snowball from a friend at school, he began to record on his mother's computer using the open source program Audacity (audio editor). At thirteen he also started his multi-media brand "KA$HWAYZ". Later in the year, Wallace would join the late 2010's collective started by redveil called hvmor and they would release a group project on January 12th, 2019.[8] He released the song Kappin Up and Tryn' Blitz in 2018 but became demotivated and took a break.
2020: Breakthrough
editWallace returned when "Kappin Up" became popular on TikTok due to the #phonekeepmoving dance challenge in 2020 amassing more than a billion views on the hashtag, which the likes of Bronny James, Shareef O'Neal, & Tory Lanez participated in. Later in the year the song would receive a music video by WorldStarHipHop.[9][10]
With newfound motivation, on October 15, 2020 Wallace would release his first mixtape #KashDontMiss with production from Stoopidxool. This project grew his online fanbase. On Oct 23, 2020 he would collab with a rising SoFaygo for their song Laser Tag produced by Mexikodro. Later in the year he would release his first "birthday-project" being 16 with features from redveil & BoofPaxkMooky, two of his earliest collaborators.
2021–2022: epiphany, HYPERNOVA., WORLD DAMINATION, & 18
editIn January 2021, his breakout single Reparations! released, which gained popularity on various platforms including TikTok and SoundCloud. His follow-up single "Look N The Mirror!" did similarly well.
In May 2021, Wallace signed a deal with Republic Records.[9]On June 2, 2021, Wallace released his debut commercial mixtape epiphany through Republic Records, with production from Lil Tecca and features from tana, yvngxchris, SSGKobe, Riovaz, and D'mari Harris[2][11]
epiphany would debut at #9 on Spotify U.S. Album Charts.[12]
Wallace and fellow rapper tana, formerly BabySantana, featured on the Lyrical Lemonade YouTube channel with their track "14". on July 20, 2021.[13]
In September, Wallace released the single Public, produced by 1kSensei & Internet Money after the snippet went viral on TikTok. Wallace also played a snippet of Public on stream with iShowSpeed. KA$HDAMI was the first rapper to do a stream with iShowSpeed. [14]
Wallace then released Intermission in October.[15] They were the lead singles to his next mixtape Hypernova, it was released on November 12, 2021, with a sole feature from Trippie Redd.[16][17]
During this time Wallace would renegotiate his deal with Republic Records adding Mercury Records.
In March, Wallace released the single posed2be and followed it with Phoenix in April.
In May, 2022 Wallace would perform at UNLV in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.
On June 17, 2022 Wallace performed supporting Playboi Carti at the CENA 2K22 Festival in São Paulo, Brazil.
Wallace would also attend the BET Awards 2022.
On July 24, 2022 Wallace would perform at Miami Rolling Loud.
He later released Famine with XLOVCLO and then released the final single of his album WORLD DAMINATION with Komission on September 9, 2022.
Wallace would perform at the first Toronto Rolling Loud on September 11, 2022.
Less than a week later, on September 16, WORLD DAMINATION was released. WORLD DAMINATION features the artists NoCap, XLOVCLO, ilyFall, Slump6s & midwxst. After had releasing a slew of singles off SoundCloud, on December 16, 2022, Wallace released an EP titled 18. Matt Ox serves as the EP's sole feature.
2024–present: oasis & "INFINITI"
editWallace would be mostly quiet in 2023 as he began venturing and experimenting with R&B/Soul.
Wallace would receive a cosign from Brent Faiyaz via instagram post, calling him "Michael Jackson" after he was on fire.[18]
On October 27, 2023 Wallace would release his first R&B single Games, produced by Mannyvelli, Sparkheem, & L.3.G.I.O.N. Wallace would start 2024 off by dropping his highly anticipated single Want! after the snippet gained virality on TikTok. Brent Faiyaz was seen in the snippet.[19] Wallace would then release his third studio album oasis on February 23, with features from Karri and Dro Kenji, It contains a total of 12 songs. This is his only R&B project to date. It would end up being Wallace's final release under Republic Records, as he would go onto release new music independently through his KA$HWAYZ imprint INFINITI.
Throughout the span of May and June 2024, three singles were released: Liq & X, Indigo, and LMG; it would be the first release from his upcoming project INFINITI.
