Getty Images: llya S. Savenok
Derrick Jones, better known as D-Nice, began his career in the mid 80’s with Boogie Down Productions in the Bronx. His smash hit single, ‘’Call Me D-Nice,” was released in June of 1990. The record would grow to reach #12 on the top R&B HIP-HOP chart. Unlike our previous 15 minutes of fame members, D-Nice had success with follow up music releases, but the ex-MC’s biggest accomplishments weren’t directly music related.
Not only was D-Nice quietly DJ’ing during the 90s, but he also picked up a love for photography. What began as a hobby soon became a hustle for the Bronx native. The hip hop OG shot the album cover for Carl Thomas’ ‘So Much Better’ in 2007.
In 2008, D-Nice married the talented actress Malinda Williams, which later ended in divorce. Arguably, his biggest achievement was helping President Barack Obama win the 2012 election. The 1&2’s assassin would collaborate with fellow DJs to help spread awareness towards the importance of voting. D-Nice’s efforts were so successful that the White House officially cosigned the campaign, and credited the team of DJs with helping President Obama’s re-election.
D-Nice is the perfect example of how to capitalize off of a 15 minutes of fame moment. Like Jeezy once said, “My President Is Black” and we here at HHMW are proud his DJ was too. Don’t forget…his name is D-Nice.
