Who is Derrick Milano? Derrick Milano, born Derrick Carrington Gray, is a Grammy-winning songwriter, rapper, and singer whose journey from Philadelphia to the music industry's spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. Born on December 24, 1993, Milano's early days were filled with musical influences, from church choirs to high school rap battles. His breakout moment came with the single "#ThatAintYaBitch" on SoundCloud, leading to opportunities to open for big names like Young Thug and Future. Despite early career challenges, Milano's talent shone through, especially with his work on Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage Remix," featuring Beyoncé. This collaboration earned him a Grammy for Best Rap Song in 2021. With plans for a debut album and recent collaborations, like the remix of Ciara's "Da Girls," Milano continues to shape contemporary music. His story is a testament to perseverance and passion in the ever-evolving music scene.
Key Takeaways:
- Derrick Milano's journey from Philadelphia to Florida shaped his music career, from rap battles in high school to winning a Grammy for "Savage Remix" with Beyoncé. His early challenges led to impactful collaborations and a future debut album.
- Milano's transition from recording artist to Grammy-winning songwriter showcases his resilience and impact on the music industry. His work with artists like Megan Thee Stallion and plans for a debut album highlight his ongoing influence.
Derrick Milano: Early Life and Education
Derrick Milano's journey began in Philadelphia, where his passion for music took root. His early life and education played a significant role in shaping his future in the music industry.
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Philadelphia Roots: Born Derrick Carrington Gray on December 24, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Milano's early years were spent in this vibrant city.
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Family Background: His parents, Virginia and Jeff Gray, provided a supportive environment that nurtured his musical interests.
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Move to Delaware: In seventh grade, Milano moved to Brandywine Hundred, Delaware, which influenced his musical development.
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Schooling in Delaware: He attended Hanby Middle School, Brandywine High School, and Red Lion Christian Academy before graduating from Concord High School in 2012.
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Musical Beginnings: His first musical experiences came from singing in his church's choir and participating in his school choir.
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Rap Battles: During high school, Milano often engaged in rap battles with friends, honing his skills and passion for music.
College and Early Career
Milano's college years in Florida marked the beginning of his professional journey in music. These experiences laid the groundwork for his future success.
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College Education: After high school, Milano attended Valencia College and Full Sail University in Florida.
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Full Sail University: At Full Sail, he was involved in Business Professionals of America, which helped develop his business acumen.
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Career Start: While in college, Milano began distributing mixtapes, marking the start of his music career.
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SoundCloud Success: His breakout single, "#ThatAintYaBitch," released on SoundCloud in May 2014, gained significant attention.
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Live Performances: The success of his single led to opportunities to open for artists like Young Thug and Future in Orlando.
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Management Dispute: Despite early success, Milano faced challenges due to a dispute with his management, affecting his ability to release music.
Transition to Songwriting
Milano's transition from a recording artist to a songwriter marked a pivotal shift in his career. His collaborations with established artists brought him recognition and success.
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First Writing Experience: His first writing credit came on Kevin Gates' 2019 album I'm Him.
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Collaboration with Juicy J: In May 2019, Juicy J invited Milano to work on Megan Thee Stallion's song "Simon Says."
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Uncredited Writing: This collaboration led to an uncredited writing opportunity on Megan Thee Stallion's "Hot Girl Summer."
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Work with Megan Thee Stallion: Milano co-wrote "Savage Remix," featuring Beyoncé, released in April 2020.
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Grammy Award Win: In March 2021, Milano won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song for "Savage Remix."
Recent Collaborations and Future Plans
Milano continues to make waves in the music industry with recent collaborations and plans for future projects.
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Debut Album Plans: As of March 2021, Milano was working on his debut album, featuring artists like Juicy J, Ty Dolla Sign, and Wiz Khalifa.
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Recent Feature on Ciara’s Song: In 2023, Milano was featured on a remix to Ciara's song "Da Girls."
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Signing with Epic Records: In 2021, Milano signed with Epic Records, marking a significant milestone in his career.
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Industry Impact: Milano advocates for more women in the music industry, pushing for greater representation and opportunities.
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Social Media Presence: Active on social media, Milano engages with fans and shares updates about his projects.
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Influence on Contemporary Music: His work has influenced hip-hop and R&B, contributing to the evolution of these genres.
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Future Projects: Milano continues to work on new music and collaborations, ensuring his ongoing impact in the industry.
Personal Life and Public Image
Beyond his professional achievements, Milano's personal life and public image have also garnered attention.
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Relationship with Blac Chyna: Milano has been in the spotlight for his relationship with Blac Chyna.
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Public Appearances: He has made various public appearances, including interviews and performances.
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Philanthropic Efforts: While specific details are scarce, Milano's success likely enables him to engage in charitable activities.
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Professional Name: Known professionally as Derrick Milano, he adopted this name to stand out in the music industry.
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Challenges in Early Career: Despite early success, Milano faced challenges due to management disputes.
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Delaware Influence: His time in Delaware significantly impacted his musical development.
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Florida Education: At Full Sail University, Milano pursued entertainment studies, further honing his skills.
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Business Professionals of America: Involvement in BPA helped develop his business skills.
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Early Mixtapes: Self-directed distribution of early mixtapes played a crucial role in his career's early stages.
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Live Performances: Opening for artists like Young Thug and Future helped him gain exposure.
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Grammy Recognition: Winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song is a significant achievement in Milano's career.
Derrick Milano's Impact on Music
Derrick Milano's journey from a young choir member in Philadelphia to a Grammy-winning songwriter is nothing short of inspiring. His early days in church and school choirs laid the foundation for a career that would see him collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. Despite facing challenges like management disputes, Milano's perseverance and talent shone through, leading to significant achievements like co-writing Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage Remix" and winning a Grammy for Best Rap Song. His work with artists like Juicy J, Kevin Gates, and Ciara showcases his versatility and influence in hip-hop and R&B. Milano's commitment to advocating for more women in the industry further highlights his dedication to positive change. As he continues to work on new projects, Derrick Milano remains a significant figure in contemporary music, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
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