On September 12th, Wallace hosted an album-release party for INFINITI in New York at Mehanata Bulgarian Bar, selling out 3x over capacity. After previewing the album; INFINITI would be released at midnight on September 13, 2024 marking his first project with no features.
On September 23, Complex named Wallace one of the best teen artists right now.[20]
Fashion
editStyle
editWallace's fashion sense can be described as vibrant, baggy, and 2000's esque. Wallace credits Michael Jackson & Chief Keef as to why he wears B.B. Simon belts as a part of his fashion.[21]
Wallace is also known to wear & sell "full-zip" hoodies, a style of zip-up popularized by brands like Bape. Some of Wallace's favorite brands include Chrome Hearts, Supreme, Rick Owens, and he's a big fan of Japanese designer Issey Miyake. In fashion, Wallace is inspired by Pharrell, Lil Yachty, & Lil Tecca.
KA$HWAYZ
editWallace also owns a clothing line: KA$HWAYZ
Modeling
editWallace modeled for YORI NYC during 2024's September Fashion Week.
Artistry
editInfluences
editWallace has stated on many occasions that he was inspired by the 2010's plug era and also gospel music due to his upbringing in the church. In an interview with On the Radar,[22] he says if it wasn't for Famous Dex - No Reason; he may not have even found his unique sound. Wallace also credits Mexikodro, Lil Wayne, Playboi Carti, Ugly God, Logic, Chief Keef, Diego Money, Goonew, Tay K, D. Savage & Duwap Kaine.
Wallace wears shades because he was influenced by will.i.iam from the Black Eyed Peas as a kid.[23]
Flow & adlibs
editKA$HDAMI's style of music is often described as melodic trap or melodic plug. His sound is characterized by smooth harmonies and clever gun-toting lyrics over a beautiful "playstation-esque" beat. His earlier releases were almost all diss-track style jingles; which Wallace gradually evolved into a more R&B-ish sound with catchy hooks. Wallace also uses edgy dark humor in his records for a feel of unseriousness like in his breakout single Reparations: "White hoe, Reparations...". Wallace is also known for his high-pitch vocal inflections, showcased in songs like Want! & $umn$light.
Wallace is recognized for his signature adlibs "Fa Fa, Fbeeeee" which imitates two gun shots and a money counter. Wallace says he was inspired by Chief Keef & Tay K when he made his adlib. The combination of the adlibs, melodic inflections, and ambient beat make for a sweet, refreshing sound. Many in the underground scene coin this signature style the "Dami Flow", which has been interpolated numerous times by aspiring artists.
Personal life
editWallace is Bantu, African American, & Cherokee. He is also a direct descendant of the Loving v. Virginia family.
In early 2021, Wallace survived a house fire that started in his room.
In 2022, he briefly dated Talyeh Galvez, a TikTok star famous for posting dance and art videos.
In 2023, Wallace would catch on fire when meeting Brent Faiyaz due to a candle igniting his knitted sweater. He initially didn't realize he was on fire. Wallace had no major injuries.
Wallace is reported at 6'2" (188cm) tall as of 2024.
INFINITI
editINFINITI Recordings / (LLC), is an indie label created by Wallace in early 2024; in partnership with KA$HWAYZ. Their signees include: BavySanya, YungKinte, & producer 1kSensei.
Feuds
editTexako
editIn June 2021, rapper Texako would accuse Wallace of being an "industry plant" and alleged he was discretely signed to "RCA Records", proven false. Wallace denied all claims and said he was a "fake friend" in his Seem2Be response track.
Iayze
editIn July 2021, rapper iayze began an online altercation calling Wallace a "wannabe", and even questioned his membership within the Bloods. He would additionally accuse Wallace of stealing his “no-autotune” sound. iayze would release 556 and Wallace would respond with Let Me Know and an unofficial release titled 559, which today stands at over 1 million streams as an unofficial release on Soundcloud. Iayze would later cooperate with police to reduce his time in jail on an aggravated assault charge that involved rapper Summrs.
Slump6s
editIn January 2022, Wallace would go to his Instagram story saying that Slump6s was "stealing swag" and called him "dirt".[24] Wallace claimed Slump6s stole ilyFall's brand "Nephilim Saints".
