Written by: Zabi Ullah
Shannon Leeann Dill from Hattiesburg, Mississippi is a music prodigy, whose life revolved around music. She started out as a poet and authoring books, until she was ready to take it to the next level. Eventually, words and sentences started to come alive with tunes, that she carefully put together.
With “Dill” being her last name, she took up the artist name “DaphoDILL” that signifies new beginnings. Daffodils are the first flower to bloom during the spring, and she always thought about having a faith, the size of a mustard seed. This, when withered and weathered by the storm, grows thorns, and blossoms into something so beautiful in the essence, and what can’t be seen by the naked eye. Inside DaphoDILL, this is releasing and realizing her inner passion. Setting her poetry in motion and telling life stories through melody, DaphoDILL’s music gift, is ready to be enjoyed by everybody.
Her musical Inspiration
DaphoDILL has not only been inspired by a few or even just one, but by numerous musicians, from different genres and times. If there could be a name she mentions, that is Missy Elliot who has been a great inspiration in her life. Watching Missy Elliot, as DaphoDILL grows, she thought that it could be the version of her, that she wanted to be in the future. The way she took her music and made it her own, and didn’t go with the society classed narrative, of what music was back then, made it classy, retro, relatable, funky, and spiritual. DaphoDILL’s music is dynamically simple, but multidimensional. Her music was like a paradox within a paradox.
Another would be Nicki Minaj and Erykah Badu. Watching these ladies, is like seeing herself making music stylishly and upfront. But, there is also, one name that DaphoDILL, will never forget over a thousand, and that is Juice WRLD. Juice WRLD is an artist, who dealt with drug addiction, depression and anxiety, and put his pain in his songs. This inspired DaphoDILL, to cry out the same suffering to her lyrics. Just like Juice WRLD, music became an escape for her. Thus, she poured out her heart and soul, in making every word and line a masterpiece.
Blooming from the inside
DaphoDILL wanted be the one who went out, and accomplished more things to life, as it is recognized by her fans. Every single goal and every single endeavor, she wanted her fans to know that anyone can do anything, they put their mind to, as long as they focused. She wants her fans to realize, that plans without actions, will always fail. Saying, “When you don’t try, you never know, and there’s no harm in trying.” This is the process of learning to become even better than you were before.
“Let that bullshit walk, and don’t burn all of your bridges. Be kind and be nice, because you never know who is going to be the person, that helps you in the end.” – DaphoDILL
She has released singles such as, All Facts ft. Zaytoven, Black Shades and Blue Colors, G.A.B. HIGH, I’m Rolling Jimmy, To Be Honest, and many more, that’s in the making. This music lead up to her, debut album dropping October, called “Anomalous”. Anomalous meaning, “Deviating From What Is Normal”. Listening to some of these songs, you can clearly hear the music prowess and finesse of DaphoDILL. Her music is fun, dynamic, and multidimensional, making her such a versatile artist. She has masterfully combined beats with rhythm, and rap with sound, that was put into a package, that leaves you wanting for more. There are hints for future music, that will dive deeper, into the world DaphoDILL, has been surrounded by. Especially, being an African-American female artist, from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
DaphoDILL’s music can be likened to a blooming flower. It’s beauty is a product of a solid foundation, and natural support from the environment. This blooming flower just like DaphoDILL. Only those whose eyes are open, can see the beauty she brings. Learn more about her life and career by checking out her Instagram, Tiktok, Spotify, SoundCloud and Audiomack.
