Demetrius Mavi, who goes by D Mav, is an up-and-coming rap artist from Pasadena, California. He started doing music as a fun activity, but it quickly became a passion and a calling. D Mav's biggest obstacle has been blocking out negativity and staying on track, but he has learned that real supporters can come from unexpected places. He describes his music as energized, confident, and meaningful, and he writes all of his material rather than freestyling. D Mav has big plans for the future, including reaching over a million streams and listeners. His upcoming summer project, "That Type," promises to turn up the volume on his music. You can find and contact him on Instagram and Twitter at @D_mav and @D_mavvv, respectively.

Tell us about your story and how you got to where you are?

My name is Demetrius Mavi. I go by D Mav. I was born and raised in Pasadena, California. Been doing music now for a little over 2 years, honestly just started out as fun, used to hang with a few of my homies, and they were the ones making music til one day they told me to get on the mic since I’m always here & it kind of naturally just took off from there, & now it’s become apart of my everyday life that feels like my calling.

What has been your biggest obstacle in your journey as an artist?

Honestly the realization of how far i could take this, there are so many people who do music in the world and especially from my area, and no one from your hometown ever really wants to help push you forward really only want to push you once you’re already on, so blocking out the negativity & staying on track is definitely the bigger obstacle.

What lessons have you learned?

It’s easier to make it outside of where you’re from. You will have your genuine love from people close to you off the strength of who you are, but real supporters will really be people you have never met that have only heard of you. That’s life though.

Tell us about your music; how would you describe your sound?

Energized, confident mixed with a little bit of cocky, expressive, positive, passionate as well, I put a lot of thought into my music, it’s very meaningful to me as well. I make songs for clubs, late night drives, mood swings, highs & lows, flavors!

What other artists would you compare yourself to?

I personally can’t compare myself to anyone, but i have been compared to Big Sean voice wise & flow wise, i more so talk on the beat rather than rap, Big Sean has a smooth approach as well so i can see it.

If you could work with any artists, who would you choose?

Any artist? 1Take Jay, Dababy, Kalan Frfr, Lil Durk, it’s probably obvious to say Drake, & 21 Savage definitely

What sets you apart from other artists?

I don’t really freestyle, I know a lot of artists do, I write all of my material, if it’s not something i can actually believe in or see myself doing i can't even rap it confidently. I’m authentic with my music “I’m giving y’all my truths i put my heart in this'' - Free Game

What should we know about your work?

You will love everything you will hear, I make something for everybody, i try to skate in every lane possible, it’s really thought out & strategic.

What are your plans for the future?

Over a million streams & listeners, i just want to be heard all over, that is the goal & that is the plan!

What motivates you, or keeps you going?

It is just fun to me, like i love making music, i love hearing myself on tracks, i make new tracks all the time and amaze myself honestly because i never seen myself doing music it was never even a thought to me & doing it the way i am now, even some people who respond to my music gets me hype. 1 person can tell me it’s fire and my whole day is made! I’m on the right path i feel

Tell us something that might surprise people about you.

That is an interesting question that I have honestly never thought about. I would have to get back to you on that one.

How do you define success?

Thriving in whatever it is you put your time and effort in. If it makes you money and it makes you happy then that is a form of success.

Tell us about any projects or music you have coming out.

End of May I have a project coming out for the summer called “That Type” that I am really excited for. Music that is going to turn everybody up!

What do you want people to know about you? Anything else you want mentioned?

I make good music, don’t wait until it’s too late to hop on this train!

How can people find you and contact you?

Instagram : @D_mav

Twitter : @D_mavvv