Harlem Rapper D-Rell finds Success in Europe

By Gregory Cagle

Black artists like Josephine Baker, Tina Turner, and rapper Jay Electronica left the United States to become the toast of the town in Europe. Now a local Harlem rapper is doing the same.

Darrell Williams aka D-Rell considers himself a poet, lyricist, a man of many words and thoughts. He takes his experiences and of those around him to make his music come alive. His music is made for everyone to enjoy. For D-Rell touring Europe shows that we are more alike than different. “I have performed in my own country and never felt the acceptance I felt overseas,” Williams points out. “Knowing the audience was there to support and enjoy my music made all the difference.”

Williams, 25, was born and raised in Harlem, New York in the Lehman projects on Park Avenue and 105th street. With a heavy influence in music and fashion, began pursuing a career in dance when he moved after high school to Albany, New York. Developing a name around the New York area he was still fine tuning his artistry in hip hop music. Due to bad decisions making his dance career was short lived and Williams decided to focus on his music. Listening to different genres he developed an ear as well as a love for the art. Influenced by Nas, Big L, and Notorious B.I.G he began studying different forms of music and embracing the culture. “I spent hours and hours listening to these artist just to make sure I knew what I was doing,” says Williams. “In order to be the best you have to listen to the best.”

Though Darrell worked hard to perfect his craft he was not seeing the fruits of his labor so he made a decision to move to Miami, Florida in the summer of 2015. With the blessings from his mother and sister he left New York. While making his rounds in Miami he met some artist managers that told him his music would be better received in Europe. William was very confused, “the fact that I would have to leave my own country and go to another to find success made no sense at the time.”

Darrell got a one in a lifetime offer to go overseas and perform with some successful underground artist. He wasn’t sure at first because of the culture difference and language barrier. After thinking long and hard he decided to take a chance. “What do I have to lose,” says Williams. “I am working hard so why not me.” Williams performed in London, Amsterdam, Germany and Sweden receiving rave reviews. The music industry is very different in the U.S. then Europe. They really embrace all artist no matter the genre, color, or ethnicity. This give artist the chance to be who they are, find support and be positive about the music they are putting out

Williams is booked to perform in Europe this coming spring. He plans to do more shows, connect with people and work even harder on finding international success. “Even though this was not necessarily my plan, I will not complain. Everything is just happening in reverse, Europe to U.S.”