Meet Deandre Bayona Belton

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deandre Bayona Belton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deandre below.

Deandre, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

Well my generosity comes from from my family. To be honest, I never really knew that a lot of families weren’t as close as mine is. I realized how the people I look up to For example: My mother, aunt, uncle, and grandparents have always been very giving people. They showed me that no matter what is going on in your life, there could be someone going through a way worse situation

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi my name is Deandre Bayona Belton
I also go by Drae44 pronounced Dre-44
I’m a singer/rapper From Paterson New Jersey!

To start off I first really got into music back in high school when I used to watch my friends play in a band they were originally a part of a band called fate which meant forever adding to our end when I saw them on stage, I guess that’s what awoken me and made me so passionate about making music. So then I started playing guitar and singing more and eventually I started writing my own music shortly after that. I never really knew how passionate I was about it until I finally released my music. I heard everyone’s feedback. I was always someone that kind of doubted their selves and they’re capabilities but in the long run from what I’ve heard I feel like I can do a lot of good with what I have to say. And through the years of me, trying to learn guitar better and learn how to play bass better and sing as well. My friends had made a band called Ambary Lake. And that band consisted of my friends Nagee Diaz, Xavier Clyburn, Matthew Billy, and Shawn Dahlhaus.

Watching them perform and even getting chances to sing along with them on the stage really pushed my drive to the max. It took me a little time, but then I eventually released my first single Cool (I Want In) with my friend Nagee Diaz also known as Seaphoamm who is now in a group called Mello.wav that consist of my friends Quilvio Munoz, Xavier Clyburn, and Nagee.

It’s such an amazing feeling having friends that are also musicians because you guys can get to work at any moment and write something that everyone’s gonna love.

Now I would say my primary focus is getting better at my work and releasing all that I can. I actually have a single coming out to all platforms on March 28th 2025 called City. It’s about the experiences some people have to deal with living here in the city of Paterson.
I hope y’all check it out!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’d say three best qualities that I’ve always had an upper hand in is my knowledge of music, putting out good vibes to people that are shy eventually getting them to open up. I’ve always been very good with my hands, so once I picked up a guitar learning was such an easy thing to do! Let it be know I still have a long way to go but I’m determined to be better at all of my musical practices no matter what!

If you ever want to learn how to play an instrument or learn how to use your voice, it’s never too late! Though it is easier to learn these things at a younger age, you still have the capability to pick it up!

Also just remember we’re all human out here so be kind and spread peace whenever you see fit. There’s something that I always find myself stating when people I interact with say I’m so nice, and the saying goes “There’s too much negativity in this world, why not be the change and brighten someone else’s day” for all we know that could be passed on to the next person they meet.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I would say the most impactful thing that my mother did for me was always believing in me and being there for me growing up, there were moments where we had to deal with financial issues and seeing how strong of a person she was, she made sure that we always ate and she took us out of the situation so I truly look up to her and if people say oh yeah, your mama’s boy I’m just gonna say “hell yeah” cause my mom is awesome! Can’t convince me otherwise.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Shawn Dahlhaus aka doom.blu

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