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If it's one thing D.Folks has learned in the music business as an up-in-coming musician, it's the meaning of hard work. Growing up in the state of Virginia, D.Folks knows what it's like to start from the bottom and work his way up all by himself. "I tell a lot of artists that I meet, that are getting started, it's very rare to be a 16-year-old sensation that gets a deal like Chris Brown or you're 19 and you're signed like Trey Songz," he explains. "Usually when you come out like that, people are writing songs for you, their choreographing your show [and] their giving you tracks. I had to fight for everything, so I appreciate it more because all of the songs I've written. It's made me a better artist. Things are just getting started. But I feel like a veteran already."

Born Duane Fowlkes, this R&B singer/songwriter is not wasting anytime in the studio. "Home," his single from his upcoming album, is already hitting airwaves. "Right now, 'Home' is up 72 spins so far. I think it was added at Power 106.9 in Omaha, Nebraska and it's added here at 106.5 The Beat in Richmond." D.Folks says his track is something everyone can relate to whether you want to relax, have fun or get you in the right mood.

Speaking of home, D.Folks acknowledges the support he has gotten this far from his family. He is thankful to his mother, who raised him single-handily though his father was still in his life, and to his grandfather. "My grandfather is a real strong man, he's like the backbone of the family," he says. "He's like the ultimate man. He doesn't show a lot of emotion but I know he's seen a lot in his 80 something years here."

At the tender age of five, D.Folks was already singing his way to the top, even though he didn't know it. Moving from grade school, to high school where he played football and then college with track, he realized something was missing. "I just figured out that was my calling and that was my gift," D.Folks recalled.

Describing his sound as a "breath of fresh air" mixed with a little "old" and a little "new," he respects those musicians who came before him. "Musically I grew up on Prince. Prince is like my favorite artist," D.Folks states as he recalls the first time he was introduced to this legendary great. "I remember my cousin was babysitting me one summer and she had a 1999 record. I was real young and I put that record on, and I listened to that the whole week she was watching me." Another artist D.Folks admires is the late Donny Hathaway. "This musician I met ... he heard me sing and turned me on to Donny Hathaway. Donny is like the type of singer where he's in the pocket can sing low, high, falsetto and it's smooth and straight."

Both Prince and Hathaway have had a tremendous influence on D.Folks, but he cannot forget those artists he has met personally as well. D.Folks has worked with some of today's hottest artists including Floetry, Faith Evens, Nappy Roots and even performed in front of Erykah Badu.

Currently, D.Folks in the studio adding a few more tracks to close out his album. He also has a distribution deal that is currently on the table with lNGROOVES and if that's not enough, he plans to showcase his talent in New York this spring for all the music executives and labels. But as much as D.Folks is promoting his up and coming projects, he isn't that far removed from the real world to remember his buddy that stood by him. "I'm helping a friend of mine, [Dave Wilson] form his label, Razor Edge Entertainment."

As for future goals, this R&B singer has one that might not be too far off. "I would love to just be nominated for best new artist in the Academy. That's always been a dream and a lot of people like Kanye, John Legend come in and they make a name for themselves," he says. "I would love and be honored to be in that category and be nominated as best new artist."

But in order to do that, D.Folks has to continue to work hard and that is something the singer understands. "I'm really taking my time working on my craft to really figure out who I am and where I fit into the music industry," he says.

At this rate, it's only a matter of time before he makes an impact.


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