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Community Corner

Local Hip-hop Gospel Artist Considered for Dove Award

Local man made a sacrifice for true success.

Dayron White, who developed his own record label His Story Music Group last year, is being considered for a nomination for one of gospel music's coveted Dove Awards.

The 42nd Annual  Gospel Music Association Dove Awards ceremony will be broadcasted on Sunday, April 24 (Easter Sunday), at 7 p.m. on the Gospel Music Channel network. 

A press release announcing whether he's been nominated will be made on Feb. 16. 

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The Annual  Gospel Music Association Dove Awards show has featured artists such as Casting Crowns, Bryon Cage, Chris Tomlin and other worship leaders.

What may be even more interesting, however, is that White  passed up more than one chance at hip-hop record deals in the past because he didn't want to make music that would have a negative impact on the youth.

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By divine providence, he got another chance — this  time as a gospel rap artist — and he's courting a Dove Award nomination for his debut album, The Book of Life.

"I set my gift down for eight years and I sat under the word of God," White said. "I learned the way the music industry works. By learning the business side of it, I realized the deal I was getting was not financially beneficial."

But he wasn't surprised to get a second chance at success in the rap industry because, he said, this time he is using his gift to glorify God.

"I can say, honestly, I expected it to come around again because my pastor had told me that when you let go of something you want for what God wants you to do, he will give you another opportunity," White said. "This time it was much more fulfilling because I have my own record label."

"Fly Away, " a song on White's album, caught the attention of  a Tennessee man connected to the Holy Hip Hop Awards. White – or " Dee Black " as he is known on the ministry scene – was encouraged to submit his recordings to this nationally known  music venue. 

Since his submission, White has received attention from key individuals associated with the Dove Awards, which has put him in contention for a song of the year, artist of the year, songwriter or production nomination.

White  found his calling not only as a minister at Victorious Ministries in Baltimore, but by sacrificing a very tempting rap deal when he was 22.

His wife, Latia White, encouraged him to talk to his pastor, the Rev. Tony Smith. Smith sat down with White and showed him the ins and outs of the potential record deal, and White concluded it was not a finacially sound move for his life.

Furthermore, White was forced to ask himself what kind of influence he would have on people if this album deal went through.

Eight years later, White found himself writing again. After two months, he developed his own record label and can produce music that reflects his desire to serve God.

White credits the support of his wife,  sons Daniel and Derien, and daughter Destine for his continued success.

White will be performing at the St. Thomas Orthodox Church, located at 1305 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring, MD,  on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m.

If you would like to hear a sample of "The Book of Life" or buy White's music, visit the Dee Black page on www.reverbnation.com or www.hisstorymusicgroup.com.

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