Written By: Zabi Ullah
Shannon Leeann Dill, now popularly known as DaphoDILL, has been an inspiration for many, coming from the city of, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. DaphoDILL is a music prodigy, whose life revolved around music, and writing. 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. This set her poetry in motion, and told life stories through melody. DaphoDILL’s artistic flow, created a diverse persona about her. She brought in different flows, to different melodies, that made listeners feel more consumed by, who the singer and rapper was, verses the musical and lyrical composition being written.
A companion like no other
DaphoDILL always excelled in both her academics and sports. Graduating as a scholar from high school, from various high academic classes, such as Physics, Spanish, Co-Op courses and classes, and upper-level English; she had the intelligence, to excel in anything she put her mind to. She also tried doing various sports activities, and soccer in particular, was the one she enjoyed the most. Since young, DaphoDILL was surrounded by people who showed her life lessons, and gave her memories, that she used today in her art. Her grandmother always told her, that she was going to be something one day, and her family knew too; as DaphoDILL explored everything life had to offer, even with her limited means. She knew what she wanted from the very start. DaphoDILL ventured in different avenues of life, but always came back to music and writing. She loved music more than anything else. She loved to write. It’s one thing to excel in something, that you are supposed to do, but there is no greater joy, than excelling in something, you pursue, that you make you feel alive. For DaphoDILL, it was music, writing, and creation various forms of art. That became her closest companion, with dealing with life.
Having a great command of language, is what made DaphoDILL, a great poet and author. She is natural with articulating thoughts into words; and eventually, thoughts became lyrics. She started learning piano in the 2nd grade, and all of these were foundations, for her pursuing music. Seeing her family struggle at a very young age, DaphoDILL, knew she had to be the one, to break that generational curse and produce generational wealth. A curse that would relieve her family, from more than just a struggle, but humanity. DaphoDILL chose the one constant thing in her life, to be the vehicle, that brought her to her dreams.
Her Debut Album
Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Erykah Badu, and Juice WRLD, are some of rhe artists, that greatly inspired DaphoDILL. She recognized their passion, vibe, and unique style, that influenced her own sound. She says :
“My music is fun! My music is inspirational! My music is “My Life” in written form, of a different kind of mind! I remember when I first started doing music, I had so much hurt and pain in me, and just wanted to get it out. My poetry, put to music, is what made me begin to feel and live again.”
Music is indeed the art of taking something real to you, and sharing it as a work of art, that everyone can enjoy and relate to. This is exactly the kind of music, that you can expect, to hear from her. She has released singles like, “All Facts ft. Zaytoven”, “Black Shades and Blue Colors”, “G.A.B. HIGH”, and more that will be dropping soon, that will all lead up to her debut album, this October, titled “Anomalous”. Listening to some of her 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, and putt it into a package, that will always leave you wanting more.
DaphoDILL has been matured by life experiences. She knows how hard life can be, and that can’t stop her, from pursuing a better life for herself, and her family. She learned some hard truths in life, that she used as a compass, to guide her, into her dreams. She says :
“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 consistently connects with her audience. No pretensions in life, and is ready to be kind to anyone. She wants to be seen as someone who pursues her passion, works hard, and is not afraid to try again, no matter the amount of times, she might fail. She is an inspiration to many. Given both readers and listeners the importance of, becoming than they were before. DaphoDILL is an excellent example of “How To Make It In The Game”.