Slump6s would later respond in an Instagram live while in the doctor's office, telling Wallace to “focus on himself”, and that he should take it up with the producers that were apart of the collective. Later that day Slump6s would be accompanied by sgpwes, a frequent collaborator and address the beef on instagram live. Wallace would say on a Twitch stream he tried to call Slump6s to discuss their issues privately, but got no response.[25]
Slump6s would then release No Comp / No Reason 2 dissing Wallace, tana, & ilyFall, which ultimately received negative reviews. Wallace would respond with an unofficial release "fifa / w4md" saying: "In real life Slump really stick built I can't wait to see what you on nigga". Wallace would also state the whole feud started just because Slump6s wanted to join ilyFall's collective: "'They wanna be gang, but they can't, cus' they lame so they make they own..."
fifa / w4md stands at almost a million streams on Soundcloud as of 2024.
Controversies
editRolling Loud
editWallace would perform at 2023 Rolling Loud: Inglewood. His performance was met with mixed critique, mainly about his hair choice.
Legal trouble
editOn September 12th, 2024 before his release party in New York, Wallace would go Instagram live to show him being harassed by four members of NYPD who wrongfully identified him and his friends and accused them of jaywalking on a sidewalk. No criminal charges were pursued.[26]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| epiphany |
|
| WORLD DAMINATION | |
| oasis | |
| INFINITI |
|
Mixtapes
edit| Title | Mixtape details |
|---|---|
| #KashDontMiss |
|
| 16 |
|
| Hypernova. |
|
Extended plays
edit| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| 18 |
Features
edit| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "14" | 2020 | tana | — |
| "Cabo" | 2021 | Bankrol Hayden, DDG (rapper) | — |
| "Blow Her Back Out" | 2021 | Yung Bans | — |
| "Blood On the Leaves (Remix)" | 2021 | yvngxchris, Ken Carson, UnoTheActivist, & SSGKobe. | — |
| "Plug" | 2021 | MadeinTYO, UnoTheActivist | Yokohama |
| "2 MUCH" | 2022 | Whethan, Jasiah | MIDNIGHT |
| KILL EM FOR ME | 2022 | Dro Kenji | ANYWHERE BUT HERE |
| "LA" | 2021 | midwxst | BACK IN ACTION 2.0 |
| "Underground" | 2022 | Dougie B, yvngxchris | Nobody Bigger |
References
edit- ^ "Best Teen Artists". Complex. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Best New Artists". Complex. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ "Wallace v. Smith". March 5, 2018. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Buzzing 16 Year Old Rapper Ka$hdami Talks "Reparations" & "Kappin Up", Mexiko Dro, Since99, March 14, 2021, retrieved November 26, 2021
- ^ Ka$hdami Talks Growing Up in the DMV, Linking With Trippie Redd, Inspiration & More, December 9, 2022, retrieved December 9, 2022
- ^ "YOUNG KA$HDAMI BEEFS WITH TEACHER ON LIVE". Twitter. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI Tweets". Twitter. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ hvmor tape, January 12, 2019, retrieved October 3, 2024
- ^ a b Seabrook III, Robby (October 6, 2021). "The Break Presents - Ka$hdami". XXL Mag. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ Ka$hdami – "Kappin Up" (Official Music Video - WSHH Exclusive), April 16, 2020, retrieved November 26, 2021
- ^ "6 Albums Out This Week You Should Listen to Now". Pitchfork. June 4, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
- ^ KA$HDAMI Debut's at #9 with new album., November 12, 2021, retrieved October 5, 2024
- ^ BabySantana & Ka$hdami - 14 (Directed by Cole Bennett), July 20, 2021, retrieved November 29, 2021
- ^ "speed x kashdami". YouTube. July 28, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI Drops Off His Latest Single "Intermission"". HotNewHipHop. October 18, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI keeps winning on new album 'hypernova'". Our Generation Music. November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI Shares 11-Track Album "Hypernova." Including Trippie Redd Feature". HotNewHipHop. November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ "KA$HAMI receives Brent Faiyaz cosign after getting caught on fire". Facebook. November 23, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI releases oasis". February 24, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "The 13 Best Teenage Rappers (2024)". Complex Networks.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI's Belt Collection Is Unmatched, HNHH's In My Bag". YouTube. March 23, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI: On the Radar". YouTube. July 22, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI: Talks growing up in the DMV". YouTube. December 9, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI calls Slump6s dirt". January 14, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "Tana, Slump6s & Dami's Beef.. (Explained)". YouTube. January 24, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- ^ "KA$HDAMI harrassed". September 12, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.