D.R.'s dad was his first musical influence providing memories of singing together in church. However, when his parents separated he lost contact with his dad but continued to pursue music. Initially he took some jobs teaching in elementary schools, but in 2012 D.R. took the opportunity of a six-month residency at a Motown bar in Nagoya, Japan. Upon his return, D.R. booked a gig in an Off-Broadway production of "Dreamgirls." Now in Harlem, D.R. works on his own music and has a singing residency at the popular Red Rooster.