New York, the city that never sleeps is running on empty. The energy that carried people through the night into subsequent nights of endless partying was lost when dancing was taken out of the equation. Since disco died, and break dancing b-boys and girls have been doomed to obscurity, singer D’von Marks, also a New York native is anxious to re-ignite dancefloors reminiscent of his hometown’s golden era—the ’80s.
D’von began pursuing a career in the music industry in the summer of 2006 when the Brooklyn-bred r&b crooner recorded the aptly titled, “Hot Summer”. The 22 year-old’s sizzling vocals were a testament to the season’s good times over Soho’s jazz-funk explosion, “Hot Music”. Unfortunately, only family and friends heard it. For 13 years, the local church congregation was the only audience privileged to hear his commanding voice. Like D’von’s mother, and grandmother before him, he sang lead in the choir. Having such strong roots in gospel music inspired Marks’ desire to touch your soul. Living in Brooklyn, however, hip-hop moves crowds, plus makes more money than any collection plate could earn.
Though singing was D’von’s calling, he cut his teeth writing choruses for aspiring rappers living in his grimy neighborhood. His lyrical flare for witty metaphors overshadowed their hardcore raps more than he expected. Opportunities to perform (solo) at rap showcases in Brooklyn, and Harlem eventually followed. “At first, I kind of questioned the reception I would get from the crowd. Being around rappers though, I felt in my zone,” he recalls. Fast-forward one year later, D’von’s stout frame is never scared to take center stage, he shamelessly says during a recent interview. “I will sing ‘happy birthday’ or whatever right now, just give me a mic.” The customers seated at the Chelsea Dallas BBQ location may not have been ready to hear “Apple Bottom” while they nibbled oven-roasted chicken breasts, but D’von Marks was primed to serve his steamy booty-anthem with no reservation.
’80s Baby! is D’von’s nexus of hip-hop and r&b. The best of both worlds is captured sonically and lyrically with no division in his radio-friendly sound. Once the signature snare drums from MC Shan’s “The Bridge” kick off Marks’s heartbreak single, “Da' Bridge”. Marks breathes new life into hip-hop’s old school as he laments over an ex-girlfriend. By his side is writing partner El Sun, a former backup singer for cult r&b favorite, Lyfe Jennings. Their chemistry together penning gut-wrenching lyrics about relationships is freakishly similar to D’von’s idol, Ne-Yo with equally impressive showmanship to back it up. The world will follow this leader of the new school to the dancefloor.
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