Meet Vellis D’Grate | Hip Hop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vellis D’Grate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vellis, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
Creating a legacy of success is extremely important for me as a father. The most important thing I can show my son’s is that it’s never to late. It’s ok to start a new venture or try something different. To make decisions in which fear has the little or no bearing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Coming up, all of my friends had little hip hop groups or rap crews. My first rap name was Vicious Vell and I specialized in beat boxing and breaking. I evolved into a DJ and producer as a college student. During college, I joined forces with Furious Manny Stylz and DJ Butter to form the hip hop trio, YBP / Young Black Profezzionalz. We did our thing on the underground hip hop scene in the early 2000’s. I continued to hone my skills as a producer and lyricist and decided to ‘ jump off the porch ‘ and drop my debut solo album. At the ripe age of 52, The Old Man Volume 1 which is a total bop. I decided to release the project to affirm my love for hip hop music and producing fire tracks that anyone can vibe to.

I’m also very excited about my movie project that is set to premier, called Boss Sh!#. This independent film is an edgy romantic comedy that features some legendary Detroit comics and new talent.

There are other movie and music projects that on the horizon for my company, Ready Set Media, in which I am the Chief Creative Officer. We are excited to keep creating and collaborating.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy visiting Belle Isle in the spring and summer time. I am very apprciative of my time growing up in the city. I was on 7 Mile Rd in 90 when the Pistons swept the Lakers. I am Detroit, through and through. If you are visiting for the first time make sure to get a Coney and some chilli cheese fries and a Verners ginger ale.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been blessed to receive awesome support from artists I produce for like James Earl Jonz, Furious Manny Stylz and Zeke Keys. My family has also been a tremendous support system, especially my beautiful wife and biggest fan, K-Love. DJ Butter has also been instrumental in my growth as an artist and is always there to give solid advise and support.

Website: https://www.readysetmedia.net/rsm-music-group/vellis-dgrate

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nrB6F2jLrbGKKaL8sNeqjeejEHeFRXhhQ&si=4IPqVMaWc5JSXe5f