SugarHill Ddot broke out of the New York drill scene as a teenager with his melodic Akon-sampling track "I Wanna Love You" and collaborations with DD Osama and the late Notti Osama. Born Darrian Jimenez in Harlem, the American rapper built an online following before signing with Priority Records and releasing his debut studio album, 2 Sides of the Story.
Upbringing in Harlem
Darrian Jimenez grew up in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, New York City. His family roots trace back to the Dominican Republic. He was an only child and spent his childhood living primarily with his paternal grandmother.
His grandmother owned the homes where they lived and provided stability throughout his youth. He shared meals with her and later reflected that staying with his parents would not have worked out long term. Harlem provided the backdrop for his musical style, and he drew early creative inspiration from artists like Drake and Lil Durk.
Drill beginnings and viral singles
Jimenez took his stage moniker from his home neighborhood, pairing Sugar Hill with the initial of his first name. He began practicing songs and freestyling with childhood friends before pursuing music seriously in 2021. In November of that year, he uploaded his first track, "DOAK".
Collaborations with neighborhood peers expanded his reach. In March 2022, he released "Too Tact" alongside DD Osama and Notti Osama. The three formed a close circle of young artists in Harlem drill. When Notti Osama died following an altercation at a subway station in 2022, Ddot honored his late friend through tributes and continued musical releases, including the track "Evil Twins".
In late 2022, he released a series of singles, including "Stop Cappin", "Real Facts", and "Reality". His breakthrough arrived with "I Wanna Love You", which sampled Akon's 2006 hit. The track fused drill cadences with pop-rap melodies.
Priority Records and 2 Sides of the Story
In March 2023, Ddot signed with Priority Records. Shortly after signing, he released his debut mixtape, 1st Side of the Story, in April 2023. He followed it with singles such as "Let Ha Go", "Stressed Out", and "3AM in the Yams" featuring Luh Tyler.
In March 2024, he performed alongside DD Osama at the Rolling Loud California festival in Inglewood. He also streamed gameplay on Twitch.
On August 2, 2024, Ddot released his debut studio album, 2 Sides of the Story. The project balanced aggressive street records with melodic tracks. The album featured guest appearances from artists including Luh Tyler, Skilla Baby, Star Bandz, Hunxho, BBG Steppaa, and the late PnB Rock.
Quick facts
- He was raised primarily by his paternal grandmother in Harlem, New York.
- His breakout single "I Wanna Love You" samples Akon's 2006 song of the same name.
- He signed a recording contract with Priority Records in March 2023.
- He appeared in the promotional campaign for Drake's Nike and NOCTA collaboration in November 2022.
- He performed alongside DD Osama at the 2024 Rolling Loud California festival in Inglewood.
- His debut studio album, 2 Sides of the Story, features appearances by Luh Tyler, Skilla Baby, Star Bandz, Hunxho, BBG Steppaa, and PnB Rock.
- He streams video games on Twitch under the channel name sugahillddotgaming.
FAQs about SugarHill Ddot
What is Sugarhill Ddot's real name?
His real name is Darrian Jimenez.
How did Sugarhill Ddot get his name?
He named himself after his native Sugar Hill neighborhood in Harlem and combined it with the initial of his first name, Darrian.
Is Sugarhill Ddot signed to Drake?
No, he is signed to Priority Records, though he appeared in a promotional campaign for Drake's Nike and NOCTA collaboration in 2022.
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